IUI/ IVF- experiences

[binkylilyput]

So I'm loathed to turn this into one of those fertility/ mumsnet type threads, full of anxiety and abbreviations like DH (Dear Husband, AF (Aunt Flo) and BFP (Big Fat Positive)........(honestly, if you've never had to read one then it's quite the experience!).....BUT......

Anyone had IUI? Anyone been successful? Anyone tried IUI then moved to IVF? Anyone done so/ doing so without the support of a DH (oh no....I just slipped into fertility forum speak!!!). Any tips? What helped you cope with the hell? Anyone going through the hell currently?

Anyone?!

[carebear]

Hi! I?ve had IUI and was lucky enough to be successful first time. The plan had been to try three (I think) times and move to IVF if no success. We opted for IUI over IVF because the nature of our problems suggested IVF might not be necessary and IVF is more intrusive. This was all six and a half years ago and was done privately (at the time NHS didn?t offer IUI, not sure if that?s still the case, I?d imagine so?) so processes may have changed but feel free to hurl any questions at me and I?ll help if I can!

(And yes, had a supportive DH on board!)

[mickeymonkey]

First time! Fabulous!

So hard to know whether to switch to IVF or not, even with no fertility issues. It is all such a gamble!

[binkylilyput]

Any experiences of using a private donor?