I have unexplained infertility. How many rounds of IUI should I do before moving to IVF? (Ask The Egg Whisperer)

Recently, Brittany sent a question in to Ask The Egg Whisperer. She has a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, and wants to know how many rounds of IUI she should do before moving to IVF. Here's her question:
"Hi Dr. Aimee! I am a 33 year old woman. My husband is the same age and we have been trying for about two years. I want multiple children. I had a case of PID. My IUD got infected when I was 20. The only diagnosis they have for me (I've been to two different clinics) is unexplained infertility.

They say my tubes might be scarred from PID, but the saline histogram showed no abnormalities and perfect openings. Maybe endometriosis runs in my family, maybe it's PCOS. There are no definites on anything. So we've just started our first IUI with Femera, so I'm trying to stay positive. How many rounds should I do before moving on to IVF?
And what can you suggest or recommend for my situation? I'm supplementing and exercising, walking with lightweights, doing yoga and trying to remain light and positive, please help."

I'm glad that Brittany shared all of this background information. While she's been given this unexplained sort of diagnosis, it feels like there likely is an explanation. Whenever I have a young patient like her (and it sounds like everything else is great: No fibroids, no polyps, good sperm), the tubes in my mind are blocked until proven otherwise. She should talk to her doctor, and he may want to ask for a hysterosalpingogram or a laparoscopy, which give more information than a saline histogram.

A couple of other things to consider: Since Brittany had an infection with an IUD, I worry that she could also get an infection from an IUI, which stands for intrauterine insemination. She might consider doing another test to look at her fallopian tubes. I would say because of the infection that she had from the IUD, it's possible that the fallopian tubes might be blocked and IVF is the way to go to build her family.

You can tune in to hear more information, and my answers to other questions from listeners.

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Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making is what gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.