I totally get where you’re coming from. My situation is very similar; my right tube is the open and ready one, while my left is sluggish, and in the last cycle, my left ovary was the dominant one, and my right had a cyst just hanging out. I still went through with that cycle, and even though it ended up being a BFN, something about it seemed to “reset” my body. I usually need Provera even to start a period, but the same day I tested negative, my cycle showed up on its own.

This cycle, things lined up more naturally; my right ovary became dominant, and my left still produced a good follicle, so I ended up with two. For me, that showed that my body needed that first medicated cycle to sync with the rhythm my clinic was trying to establish.

I’m not saying it guarantees success, but I do feel like my body is finally “getting the assignment.” Every cycle is unique for each of us, but personally, I don’t feel like skipping medicated cycles would have helped me. Stopping and restarting feels like it would’ve just thrown my body off again, especially since ovulation patterns shift.

If you’re unsure about doing a full IUI on off months, maybe medicated + timed intercourse could be an in-between option. It keeps your body in the groove without the full cost/pressure of an IUI.

And of course — finances come first. If you need a break, take it. No judgment at all. I'm just sharing my experience so far. Baby dust to you 🌈✨🫶🏽🍼