Good on you for taking the next step Tasha. It's brave to make that first appointment, and great that you got someone recommended to you. When are you going to see him/her?

I can't offer any advice on IUI but I can on the exploratory surgery. I had the works - lap, hysteroscopy, HyCoSy and d&c - before my FS would consider IUI or IVF. It was over quickly, uncomfortable and bled a bit for a few days but not really painful. The most unpleasant side effect was the gas they pump you up with escaping up through my diaphragm. So bizarre. I won't lie, that was ouchie. But I'm really glad I had it all done - for my peace of mind, I needed to know that the baby factory was shipshape. I truly believe that in my case, it had a big impact on my fertility as I conceived the next cycle (and like you, was already ovulating on Clomid).

As others have mentioned you may have to repeat blood tests and sperm analysis, they usually like to do that. The FS may even do a 'trial wash' with your man's sperm to see what the quality would be like for IUI.

Best of luck, am sure your FS will give you some good options and a plan of attack. Sending good vibes into the universe on your behalf!