Secondary infertility: try natural IVF or donor egg?

[Anonymous]

For the past year and a half, our struggles to have another baby have taken over our lives. When I was 37, I became pregnant very quickly (2 months of trying) with no issues. I had a healthy baby girl at 38. We started trying for a second when I turned 40. I wrongly assumed that because I had no trouble getting pregnant before, I would get pregnant again even if it took a little longer. When I didn’t become pregnant within 6 months, I consulted 4 clinics (SGF, CCRM, Dominion, and Columbia). I have low AMH 0.43 and FSH is 10.7. Uterus is great. All recommended stimulated IVF, except for Dominion recommended natural IVF due to my AMH. My AFC is 10. I went with CCRM because I liked Dr. Payson. Right before I was scheduled to start IVF, I became naturally pregnant only for that pregnancy to end in miscarriage due to chromosomal abnormality. I had a D&C and started IVF 2 months later. IVF was unsuccessful. Only 2 eggs retrieved and 1 egg fertilized that didn’t turn into an embryo. I was crushed. Like many, we have no insurance coverage and we are 100 percent out of pocket. Since we already have a child, I don’t want to spend more $ on stimulated IVF for only 2 eggs. I also have my daughter’s future to think about and we are trying to buy a house. Dr. Payson thinks donor egg is my best shot for another baby. Dominion said I could try natural IVF before proceeding with donor egg. A part of me wants to try once more with my own eggs with natural IVF but afraid to spend more $ on something that has a 5 percent chance of working. I am definitely open to donor egg, so wonder if I should just go straight to donor egg and not waste anymore
$. Not to mention the emotional toll of having an unsuccessful natural IVF cycle. Prior to IVF, I took all the recommended supplements for 6 months and did acupuncture. How did others decide when to move forward with donor egg? Should I try natural IVF at least once before going to donor egg? I don’t know what to do. I am now 41 (will be 42 next year).

[Anonymous]

Dominion told me to do donor egg, as my AMH was <.01 at age 37. I asked them to try natural cycle since in ovulated regularly, and the agreed. Worked on the first try. It was super easy and I wish I would’ve done it sooner. Cost was around $5k, I think, for everything plus icsi and assisted hatching. If your situation, I would not do stims again. Good luck.