44 - shall i go for IVF

[Anonymous]

I am 44, healthy, still having my periods etc. I want to do IVF. Shall I go it a try? My periods are still on the dot.

I am seeing RE next week.

[Anonymous]

Your RE will run tests and tell you whether you still have a chance with your own eggs. It’s unlikely, but maybe.

[Anonymous]

Do you have any kids? Have you tried naturally?

[Anonymous]

If you want to try with your own eggs for a cycle or two and your RE says you have a chance, go for it. But don’t waste too much time before you move on to donor egg. The risks to you of carrying a pregnancy increase greatly once you’re 45.

[Anonymous]

If you have the time, and financial and emotional resources, you could certainly try. You don’t need us to tell you that it’s a bit of a shot in the dark. Even in the absolute best case scenario is, your chances of success may only be 5% per cycle. Your specialist will be able to give you a full assessment and walk-through options. Be prepared that at your age the vast majority of fertility clinics will only take you in as a patient if you use donor eggs or embryos. Karla to you!

[Anonymous]

If it was free, I would do it. If it was not free, and I wanted a baby ASAP, I would do (non-anonymous) donor egg.

[Anonymous]

I did IVF at 44. I already had 1 kid from IVF done at age 41 and got pregnant on my first try. I had regular periods, great follicle count, hormone numbers etc. I transferred 2 genetically healthy embryos. No luck. I immediately moved to non anonymous DE and got pregnant on my 1sr cycle. I would suggest starting the DE process while doing 1cycle of IVF at the same time. That way if it doesn't work with your own egg, you can quickly transition.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest DE unless you're attached to genetics (I was not and went to DE right away and don't regret it a bit!)

[Anonymous]

I second PP. I had kids at 41 and 43 with DE. It was totally worth it. The onlu thing I regret is wasting time and money on regular IVF at age 38, 39, 4o. Should have gone with DE right away. The mental leap. seems huge but trust me, once you give birth to that baby the hesitation melts away -- your kid is your kid, full stop.

[Anonymous]

Being healthy and regular periods doesn’t actually mean much in terms of whether you are fertile or not. Or, even more importantly whether your egg quality is good. I was very healthy and athletic and felt young yet my eggs were like old ladies with zimmerframes. Donor eggs were my route and two healthy kids I know a lot more than I did. 44 year old eggs may produce embryos with defects. As other said. Chat with a fertility doctor but I’m pretty sure donor eggs are where you will want to go.

[Anonymous]

I'd say go for it but do all tests to make sure there are no chromosome abnormalities. Friend in her 40's struggled to get pregnant and when she finally did her baby had down's syndrome. She still gave birth but it's been a tough journey for her because of multiple surgeries to fix congenital heart issues. Luckily her husband is a military officer and has good health insurance via Tricare.

[Anonymous]

OP, my vote is to go for it. You can test the embryos before implanting to make sure they are healthy. As for cost, it's just money. You will earn more. You can never go back and have a child later. Try for it now.