IVF success over 40? Help - need stories!!!

[Anonymous]

Am 41 and will be trying IVF for the first time next month. Have had 3 pregnancies which all ended in miscarriage in month 3 due to chromosonal abnormalities, 1 natural 2 via IUI (but all abnormalities different and no Downs). Got genetic testing and we're both clean, so doc says its a matter of age and luck. I can get pregnant, even w/ an unviable embryo, but will likely use preimplantation genetic diagnosis to limit more heartache. Am doing accupuncture and yoga. But, I could advice on how to make the IVF process go as smoothly and successfully as possible. Plus, would like to know how many cycles those over 40 had to try to get a successful outcome. How many went for adoption? Help!!!????

[Anonymous]

Here's the good news - the fact that you're getting pregnant and carrying into the 3rd month shows that you have what it takes - sperm can meet egg, develop into an embryo, implant and grow. So the one issue you're looking at is the chromosonal one, which is essentially a numbers game. If you can stim decently with IVF - meaning getting 8-10 eggs - you have a good shot.

[Anonymous]

I know at least two women who got PG with IVF over 40. One was 43 with # 1 and close to 45 with #2. The other was 39/40 with #1 and just turned 42 with #2. In one case there had been multiple miscarriages and preimplantation genetic screening took care of the problem. Good luck to you.

[Anonymous]

You will get pg on IVF--I would wager. You can already get pregnant so that is not an issue. I got PG on my second round at age 41. Probably would have on first round but for sperm issue that left only one embryo. We solved that for round two. If you are doing genetic screening that should help with the viable embryo. I hope your RE has also come up with a plan for post-implantation/post-positive beta for you--so if you have some issues with carrying a pregnancy (low progesterone, for example) those can be addressed. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I got preg after my 2nd IVF at age 41 (first IVF we had zero fertilization so did ICSI the next time). Had a beautiful DD and am now trying for #2.

[Anonymous]

Got preggers first time with IVF at 40 -- delivered a baby girl the day after i turned 41 in April... used Shady Grove. We'd gone through normal clomid, and (too) many IUIs prior so the IVF was a relief... Good luck I truly hope it goes well for you!

[Anonymous]

I got pregnant on my first round of IVF at age 41. Am now 4 months pregnant. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I got pg on my first IVF...lost the baby due to T18. Second IVF BFN. Third IVF, eggs retrieved the day before my 42nd birthday, BFP after FET, 3 implantations...naturally reduced to healthy b/g twins.

I went to Dominion Fertility. We loved Dr. G.

They would suggest that one not go through PGD...with the thought that the process may harm the healthy embryos, and the thought that 'most' of the major chromosomal abnormalities are naturally selected against due to mother nature.

We took that risk, even after having lost a son due to T18. I think it paid off for us.

[Anonymous]

Not an IVF success story, but still. My coworker when she was 40.5 years old, went on vacation, had a good time, came back and got pregnant naturally. She delivered at healthy baby at 41 and planning on TTC another.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thank you. I know success isn't guaranteed the first, or any, time, but I am nervous going into cycle #1. Anything *new* that anyone tried that you think enhanced your odds (diet, accupuncture, etc?)?????