what would you do in my position? (IVF success mentioned in this post)

[Anonymous]

Here's my story:

TTC beginning at age 30. TTC for 18 months, textbook cycles, no pregnancy ever despite great timing each month. Got diagnosis of slight male factor infertility (SA showed slightly low morphology but great count). Moved to IVF mainly because we were TTC for so long without any hint of success and insurance covered IVF at 50% and did not cover IUI). Success with IVF at Shady Grove. Child is now 6.

Did FET--negative.

TTC again at age 34. SA normal this time. (Great counts great motility, good morphology). All my testing (FSH, etc normal). TTC for 9 months without any positive tests. Good timing each month because I clearly ovulate. (plus used OPKs, etc). Moved on to IVF. Was over-surpressed on lupron and ended up on max doses of stims. 5 embryos, transferred the only one that was still alive at day 5 (we pushed for day 5 since all were looking good at day 3). This crummy embryo worked. Child is now 3.

Now 38. TTC for #3. Perfect timing again for 8 cycles. Nothing. Plus in the intervening 3 years we had lots of close calls (sex around ovulation but not within a day). Never a hint of pregnancy.

So what to do now? I'm now 38.5. We would love a third child. I don't know if I can (want to) do IVF again. Should we try IUI? Our IVF was always done with ISCI so I have no idea if this is all some sort of weird receptor/fertilization problem. I do know that we've had well-timed intercourse with ovulation for a cumulative 3 years of cycles while I've been relatively young and fertilization has never occurred despite normal testing. Or maybe we just have spectacularly bad luck? What would you do at this point? I feel like the clock is ticking.

Thank you so much for any thoughts.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I would do IVF. You have a great history of success with it and nothin else. Is it just the emotional toll that is causing you not to want to do it (which is valid, of course)?

[Anonymous]

I would definitely do IVF again. You are a great candidate.

[Anonymous]

Stick with what works. I would do IVF again.

[Anonymous]

What makes you not want to do IVF again?

[jindc]

If it were me, I would go right to IVF (time is important) or I just wouldn't do anything. But that's just me.

[Anonymous]

I'd do IVF in your position.

[Anonymous]

At 38.8, IUI is not going to give you great chances of success. If you couldn't conceive after 18 months at 30, I'd go straight to IVF!

[Anonymous]

Girl, do the IVF!!

[Anonymous]

Do IVF!

[Anonymous]

Do IVF. Since you haven't had success trying on your own, that and IUI are unlikely to work. You might have a problem they don't know about but that IVF takes care of like endometriosis. I think IUI can be a waste of time and money for people who ovulate.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for IVF. Time is starting to be a factor for you, and if you do IVF, based on your history you have a good chance of success 1st round. IUI is not nearly as likely to be successful.

[Anonymous]

You have made a lot of tries and one success. Try IVF again, but I would set a limit --one try, 2 something like that. Also be prepared for more success than you planned -- twins. Now that you have had one, you body is different. Have you tried a cycle of clomid?

[Anonymous]

and yet another IVF vote.

[Anonymous]

Do IVF. No brainer.