Reply to Recommend a doctor who listens, will look at BBT charts?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here: For everyone who chimed in essentially saying 'you're 40 and the only way you're going to have a baby is by IVF', well, I guess that's your opinion. I'm considering IVF, but IVF rates for women over 40 are terrible. It's generally around a 10-15% live birth rate, which equals 85-90% chance of failure for a given cycle.  For those of us who have to self-pay and are looking at potentially 6 cycles to get pregnant (at 15-20k/cycle), along with the many risks of the meds used, I don't think it's so crazy to try and 1) identify factors besides age and 2) find and try the simpler possible solutions for a few cycles, before going to IVF. I got pregnant naturally a few months ago and miscarried, so I know it's not impossible, just less likely as we age. Books like 'making babies' (co-authored by a big-shot RE and a TCM practitioner)  and TCOYF name routine tests to be done - like a post-coital test to see if the sperm are surviving in your CM or serial progesterone tests, to see if your progesterone is too low. These are two issues that can be dealt with fairly simply. Or assessing whether the luteal phase is too short. But fertility clinics have no interest in these simple sorts of tests and treatments. Factors like low progesterone also would make IVF less than optimal given that it would contribute to implantation issues. I'm not suggesting sitting around and staring at a BBT chart, but taking into account a spectrum of factors and looking at evidence a doctor collects and a woman collects about herself. It seems reasonable and, actually, responsible, but fall outside of RE's protocol.  [/quote]

OP, if you were able to get pregnant naturally, why are you concerned about a post-coital test to check if sperm are surviving in your CM or your progesterone levels?  Obviously there is no issue with the sperm getting where they need to be or with implantation.  Nor is there a serious issue with your luteal phase.

IVF rates are poor for women over 40, but so are the chances of natural conception.  That's why so many women are suggesting you try IVF, so your RE can assess the quality of your eggs and make as many embryos as possible.  Women typically don't move on to an RE until they've tried on their own naturally and are not having any luck, and they are ready to move on to more medical interventions.  I believe the recommended time for trying "naturally" at 40+ is 3 months.  But there's no law that says you can't try on your own for longer if that is what you are comfortable with.  You just assume the risk that you won't be pregnant a year from now and that your chances of success with IVF are even lower.

BTW, I believe the Making Babies doctor practices in Manhattan, so you could always make an appointment to visit his practice and get his thoughts if you're interested.

Best of luck to you, OP.[/quote]

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