Age 38 ttc

[tink73]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum. I will be 38 in about 2 weeks. I have a 15 and 18 year old. I recently got married and have been trying to conceive for almost a year now. My periods are regular but I was put on a couple of rounds of Clomid as a "boost" but still nothing. I have HCg ?  testing about a year ago and there is no blockage. I buy ovualation sticks and seem to ovualte regular. My hubby has not done any spern count testing or anything.

Do you think its my age? I am overweight also. 5/5 180lbs. (another challange that I'm working on)

Any tips or suggestions? Thanks in advance and baby dust to everyone:)

[Jennie1211]

I started trying to conceive at 36 and assumed that I was the issue because of my age, however, like you, I always seemed to ovulate, had pretty regular periods, etc. For two years I just thought if we kept at it, it would happen because of couse I had to be the issue. My husband was also resistant to getting tested. I had all the bloodwork done, the HSG, etc. and all were normal. He finally relented when I was 38 and...you guessed it...the issue was with him and now we're in the middle if IVF. I can not stress to you enough the importance of having him tested...I wasted so much time, time I can't get back (but I don't think he was entirely ready for parenthood two years ago either). None of us mean to scare you, but like nshapland said above, time is really not on our side after 35. I'd really look into getting him tested first and foremost. I could have avoided a lot of heartache, arguments, and stress if I had pushed him to do this harder.

[nshapland]

I would get to a reputable Reproductive Endocrinologist right away. In your late 30s, there really is no time to waste. You should have day 3 labs done, including: FSH and Estradiol and AMH (which can be any day of your cycle). In addition, you could have a clomid challenge test done (day 3 and day 10 blood work with clomid in between). You should also get your antral follicle count--this will give an indication of your egg reserve.
Your husband should also get tested. A friend of mine was not getting pregnant and they found (after testing) that her husband was born without a vas deferens. This was remedied by doing ivf and they now have 3 children.
You can go to SART.com to find clinics with the best success rates for ivf. Even if you aren't ready to go the ivf route, I would choose a clinic with high success rates because the doctors in those clinics know what they are doing.
I started trying when I was 38 (almost 39) and wasted a lot of time with drs that did not do a good job. Now I'm 41 and still no baby.
If your numbers come back fine, you may have time to try a few cycles of meds/ timed intercourse or iui.  My FSH came back borderline high (9.5) and my first two drs put me on such a low dose of injectibles that I only had two follicles for each iui. Of course, I did not get pregnant.  The third iui I had 5 follicles and still did not get pregnant.
An additional thought: in June 2010 I had 14 antral follicles which is pretty good for a 40-year-old.  Just two months later, I was down to 9.  The point I'm trying to make is that fertility takes a nose dive as we get into our late 30s and early 40s.  For some people, this happens at 36, for some at 42. It just depends on genetics/ lifestyle.
Good luck!!

[Kricket212]

I would suggest going to a reproductive Dr.  they may have some thoughts on additional testing.
Good Luck to you.