Ivf

We are interested in ivf or any info you can give. I am 39, with 3 kids 20, 19, 16. I had my tubes tied burn and snipped 16.5 years ago, since I have remarried. I have been reading and am not sure of my chances of getting preg in the first round of ivf. So if you have similar situation and have started the ivf or have success pleSe give me feed back on the process and experience.

[Heather5]

I would start by setting up an appointment with an RE (fertility specialist), if you haven't already. He or she can run a few tests to check your fertility and ovarian reserve. If your numbers are good, your chances should be pretty high; and if they're not, he or she will be able to advice you what to expect. They will also check your partner with a semen analysis to make sure all is in order there before moving on to IVF.

As for the process, it basically runs over two months: The first one to suppress your ovaries (you'll probably be on lupron and possibly also birth control), and the second month for stimulating the follicles, retrieval and transfer. During the second month, you'll be coming in regularly for follicle checks (ultrasounds), and when they're mature, you'll get a trigger shot to start the ovulation process. The retrieval will the  be scheduled about 36 hours after that, right before ovulation. Then, depending on your RE's preference, and based on how your embryos are developing, you'll either have the transfer on day 3 or day 5.

Best of luck with everything!

[Jennie1211]

Just to weigh in, I had IVF when I was 38, almost 39, and it worked for me the first time. I agree that seeing the RE is the first step so you can have some basic tests done on yourself and your husband to check your ovarian reserve, etc. As far as the process goes, I was pretty terrified of it because I didn't know anyone who had done it before and was particularly freaked out over all the shots, but really, they are not a big deal after a while. You just do what you need to do to make it happen! Good luck!