Advanced Maternal Age Question

[wannabe203]

My husband and I are about to try IVF w/ICSI in October and I really want to know is it a total waste of our money and time? Is it realistic of us to try?   All my blood and hormonal tests have been in the normal range (FSH 7/ E2 <50) and his SA was normal/good.  I am 43 (two kids) yrs he 37 (one child) however, we want a biological child between us.  I have read so much information up to this point about my age and all of it is discouraging.   Thank you for my reality check.

[marcy04]

Thank you ... there's still a bit of disbelief and we are being somewhat cautious since it's still so early BUT we are so excited.....and I'm also excited for you. Make sure you get lots of rest after the retrieval & transfer.

I would also recommend that you ask about Medrol & progesterone suppositories after the retrieval. They assist with implantation and the prevention of miscarriages. I'm not sure if it's normal protocol to prescribe them but I swear this is what made the emby stick. I was not on progesterone with any of my other cycles or pregnancies (6 yrs ago) but took it with the twins & delivered 37 weeks later. I'm convinced it made a difference.  

Last piece of advise -- If you need to take a pregnancy test because you can't wait till your BETA -- use a REAL good one. I took 3 test starting w/4 days before my blood test and they were all negative. In addition I started to spot on day 11 post transfer (could have been implantation) but coupled with the negative tests - I was slowly convincing myself that the 2nd IVF didn't work. Boy was I floored when I got the BFP results.

Good luck next week and stay positive --it really helps! Keep me posted.

[wannabe203]

Congratulations!!!  I am so happy for you, I was hoping you would log back in and tell us how your test turned out.  I can't wait to be where you are, enjoy every minute of your pregnancy and take good care of yourself.  

If I get my AF I will start my IVF cycle next week, I'm getting excited again.

[marcy04]

Hi there. I just wanted to share that my test came back positive on Mon!!!! I've had two blood test so far and the numbers (levels) are great and keep doubling which is what they look for - for a viable pregnancy. I think I surprised my doc and myself a bit. It's still early but this goes to show that it's still possible for us 40+ gals to use our own eggs (I'll be 45 in Jan).

Don't let anyone discourage you if that's what you both want. Best of luck!!

[wannabe203]

Thanks for answering, I am going take your advice and run to my RE's office as soon as my next cycle begins.  

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If I were you and had your FSH I would give it a try.  I would decide in advance how much time and money I was going to allocate for IVF.  43 is about the maximum age for success.  Most women over that age don't get good results.  Whatever you do--don;'t wait any longer!  
The biggest problem for women over 40 is that they produce a high number of abnormal
eggs.  One thing to consider is PGD.  This is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.  
There are pros and cons.  It can help to prevent transfer of abnormal embryos, and resulting abnormal fetuses (Down's syndrome is the most common viable abnormality, most of the other types miscarry).  
You almost certainly won't get pregnant if you don't try IVF, and if you do, at least you know that you gave it your best shot.  Whatever happens, you have several beautiful children to love, so you can't lose!
Good luck!
Dr B

[wannabe203]

Our RE seems to think we have a good shot at this, I just wanted a second opinion sort of.  Hoping she wasn't giving us false hope.  We are waiting for my next AF so we can be cleared of cysts and move forward with the cycle.  Thanks for taking the time to respond.

ita17 - I hope you're right, I've always tried to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have not had a problem getting/staying pregnant before.  I had a tubal ligation some years ago during my first marriage so, here we are now my new DH and I with IVF as our best option.

marcy04 - Best of luck on Monday, I'm crossing my fingers for you!  Congratulations on your successes.  We have already paid for our cycle, I think I was becoming nervous - lol .  You've given me encouragement we're going for it.  You're right nothing beats a failure but a try.

[marcy04]

Hello, I am in the 12th day (post transfer) of our 2nd IVF cycle. I am 44 and I am here to tell you that it's never too late. My first cycle had 6 good eggs -3 fertilized but did not take. This cycle I only had one egg which fertilized and developed into a beautiful 10 cell embryo. I am due for 'THE' blood test on Monday --keeping my fingers crossed.

My doctor gave me the speach of age and using donor eggs --- but since we were fortunate to concieve twins on our 4th IUI cycle 7 yrs ago ... we decided to give our luck one more try. We also wanted biological children and went into this thinking if we cant concieve then we will count our blessings and continue to enjoy our terrific twins.

If money is not an issue -- I say what do you to loose? Think how wonderful it will be if you concieve. And if you don't you'll know that you tried -- just wasn't meant to be.

Whatever you decide -you just need to be at peace with it. Best of Luck!!!

[ita17]

Your numbers sound GREAT, I'm no expert but I can't see why you wouldn't be able to w/IVF.
I understand that our "age" is a big factor, but I know more women who struggle w/fertility who are in their 20's & 30's, I think genetics & how your body ages has a HUGE role in being able to get pg & stay pg.
Best of luck ;)