Getting Pregnant

I am 43 years of age.  I want to go to a fertility specialist for IVF.  I've been too embarrassed to go because I have never had intercourse.  Can I keep it private?  I don't want to reveal it to the doctor and I'm afraid that it would be discovered during examination/treatment.  

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
There should be no reason for shame or embarrasment! However, I also don't think that the information is terribly important for the doctor to know either.  Except that he/she might ask about prior pregnancies and relationships.

The one problem that I could forsee is that you will need to have pelvic examinations, and it can be rather uncomfortable for virginal women to undergo these procedures.  (It is also uncomfortable for the rest of us, just not as bad!)

Ideally, you could find a doctor that you would be able to work closely enough with that you could mention that you have never been sexually active.  

Hope this helps!
Dr B