IUI and Age Factor

michant

I was told by my RE that my chances of getting pregnant at age 40 through IUI is very slim and that I should move to IVF but our insurance does not cover IVF.  Just wondering what others input is on this.  We are going for try #2 with IUI this month.

preggyamy

That doesn't sound right to me.  I had my IUI at 38 and there was no discussion about my age being a factor.  In fact, it worked the first try.  What I was told with IUI that the research shows that if it hasn't worked after 3-4 cycles, it's likely never going to work and to switch to IVF.

 

Good luck!

Kitty Holland

I agree with the PP that the studies I've seen show that if IUI doesn't work after 3 tries - don't keep trying. 

And yes, I remember reading that the odds of IUI working decline with age and are not great at 40. You can find general statistics online, but your clinic/hospital should be able to give you their odds as well.

For your sanity, if it is at all possible, I recommend going straight to IVF due to the fact that your chances are higher with IVF. 

Good luck!  

CheezeFace

I agree with PP's.  Something about this doesn't sit right with me.  I will be 37 wihen I deliver and was successful on my 1st IUI.

I would ask the RE again if he/she is citing only age as a factor or if there was another concern that would have you skip IUI.  IF age is the only criteria, I m ight seek a 2nd opinion.

rpm22

I agree with your doctor...I think most women over 40 are going to have a harder time getting pregnant either doing it the "regular way" or doing IUI.....

 I got pregnant the first time at 37....with IUI in 4 tries, easy...no issues....in fact, it was so easy, that I thought it would be easy the second time (I was 39 when we started for #2)......not the case. 

It took almost 2 and a half years.....and multiple IUIs (i am embarrassed to tell how many).....I just think fertility in general is affected after 40.....not impossible, just harder.

Mayfaerie88

I just turned 41 in May and we had been TTC for about 7 mths.(I had a tramatic injury just over a year ago where I had fractured my pelvis & sacram in several places.  We married 7 weeks after my accident and had to put off trying right away until I was healed & ready).  Because of my age & history of ovarian cycsts (I also have an underactive thyroid) it was looking like we might have to explore the IUI/IVF route.  A test revealed that my right fallopian tube was good & my left so-so & that I probably wouldn't even be considered for the IUI, which is the less invasive, more affordable procedure we were wanting to try.  So as we were thinking about this and what to do, we found I was pregnant.  I am almost 10 wks along and so far so good. I really did not think I would be able to conceive without help and it still seems surreal to us.

I wish all of you success on your current journies.

ceelee4

I did 4 iuis to get pg at age 39.  I turned 40 two months later.  I actually remember reading that after a certain point IVF is not recommended for "older" women (I think the eggs are fragile) and that iui chances are better.  But I think that might be after 43 or something.  I'm sorry that I don't have the stats to give you.

mmttc

My RE said something similar to me. I was 37 and got pregnant with the first iui. Went back at 39 to TTC#2 and got pregnant on the first iui once again, but it ended up being ectopic. My RE was hesitant to give me the shot to end the pregnancy because I'd have to wait 3 months to try again. I was 39yrs, 2 months and she said waiting 3 months was not a good idea at my age and by 40 my chances would be reduced significantly. However, I think certain factors need to be considered and it's different for everyone. We have MFI and as far as we know there is no issue with me and my FSH was just 7.1. I'm hoping she's wrong and we'll have time for one more. I'm due with #2 the week I turn 40.