New to the site and TTC at 40 ...right to IVF?

cdb2013 · May 2013

Hello :-) This is my very first post. So nice to see I am not alone. My DH and I are both 40 and have been TTC for over a year now. We are currently seeing a fertility doctor. So many mixed emotions, feeling a little overwhelmed, but trying to remain positive. Great to read some of these success stories!

Anyone have feedback or experience going right to IVF, rather than starting with IUI??

mlamping · May 2013

Weclome. I think IVF gives you much higher chances for a possitive pregnancy. IVF is hard, but not too bad. I found the emotional side a lot harder, than the shots and procedures. Work closly with your doc and ask a lot of questions. I also think education your self as much as possible is helpful. It is a whole new language.

I wish you luck and short stay on this board.

ally510 · May 2013

While I do not experience with either one, I did just see an RE for the first time and I learned that should I need assistance, my insurance dictates that I try IUI before trying IVF and I have excellent insurance. If this is a consideration for you, I would check with your carrier.

Welcome and good luck!

Jacque Sills · May 2013

Hi Cdb2013,

I went right to IVF, due to my age. I am a little older than you at 43. I know that a lot of RE's will want to opt to IVF after 38, but why don't you ask him or her why they want you to go this route. Is it due to your lab results/procedures or what? Like the previous person posted, ask a lot of questions to your doctor and nursing staff. This is a very overwhelming process, so do your research and learn as much about it, as you can. It is a new language and such to learn and get acquainted with. And, we are here to help with specifics, if need be. Everyone has an unique story which requires a specific protocol.

Maybe, go check some books out at the library and look on the net for IVF stories on youtube or maybe, someone personal blogs. Maybe, the doctor's office can connect you with others in your situation, like a support group. Just some suggestions.

Best wishes and luck! Keep us posted with your progress.....and Welcome to the group!

ksgsmu · May 2013

completely depends on your diagnosis ( MFI or ovulatory, DOR etc...) also depends on your insurance if you have any coverage or what you can afford out of pocket!

jchow009 · May 2013

I am 39 and turning 40 this month. I started with IUIs, and I did get pregnant last month. Unfortunately I had a miscarriage. I don't think there is any rule, I think it's based on individual's situation. Definitely like other people said, talk to the doctor, I am sure he/she will run different tests and give you a recommendation that fits you. Best of luck!

Reilly626 · May 2013

I felt IUI was a waste of time, the ratios of success are much better with IVF that worked the first try, whereas 2 IUI s were a waste!!

cdb2013 · May 2013

Thank you thank you :-) A few things I know, from testing... DH's tests all came out fine. I went for an HSG last month - they found a uterine fibroid or polyp (not sure which yet) which could/could not be the issue. Also, he told me I have a very tight cervix (really? 1st time hearing that...), which I guess maybe a problem for a D&C but I heard they use different tools in that instance.

Anyway, my RE wants us to try naturally (after the HSG I guess is a good time) and by next month if nothing to call him. Good news was my tubes and all else were clear. At our first visit he recommended IVF eventually over IUI b/c of my age and success rate, so that is why I was asking for input.

We checked with our insurance carrier and they cover 6 IUI's but not IVF, which I'm semi-ok with. Just wondering how many to do if the 1st isn't successful. Alot to think about!

nawlinsgrl · May 2013

***TICKER***

I would recommend discussing a hysteroscopy to remove the polyp. I went straight to IVF, due to a blocked tube and being 38.5 y.o., and right before I was supposed to start cycling, mt RE discovered a polyp on my uterus, which she wanted removed, in order to give the embryo(s) a better chance of implanting. I went ahead and had the procedure, which also allowed her to do a D&C to get other assorted "crap" off my uterine wall, and after an extra cycle to let the lining rebuild, we were back in business, and successful on the first try.

I didn't need to have it done the second time (a few months shy of 40), and we were lucky to be successful on the first try again.

cdb2013 · May 2013

That is awesome to hear, nawlinsgrl! Congrats and thanks for the advice!!

HeathernSteven · May 2013

It' is really going to come down to , your and Dh issues if any, your insurance, your oop expenses and what you are comfortable doing.For me IVF was never on the table, insurance doesn't cover it and we don't have the $ to do it, so I went with IUI - my next one is this Friday feeling good

Welcome and good luck!

belgirl · May 2013

Mm mm.. I am going to slightly disagree with this advice. First, it depends on the size of the polyp. Mine was under 1mm when I got pregnant at 41 with my first IUI. I miscarried, but this caused the polyp to disappear on its own. Small polyps can come and go.

Secondly, there aren't many REs who will recommend IUI first for a woman over 40, so don't feel pressured to do IVF right away. I was in the EXACT same position you were a year ago. If I were you, I would try a couple of IUIs. Its at no cost to you, and if you do Clomid with stims, your doctor will have an idea of how you respond. Plus when you have done several IUIs, moving to IVF is really not that big of a leap.

nawlinsgrl:
***TICKER***

I would recommend discussing a hysteroscopy to remove the polyp. I went straight to IVF, due to a blocked tube and being 38.5 y.o., and right before I was supposed to start cycling, mt RE discovered a polyp on my uterus, which she wanted removed, in order to give the embryo(s) a better chance of implanting. I went ahead and had the procedure, which also allowed her to do a D&C to get other assorted "crap" off my uterine wall, and after an extra cycle to let the lining rebuild, we were back in business, and successful on the first try.
I didn't need to have it done the second time (a few months shy of 40), and we were lucky to be successful on the first try again.

nawlinsgrl · May 2013

Regarding the hysteroscopy, I specifically said to consider "discussing" it with the RE, definitely didn't tell OP I thought it was the answer.

Also, I wasn't necessarily recommending going straight to IVF, I was just sharing my experience. We were fortunate enough to have insurance coverage, which I didn't mention, so it made the decision to go to IVF much easier, and, given our Dx and age, it was the recommended Tx.

I agree that everyone is different (Dx, Age, Insurance coverage, and RE perspectives), all of which need to be taken into account. OP asked for opinions, and I gave mine.

Before I end, I just want to say I'm not mad, not trying to start some war here, just felt the need to clarify my position.

cdb2013 · May 2013

..and I appreciate both opinions I really do. It helps me to hear everything and other situations so it's all good :-)

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New to the site and TTC at 40 ...right to IVF?

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