3rd IVF cycle or not?

[Emska77]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently trying to decide if a 3rd round of IVF is right for my partner and I. The issue is my age as I am 42, and of course Financing it..

1st cycle ended in a chemical but 16 eggs collected - age 40, fast forward 18 months to 2nd cycle and BFN and only 7 eggs collected. (That was March this year) The average success rate is so low after 42 I’m in turmoil about what to do.

Should we fresh cycle again or move straight to Donor eggs?

Anyone had success over 40 on a third try with own eggs?

Any thoughts much appreciated as always,

Xxxx

[Lou7744]

Hi there, I’m in a similar situation as you. I’ve recently turned 42 too. I’ve come to the realisation that I no longer think there is any point trying with my own eggs. After a miscarriage and a chemical, I honestly don’t believe that it’s going to happen. I have one frozen embie left, but don’t feel that I have the energy to go through with it...

I’ve been researching about using DE over the past 3 months and am visiting a clinic next week to start looking into it further... it’s such a big decision though.

Have the clinic given any advice as to whether to undertake a further cycle or to look at alternative options? 💕 xx

[Emska77 in reply to Lou7744]

Thanks so much for your message. The Dr said at my follow up appt, that if I am still producing eggs it’s still possible for success. They feel that as I have a blocked tube and a bicornuate uterus, that is why it has been difficult for me to fall pregnant naturally and that IVF is my best shot. Donor eggs were touched on, just to make me aware it was an option. They actually suggested I try taking DHEA to improve quality in the lead up to another fresh cycle, so after researching it, I have started taking it just in case.

I’d be interested to hear how you get on re your DE appt? it is a big decision but I have read how the egg can still absorb your DNA so I certainly wouldn’t rule it out in the future. Xxx

[Lou7744 in reply to Emska77]

Too true, if you are producing eggs, there is always the possibility. Will keep you posted! 💕 xx

[gemmy999]

Hi, sorry I haven’t got much advice I’m with you on this one. I’m 40 and just had my 4th failed cycle with my own eggs. I don’t want to give up with my own but don’t want to waste our time and money either. DE is possibly our next step. Waiting for our follow up. X

[Emska77 in reply to gemmy999]

Thanks gemmy, good luck to you!!!

[hannahding]

I think you should go for the third cycle. Mainly because you are producing eggs. However, the things you can change is maybe your doctor? At times the doctor is also the reason why things aren't working up. Make sure the one you're visiting is expereinced in this field and has a high success rate. Other than this if you dont want to switch get a second opinion. Good luck to you. Senidng baby dust your way.

[Emska77 in reply to hannahding]

Thank you for your message. I do hear you re the second opinion thing, it has crossed my mind. I am with the Oxford Fertility Clinic which is one of the best, so would like to think I am in good hands. I think we would like to go for it once more, but it's just finding funds that's the main issue at the mo xx

[Shirazlover2013]

I agree with Hannah above, a 2nd professional opinion is a good idea (possibly with a new clinic). I’m not sure how the DE process works and how long it takes but is it possible to start the DE counselling and vetting process whilst you do a 3rd round with your own eggs? Not sure if anyone else has tried this or if it’s even possible. But it may be too much of a mind f**k to consider 😬. Whatever you decide best of luck xx

[Emska77 in reply to Shirazlover2013]

Thank so much, it’s just so difficult deciding what to do for the best result xx

[Mogwai_2]

I am on that journey too (just turned 41) having just had an IVF cycle and we plan to do another while we wait for the genetics to come back on the first cycle so all the stimulation is over ASAP.

I’d give it another go. It can take a number of cycles for success at any age, and you are producing eggs.

My friend has just had a baby and is just over 41. She did 3 IVF cycles back to back to get pregnant (2 embryos - neither stuck, then no embryos, then 1 embryo and she now has a son).

If you can afford it financially, I’d give it a try. Good luck.

[Emska77 in reply to Mogwai_2]

I think we do want to try again with my own eggs, but the reality is we may not have the funds until next year - and I am 43 in march. So it makes me wonder if there is any point? I know the stats aren't great on average at that age but we may not have a choice. Then again there seem to be plenty more over 40 success stories nowadays, so there is always hope.

I think until I speak to the Dr again and perhaps have another AMH test nearer the time, we can make a more informed decision. xx

[Mogwai_2 in reply to Emska77]

Good luck! I just hate how expensive it all is and the fact that in the short-term this is a barrier to just get on with it.

I know it’s a sensitive subject you may not want to discuss with others, but perhaps you could borrow the money then repay?

Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best, x

[Cinderella5]

We moved to DE at 38 (AMH of 7.19) after having 2 failed cycles with my OE eggs, well actually kind of 3 cycles but the first was a disaster - we averaged around 6/7 eggs per cycle and got 3 blastocysts in total from the 2nd 2 cycles. I asked the consultant what our chances were realistically and he said around 5%. We had already been thinking along the lines of DE and this really just confirmed that to keep doing OE cycles was just wasting our money and we couldnt really afford to do that. Having said that after one cycle of DE of which we got 6 top graded blastocysts (more than we could have ever hoped for compared to OE cycles) we are no further forward but I suspect we have been treading water trying to get my meds right. We got a BFP on our 3rd DE transfer but miscarried at 6 weeks. So there are no guarantees out there but did it increase our chances, yes massively! Its a hard one to move on from OE to DE, its a bit of a grieving process if Im honest. Nobody can tell you when its time to move on but we just felt that if we can be a family then that's the biggest most important thing and a DE is just that, the baby that comes from it will be our baby! Best of luck with what you decide!xx

[Emska77 in reply to Cinderella5]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, and I am so sorry about your miscarriage.

I have read that you can receive DE's up to about 49/50 years of age in most Clinics. Not that I would necessarily leave it that long but it does hopefully give us a back up plan.

I am prepping as though we are going ahead with another OE cycle, and have included DHEA after talking to the Dr about it in my last consult (their idea). Some studies have already shown positive effects so they said it can't hurt to try.

I think we both certainly deserve to be parents after what we put ourselves through on this journey. Just have to believe it will be out turn at some point, one way or another. xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to Emska77]

Thank you! I tried DHEA with OE cycles (actually taking it for my DE cycle too as I took it last time and felt it helped better prep my lining) and I do think that it helped a bit, we got some blastocysts (3 in total) after taking it but just not enough to warrant spending thousands per cycle to get one or two blastocysts. Im having treatment in Greece and yes you can transfer with DE much older which is great. I think allowing yourself one last roll of the dice is important and at least you'll know that you tried everything! Best of luck.xx

[alockie]

Hi, what does your doc recommend? IVF DE might be a solution in your situation. Although I know ladies aged 40+ who got pregnant naturally or via IVF OE. I would advice to discuss with your doc different options such as IVF PGS NGS, IVF DE and/or mesotherapy to ovaries/acupuncture. Good luck x

[Emska77 in reply to alockie]

Hi alockie, I think we will speak to the Clinic again nearer the time. Thank you for the tips, I have considered acupuncture but not tried it yet. Definitely need to look into it again.

thanks again xx

[May37]

Hi i thought I posted but it didn't save. I was told I had good follicle count and low amh. I am over 40 so decided I wanted the best chance so I went straight for donor eggs. First cycle bfp but then chemical miscarriage, just starting second cycle. It's personal choice, but financially and emotionally I wanted the best chance of success