Aged 21, posts seem to be about couples ttc

[BarneyandPatsy]

Most posts are about couple ttc. Where can I go for help and advice for me? I’m 21, a student, very low AMH and devastated that my life ahead has changed forever. It’s hard for anyone to understand who is in a relationship and ttc because a couple is in it together and ready and actively trying. I won’t be able to get off the first base as my AMH levels are rapidly declining, I then have hurdles like time being against me, not being in a relationship to try to conceive, if I were to meet anyone the anxiety of knowing at what point do I tell them I’m unlikely to have a child, my studies, first job etc all interrupted if I try egg freezing, the cost of egg freezing, the low success rate of eventually having a baby from frozen eggs, and millions of other things that a consuming me and ruining my life right now. I feel isolated and alone.

[LizzieBW]

Hi BarneyandPatsy,

I really feel for you. Infertility clinics tend to have really fantastic counsellors. I'm quite sure your GP would be really happy to refer you to a specialist counsellor for support & to process the news you've had. Many counsellors have gone virtual or telephone based during covid so worth pursuing asap if you would be prepared to try that route.

As for egg freezing, you should discuss this with your GP who may be prepared to refer you for at least initial information and further tests. If you are otherwise healthy: womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries etc then you have a fantastic chance of a healthy pregnancy later in your life. I wouldn't be so quick to assume that frozen eggs give you less of a chance. In fact, in certain age groups frozen transfers are shown to have slightly higher success rates than fresh and the wonderful science that allows us to have babies through IVF is ever improving, the thaw rate can differ but I think it's mind blowing and incredible it's even an option.

It's possible a counsellor could help you process things enough to decide whether egg freezing is the right option for you. Freezing your eggs wouldn't necessarily impact your chosen career path & could be done in a matter of weeks or few months. Most of the women here have had years of medicated IVF treatment & still work/function full-time. Equally, some women don't find out about their poor AMH levels until much later in life and have conceived both naturally or through fertility treatment so it's all possible.

Ultimately you need to put yourself first and do now what feels right for you as opposed to considering what a future partner might want or think. Best wishes to you xx

[BarneyandPatsy in reply to LizzieBW]

Thank you very much for your positive reply x