Is almost 43 too old for ivf?

[Dogbiscuits28]

I have had three rounds of ivf - one empty follicle syndrome, and two resulting in only one 3BC embryo each time that didn't implant.

I took a break after the last failed round in November as my mental health has been horrific, but now I am edging towards 43 and panicking. I never wanted to be an old Mum, and I am doubting it is going to happen at all. My current job ends in August, so I feel like I can't start trying again until I know I am going to be employed, but that means I will be well into 43 before I get going again. Do I wait? Or just accept I am going to be incredibly poor with no maternity pay?

Has anyone else been in this position? Also, I am single and can only afford treatment abroad, so does anyone have recommendations for affordable clinics? (Please DM with details).

[beckystevens46]

never too late - dont believe the sceptics! Try Spain there are some really good ones - I.B clinic is one and IVI. x

[Mikki100]

I'm going to be 46 next month and I'm still chasing my dream of being a mum. I know I'll be 'old,' but I can't give up whilst I have embryos I'm going for transfer #5 in Spain Friday. I never dreamt over a decade later we'd still be chasing our dream, but here we are. I was also just made redundant, but I'm still going ahead because time is against me. I appreciate your circumstances are different, but don't let anything stop your dream of becoming a mum x

[Backagain987]

If it's any consolation, I gave birth to my daughter aged 46. She was from donor eggs as I had to give up on my own, I started TTC at 37!

I don't feel too old to be a mum, our NCT group is a real mix ranging from mid 20's to me obviously being the oldest but my midwife told me I wasn't the oldest mum she had by any means.

I think it's about mindset, health and fitness etc. I am healthier and fitter now than I was ten years ago. I also feel like I have lived my life and can dedicate everything I have to bringing her up.

As for finances, I find Facebook marketplace is a fantastic place to get baby stuff, as is Vinted for clothes, people are always getting rid of stuff as you are permanently outgrowing things (clothes/car seats/toys) etc. We were lucky enough to be given most of the big stuff but some of my friends have bought everything second hand.

Good luck x

[TeddyBear5]

I’m 44 and 9 weeks pregnant with a donor embryo baby

Unfortunately my egg quality wasn’t good enough but this was a great option for me and bought me more time xxx

[Kitkat10]

Similar to TeddyBear5 , I’m 43 and pregnant using egg donation. I have a son with my own eggs at 41 but another 3 failed transfers since, told me that my egg quality was poorer. The DE worked first time and while they were a bit more expensive upfront, I just didn’t want much more time to pass. 43 isn’t too old with OE, but it is likely to take a bit longer.

I had treatment in the UK, but lots of people of here have positive recommendations for clinics abroad. Good luck x