should we just try on our own?

[Alyssa562]

Hi everyone. I am 38 year old. I have been trying to have a child for 3 years now. I was told I had endometriosis. Last month I got surgery done for it. Today, the doctor told me it was a success. I am free of it now. So, now I should be able to have a child. My husband and I are beyond elated. We are glad it happened before I reached menopause. That time is close. I have a family history of relatively early menopause. DH and I have decided to go for IVF. Is that a wise decision? Or should we just try on our own?

[KattyH]

If you ask me I'd say give TTC a try. However, I insist that you do not wait long to arrange for IVF - you can keep TTC in the meantime. IVF is a comparatively lengthy process (FYI if it's your first time) and by the time you get your Dr to refer you to a good clinic and get done with the initiation of the IVF it will be a couple of months already. I had to wait around 6 weeks for my first check-up after enrolling for IVF and it was another 2 months before I was put on the stims. I wasn't put on BC before stims though as they preferred monitoring my natural cycle and go with it which saved a whole month.Well the time does vary for each clinic I believe but still, you will get sufficient wait time to utilize that for natural TTC. But only do that until the time when your stimms begin - you're supposed to release more than one egg. You're just 38 and IVFs are successful even for women in their late 40 so you have every chance of a successful pregnancy with IVF. Stay optimistic and hope you find a good clinic for the IVF, good luck!

[Ghost]

If you ask me I'd say give TTC a try. However, I insist that you do not wait long to arrange for IVF - you can keep TTC in the meantime. IVF is a comparatively lengthy process (FYI if it's your first time) and by the time you get your Dr to refer you to a good clinic and get done with the initiation of the IVF it will be a couple of months already. I had to wait around 6 weeks for my first check-up after enrolling for IVF and it was another 2 months before I was put on the stims. I wasn't put on BC before stims though as they preferred monitoring my natural cycle and go with it which saved a whole month.Well the time does vary for each clinic I believe but still, you will get sufficient wait time to utilize that for natural TTC. But only do that until the time when your stimms begin - you're supposed to release more than one egg. You're just 38 and IVFs are successful even for women in their late 40 so you have every chance of a successful pregnancy with IVF. Stay optimistic and hope you find a good clinic for the IVF, good luck!

The only thing I would add to that excellent post is to also consider the number of children desired. If multiple children are desired, then a 38 year old expecting premature menopause might favor IVF to save up embryos for additional pregnancies, if the extra cost is not a great concern.