Without doubt the strongest indicator of a women’s ability to fall pregnant is her age. From age 35, a women’s fertility starts to decline alarmingly rapidly. It is rare to find any research that contradicts this basic fact – it is harder to become pregnant as you age and harder to maintain a diagnosed pregnancy.
Between the ages of 25-29, your likelihood of getting pregnant visa IVF is between 45-50%. However, by age 40 your chances of conception are almost halved.
As depressing as this might be for those of use old enough to worry about our biological clock, many of us still live in hope that our dreams of becoming a mother are realised. Without doubt I have pushed my body to its limits in doing repeated IVF cycles. The toll it has taken on me both physically, emotionally and professionally has been significant.
Now, as I sit here contemplating my impending 40th birthday I wonder if all the pushing has been good for me. However, if I asked myself if I would do it again then the answer would be a resounding yes. If I was younger, perhaps I would not do each cycle as close together as what I have done (4 stimulated cycles per year is quite intense) but do it I would.
Judging by the results of my my ovulation test kit this evening, I have a feeling that I will be ovulating sometime on my 40th birthday. Which means I will be having the last of my frozen embryos transferred into my uterus. If all else fails, then it is back to the clinic to start yet another IVF cycle.
I know exactly how you feel about age. I turned 40 right after my first failed IVF attempt and then had to wait *6 months* due to clinic scheduling and my scheduling (only 1 month due to me). My next attempt failed and I’m on my third attempt now.
I’m worried that my time is running out too I fear turning 41 next March. It isn’t that far away in terms of insurance coverage and IVF cycles.
Good luck!