September 02, 2007
Due to several circumstances my husband (age 43) and I started trying to concieve a little over a year ago. Due to being on the pill most of my life it took some time for my body to regulate. It appears that I am having regular 29 days cycles now. I have a couple of questions. What tests should I request be done to determine if I am still ovulating? My insurance covers tests but not drugs. I am worried that the risks are too high now to have a healthy baby, yet I really want a child, so I am torn. Do you think it's too late to try? I would like to go to a specialist but I have no idea where to start. I don't even know the right things to ask my insurance carrier if they will cover the costs. I am very healthy for my age. My husband, unfortunately, is a smoker so I know that affects sperm count. I have researched about the supplements you suggested (FertilityBlend, etc) so I will suggest tho. I have been on a prenatal vitamin for over a year. Any advise or direction you can give would be appreciated. I am afraid we have waited too long. Thanks, Rose
September 02, 2007
I'm very happy to know you've kept yourself in good shape, and yes, if you're looking to trying to get pregnant, it's important that your husband stops smoking. If you're having regular 29 day cycles, then you're most likely ovulating.
The biggest issue we're dealing with, as you alluded to, is the problem of "egg quality". Even if you were to get pregnant on your own, you do have a high risk of having a congenitally abnormal child. Trying to get pregnant at this age is already a huge feat of it's own and most Fertility Centers unfortunately would not even make an attempt, as pregnancy rates using IVF are about 1%...
Most all women who you see that are preganant at this age, I hate to say, but are pregnant because of an egg donor...that is, they used someone else's egg, either a family member or anonymously through an agency, and achieved a pregnancy this way. Pregnancy rates will hover around 50-70% per try doing it this way.
I know this may be a lot of information to digest, but it is with all honesty that I disclose this. Let me tell you also and understand if it's difficult to accept at this time...All my patients and along with those from other REs who have gone through this wonderful procedure have adored being pregnant and their future child...for which they always say their only regret with egg donation was not doing it earlier...