secondry infertility and IVF

[dextersmum]

Hello ladies,
I have a question reguarding IVF and the tests they require and hope someone out there can offer some advice.

I am 38 and have previously had three children who are now 18, 15, 13. I had no trouble concieving and had pretty much textbook pregnancys with them.
My cycle til this point is a pretty regular 28 day cycle.

For the past 4 years my new partner and I have been patiently ttc unsuccessfully.
We have come to the conclusion ourselves that DP has a low count and had a sperm count to confirm.
We are now going down the IVF route with our first FS appt on 21st March.

At the clinics request I rushed in yesterday on day 5 of my cycle to have a pelvic ultrasound which all is clear and normal and i feel myself there is nothing wrong with me other than my age, But after reading alot of posts on this forum I am noticing alot of people say they have a laparoscopy before getting fertitlity treatment and wondering do all fertility clinics require a lap to be done before proceeding?
Thank you

[Joeve]

hello, my fs is not doing that given my age he said lets get on to IVF sooner than later. DH has sperm issues I am the same as you. Goodluck!

[butterfly_warrior]

I have never had a lap done. I think it depends on past history and symptoms, etc, but not all clinics send everyone for a lap. Don't panic.

BW

[Saffy]

I was the same as joeve, my fs said the same, some drs like doing them though. Also I had gotton pregnant twice already, so didn't believe there was a problem with my tubes which is basically what they are looking for. Good luck!!!

[Janie71]

I never had a lap and we both had fertility issues - me PCOS and my husband had slightly dodgy sperm (although it was really my issues that took us down the assisted reproduction route).

Good luck!

Janie xxx

[nothing2lose]

Hi Dextersmum

I am 39 with secondary infertility. My DP and I have been TTC for years too. As he has no biological children at 41, I assumed that he had issues. To cut a long story short, he didnt.

The reality is that your age is a huge factor As can weight issues be Also, you can develop conditions after successful pregancies which could prevent you becoming pregnant. Things like PCOS, adenomyosis, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, perimenopause, premature menopause, blocked tubes, endometrial hyperplasia.....the list goes on....

Also, I have not had a lap, but that is mainly due to the fact I have a higher BMI (about 36) and my FS doesnt want to do it unless it is absolutely necessary. But I think it is fair to say that your FS will order a whole range of tests for her/himself. This will include a semen test for your partner. It may, or may not include a lap.

Hope this helps!!

Good luck x

n2l

[dextersmum]

Thank you everyone.

After seeing the Dr today to pick up results for the bloodwork iv had done, he has boosted my confidence. Apparently all my hormones are in order with perfect levels and the doctor has basically said IVF will be very succesful for me. I cant explain the elation I felt when he said that. For the last 6 months I have had some serious doubts thinking perhaps it was all me due to my age.

How do they pick up PCOS? Is it done via ultra sound? I had that done the other day and the report came back all good with no endo.

Also is anyone doing/done IUI? Is that what its called? I was wondering if the FS suggested trying that first should we just aske to go straight to IVF?

Nothing2lose,
My partner also has no children but he is only 33 ( i know i know rockspider lol) But I feel his lifestyle probably has a lot to do with his low count. I am hoping the fertility specialist gives him the wake up call he needs to get healthy. I do understand our chances are greatly reduced due to my age, my weight is probably average but i dont consider myself overweight, just cuddly

Thanks again everyone and goodluck to you all.
Im so happy i found the forum to get some info.