AboutSarah Conlon Expertise I can answer questions about to trying to conceive, as well as infertility related questions, pregnancy issues and emotional issues that coincide with all of the above.
Experience I am a licensed psychologist and have personally dealt with infertility and pregnancy loss. I would like to share my knowledge, psychological training and personal experience to help others.
Education/Credentials Master's Degree in psychology
Expert: Sarah Conlon Date: 7/1/2008 Subject: TTC at 41
Question Hi- thank you for being here to answer questions. I am 41 and due to previous focus on career am now TTC using anonymous donor sperm and IUI. I am on my very first cycle of treatment. I am very healthy, average weight (not over or under), and have ALWAYS cycled regularly w/26day cycle and regular (I think) ovulation. There are only a few REs in my city, and I am wondering if mine is following a good protocol for me. Baseline FSH levels were 11.4 two months ago, then 7.4 on cd3 in the month I tried first. E2 normal all times. CD3US and cd9HSG totally normal. But then - did a CCCT, and FSH on cd10 was 15.7! It was pretty upsetting, but since cd3US showed good follicles developing, and HSG was good, we went ahead and on cd14 did the IUI, after seeing 2 nice big follicles in each ovary and got a probable LH surge with an OPK. It's all felt a little out of control and uncertain, but I am following instructions very carefully and am now in the 2ww. The PA at the doc's office does much of the procedures, and she is quite pessimistic based on my age and the higher FSH's. She suggested that if this doesn't work, we move straight to injectables. I have two more vials of the sperm left (but could buy more). I've read mixed stories out there - some great successes despite high FSH. MY QUESTION: what are your thoughts on their protocol, pessimism, and suggestions for continued treatment? Should I try another month of Clomid before moving to injectables? Are they on the right track or is there something else you can suggest? Thank you so much. I just want a second opinion, or someone who can give me an outside objective perspective..... or hope :)
Answer Hello. It sounds to me like your doctor is following the standard protocol, trying Clomid with IUI first. However, given your age, I would not wait too much longer before moving to injectables or even IVF if it's covered by your insurance, or you can afford it. The problem with IUI is that it has a very low success rate for women over 40 for some reason. IVF success rates are much higher, although the process is more invasive and costly. If you do decide to do IUI with injectables, the success rate is somewhat higher, given that the medications usually make you develop more than one or two mature follicles. They are not a big deal, I myself just did a cycle of injectables and did not find them painful or inconvenient. It sounds like your doctor is on the right track, but trust your instincts. Hopefully you'll conceive this month and not have to worry about it. Best of luck!
