Long termers TTC

fits

Very good information on AMH levels here http://ivf.org.uk/investigations/ovarian-reserve especially in the pdfs at the end of the page.

looking for planning

Hi OldNotWise.
My understanding is that AMH is a good guide of general fertility, and a good indicator of success for IVF, but it is not the be all and end all. It indicates the number of eggs you have left but not the quality, so even with extremely low AMH, once you ovulate, you just need that one egg to get pregnant.

Most of the American sites will use a different scale so make sure it's pmol/L if you're googling.

Your levels are below average, but far from disastrous. Personally, I'd be looking at starting a family earlier if there's no specific reason not to, mostly for your own peace of mind. Or at least keep track of other fertility signs like regular periods, etc. If you're on the pill, it's worth coming off if you want to be sure that everything is still regular... Also - i believe it can alter the amh reading slightly.

FYI - I'm 31 with an AMH of 0.4, and Sims want to go straight to IVF, so even if chances aren't great they think it's worth trying...

OldNotWIse

looking for planning wrote: »

Hi OldNotWise.
My understanding is that AMH is a good guide of general fertility, and a good indicator of success for IVF, but it is not the be all and end all. It indicates the number of eggs you have left but not the quality, so even with extremely low AMH, once you ovulate, you just need that one egg to get pregnant.

Most of the American sites will use a different scale so make sure it's pmol/L if you're googling.

Your levels are below average, but far from disastrous. Personally, I'd be looking at starting a family earlier if there's no specific reason not to, mostly for your own peace of mind. Or at least keep track of other fertility signs like regular periods, etc. If you're on the pill, it's worth coming off if you want to be sure that everything is still regular... Also - i believe it can alter the amh reading slightly.

FYI - I'm 31 with an AMH of 0.4, and Sims want to go straight to IVF, so even if chances aren't great they think it's worth trying...

I suppose that's why I always assumed I was fertile because I haven't missed or had a delayed period since I was 12! Good to know that regular ovulation is as much a factor as egg reserve. I would love to start straight away but financial and romantic factors dictate otherwise unfortunately. The nurse I spoke to suggested that I get the level tested again in 6-12 months to keep an eye on decline. I'm hoping my initial cut off of 35 will not be detrimental. I just don't want to have a child before I sort myself out financially etc. Good luck with IVF if you choose to go that route.x

Fingersandtoes

I had IUI done this week. I was very very relaxed about it. I had accupuncture in the morning. My husband gave a semen sample at lunch time and a few hours later i had the procedure. Thankfully his sample was well above average and all was ok. We had to confirm our DOB and names numerous times. The IUI itself was just like a smear test. Uncomfortable and totally
pain free and over very fast. I had accupuncture that evening and this morning so hopefully it helps.

Lucuma

Fingersandtoes wrote: »

I had IUI done this week. I was very very relaxed about it. I had accupuncture in the morning. My husband gave a semen sample at lunch time and a few hours later i had the procedure. Thankfully his sample was well above average and all was ok. We had to confirm our DOB and names numerous times. The IUI itself was just like a smear test. Uncomfortable and totally
pain free and over very fast. I had accupuncture that evening and this morning so hopefully it helps.

best of luck !!

Lucuma

OldNotWIse wrote: »

Just a quick question. I hope you guys don't mind. Had my AMH levels tested a while ago and got a phonecall yesterday to say that my levels are below average for my age (32). She just said I was coming in at 5 when it should be 15, but reading up on it now, I don't know what units she was talking about? In the chart they gave me, it says women 30-34 should be 6.8pmol/L, median is 19.7? Really panicking now as I was putting off even thinking about it to 35, but she said I wouldn't be wise to push it anywhere near 40! Does anyone know what these units mean?

I had it tested age 33 and mine was 1.5 pmol/l.
I had a baby natural conception at 34 and another baby natural conception at 35. It can mean different things for different people but it's certainly not a definitive statement about your fertility based on my experience. it's just one part of an overall picture

lashes34

Hollywood massive congrats to you, it's fantastic news.

I have my surgery Wednesday, will find out if the cyst can be drained or if it's in my tube, the tube could have to be clipped. Just hoping that won't happen but nothing I can do, just wait and see. Have to go to Dublin the following week to register with Dr Mocanu in the Rotunda. Anyone under him and how do you find him?

bobskii

hope you got on OK Lashes .I was under him in the rotunda.I found him nice.hes straight and to the point ,at eyou public or private?I found a couple.our appintments rushed so have whatever questions you want answered wrote down.

HollywoodI hope your scan went ok today for you,you were on my mind.

Fingersandtoes

Hollywood I was thinking of you at work today. Hope your first scan went well.

This two week wait is hard. It's really difficult not to think about it. I'm being positive so hopefully it works

Hollywood130

Lashes, hope your surgery went well, thinking of you xx

Fingersandtoes, the two week week really is awful! I know how you feel, fingers crossed for you though xx

My scan went very well yesterday, got to see the little flicker of the heartbeat which was just absolutely amazing. There is 1 baby in there, I had a risk of twins but just the one little bundle of joy. It is so very exciting and I'm overjoyed. Hard to show it though, I'm so very ill at the moment, sick from morning to night. Got heartburn every time I eat too but at least it proves I'm pregnant!!!! 7weeks 2days today

bobskii

that's just brilliant Hollywood!

lashes34

bobskii wrote: »

hope you got on OK Lashes .I was under him in the rotunda.I found him nice.hes straight and to the point ,at eyou public or private?I found a couple.our appintments rushed so have whatever questions you want answered wrote down.

We will be private, 250 for 20 mins :eek: Thanks for that, will note some down.

Hollywood130 wrote: »

Lashes, hope your surgery went well, thinking of you xx

My scan went very well yesterday, got to see the little flicker of the heartbeat which was just absolutely amazing.

Thanks Hollywood, surgery went well. No damage to the tubes so as good as could be.

Amazing news, glad all is still going well for you both x

Fingersandtoes

I had IUI two weeks ago. Unfortunately it wasn't successful. I was very disappointed. I was told I'd get a natural period a few days later. It arrived the very next day. So I'd a scan and blood tests. Everything was ok with my lining and my ovaries but unfortunately my FSH was 19. My consultant explained there was no point in beginning the IVF protocol with my high FSH.
So another month I feel that's wasted. It's hard to take it all in sometimes.

fits

So sorry to hear that fingers and toes. . What a tough journey for you.

geez

Oh fingers&toes sorry to hear that

brokensoul

Fingersandtoes wrote: »

I had IUI two weeks ago. Unfortunately it wasn't successful. I was very disappointed. I was told I'd get a natural period a few days later. It arrived the very next day. So I'd a scan and blood tests. Everything was ok with my lining and my ovaries but unfortunately my FSH was 19. My consultant explained there was no point in beginning the IVF protocol with my high FSH.
So another month I feel that's wasted. It's hard to take it all in sometimes.

Sorry to hear that sweetheart, it is really bloody hard sometimes.

stickybean

Fingersandtoes wrote: »

I had IUI two weeks ago. Unfortunately it wasn't successful. I was very disappointed. I was told I'd get a natural period a few days later. It arrived the very next day. So I'd a scan and blood tests. Everything was ok with my lining and my ovaries but unfortunately my FSH was 19. My consultant explained there was no point in beginning the IVF protocol with my high FSH.
So another month I feel that's wasted. It's hard to take it all in sometimes.

Sorry to hear that doll xx

stickybean

Courage2Change wrote: »

I am 40 next week and TTC for two years. All the tests on both our sides have come back normal so im thinking it's just my age. I also start a 4 year degree next week (on my 40th birthday) in Nursing, something i have always wanted to do. I am wondering if I should just call it a day and concentrate on my degree?, I already have two teenage girls from a previous relationship but my partner of 7 years has no children and really would like a wee one of his own. I know in the long run it's family that matters and not a career but I also feel that this is my shot in life and I am worried about falling pregnant during college and having to defer or fall behind. I guess I have to weigh up whats more important, family or career and can I judgle both at my age? I could really do with some advice here ladies. tia

If it is what you want never give up. I would go to speak to a fertility specialist so at least you know what options you have (IUI, IVF, ISCI etc).

Best of luck with the degree xxx

Lucuma

Courage2Change wrote: »

I am 40 next week and TTC for two years. All the tests on both our sides have come back normal so im thinking it's just my age. I also start a 4 year degree next week (on my 40th birthday) in Nursing, something i have always wanted to do. I am wondering if I should just call it a day and concentrate on my degree?, I already have two teenage girls from a previous relationship but my partner of 7 years has no children and really would like a wee one of his own. I know in the long run it's family that matters and not a career but I also feel that this is my shot in life and I am worried about falling pregnant during college and having to defer or fall behind. I guess I have to weigh up whats more important, family or career and can I judgle both at my age? I could really do with some advice here ladies. tia

Have you asked for a copy of the results and looked them up yourself? Any obvious things like do either of you smoke, excercise to excess, overweight, drink alot etc? Have you tried supplements? I take it you are ovulating and tracking it every month and timing the baby dancing? You sound like you're not too keen on going down the assisted fertility route so just throwing out a few things you can do quite easily without needing to contact any specialists.

Also perhaps we should tell you yes, call it a day because it's often when people stop trying .....! ;o)

Fingersandtoes

There's a programme on tomorrow night on TV3 about IVF and infertility. It may interest some people.

dreamstar

Hollywood130 wrote: »

My scan went very well yesterday, got to see the little flicker of the heartbeat which was just absolutely amazing. There is 1 baby in there, I had a risk of twins but just the one little bundle of joy. It is so very exciting and I'm overjoyed. Hard to show it though, I'm so very ill at the moment, sick from morning to night. Got heartburn every time I eat too but at least it proves I'm pregnant!!!! 7weeks 2days today

I was just checking in to see how all you ladies are doing and am SO happy to see your news Hollywood! Absolutely delighted for you. I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling sick - makes it hard to enjoy it but just keep reassuring yourself it is a good sign. And stick with it - it will go! I'm now 15w 5d and the sickness has passed.
Congratulations!

Hope all you ladies are keeping well. I know a few have been through some tough times the last few months. But you are the most positive group of people ever! XxX

geez

Hi everyone we have our first consultation with sims tomorrow. We are also using a satellite clinic. Just wondering what to expect will there be bloods taken at this point or is it just a talk?

Fingersandtoes

geez wrote: »

Hi everyone we have our first consultation with sims tomorrow. We are also using a satellite clinic. Just wondering what to expect will there be bloods taken at this point or is it just a talk?

My first consultation with Sims was just a talk with our consultant. I had already gotten blood tests so I brought those results with me. Buy a notebook just for Sims. Write things down and write any questions you may have in between appointments in the notebook so you remember them the next time. All the staff in Sims are very pleasant. Good luck.

Neyite

Not with Sims but my first consult all the bloodwork (me and OH) was done beforehand so the results were ready on the day and on the day a semen analysis was done before the appointment so those results could be discussed too.

+1 on the notebook. I found mine invaluable for keeping track, and fleshing out my notes taken in the consult and to be able to refer back to the previous appointment - add in any questions you have too.

Hollywood130

Thanks so much Dreamstar, still so hard to believe. It was a hell of a wait but we finally got here.

Hope all you ladies are doing well & never give up xx

greenttc

Geez, i agree with the notebook tip. I was with sims and first things was just a consultation although i think we might have done bloods also. But that was just cause i wanted to get the ball rolling, you can decide what you want to do.

My tip, although it might be too late for you is to get as many bloods done with your GP as possible, even better is if you can get them to give you a blood form for your local hospital with everything you need. This will be much cheaper or free if you go with hospital. Sims charge a fortune for all of them.

geez

Thanks everyone I have the notebook ready to go

fits

Yeah if they ask you for certain tests, ask if your gp can do them. I had a scan the first day I was in with them but that might have been an unusual case.

geez

Thanks for all the info. Slightly worried about bloods being done as my oh brother got married the weekend and many drinks were had Saturday and Sunday. Hope this won't affect the results

greenttc

geez wrote: »

Thanks for all the info. Slightly worried about bloods being done as my oh brother got married the weekend and many drinks were had Saturday and Sunday. Hope this won't affect the results

No I dont think it will matter, bloods can be for lots of stuff like hormones, egg reserve, rubella immunity...don't think any if those will be affected by drink, saying that I am not a doctor so can't be sure. Say it to them at your appointment so that they know and you aren't left wondering. They won't think badly of you at all.