IVF at 28?

[1991mododo]

Hi all, I'm new to mumsnet...I figured this would be the best place to read about other people's experiences in situations similar to mine.

My husband and I have been trying to conceive for around 18 months. Almost exactly a year ago my periods started to become irregular (they were like clockwork before that) and in the last year I have only had my period 6 times. My GP referred me on moreso because of my irregular cycles rather than not having conceived yet.

My day 21 progesterone came back negative, possibly because I have no idea when day 21 is anymore. My husband's semen analysis was mostly normal apart from morphology which was 2%. The GP advised some lifestyle changes and to repeat the semen analysis again in 3 months (this will be december)

I had an HSG which showed no blockages in my tubes. We had a follow up with gynaecology this week and I was pretty shocked when the doctor said the next step would be to refer my husband and I on for IVF. We asked her about the lifestyle changes etc, another doctor had mentioned medication to regulate my cycles...the doctor said these were unlikely to make a difference and IVF was the way forward. She also said we would definitely fit the criteria for NHS IVF.

I'm turning 28 this month and from what I have heard previously, I would have thought IVF would be a last resort maybe after a little more time? I am not complaining but just curious as to whether others have been referred on for IVF this quickly. I was expecting the doctor to make other recommendations rather than IVF.

My main questions are

1. can sperm morphology improve? Our GP had recommended some lifestyle changes to my husband but the gynaecologist we saw said these were unlikely to change much
   
   
2. has anyone had experience of IVF before 30? Is this common?
   
   Please advise. Thanks in advance!

[Pinecone88]

Hi @1991mododo,

We started fertility tests after a year of trying and at that time I was 27. All my tests came back fine, but my husband had low count, low motility and morphology was not the best. They did talk to us about lifestyle changes, but said that it would be unlikely to improve anything much and our best bet would still be to go with ICSI.
So our reaction was a lot like yours, I wanted to try natural things first and did not want to jump directly to the most invasive procedure possible. We were also against IVF at that point, but have since changed our minds.

Fast forward to now...I am 31 and we will start ICSI early next year :D
After lifestyle changes and trying Chinese Medicine nothing has improved enough to conceive naturally.

I hope that you will be able to conceive naturally, and good news is you are not in a rush and can try other things and see for yourself if changing lifestyle and trying other things first will help.

Good luck :)

[Millie20202]

Can’t really answer a lot of your questions as I’m new to this too, but just wanted you to know ivf under 30 is more common than you think! I’m also 28 and doing my first round very soon of icsi.
Have you had any other tests done?
Also I felt the same and overwhelmed and really thought ivf was for older women. After seeing a consultant and being told a lot of young couples go through this I felt a little better. Still so scared and nervous but I know I can do it!. How does your partner feel about ivf? X

[AliceAbsolum]

2% really isn't that good and if you're not ovulating... Sounds like ivf would be a good idea.
Morphology can definitely improve!

[Steenac7]

Unfortunately if you have a problem you have a problem and age doesn’t matter! Especially if it’s a male problem. It’s a common misconception that ivf is for older people.

[Mummyshark2018]

I had ivf at 27, but had bilateral tubal damage so it was very clear that this was the best route. I was diagnosed in the December, referred straight away to a clinic of my choice and started treatment end of January , pregnant end of March and had a healthy pregnancy.

Success rates are much better for under 30's so if you're being offered it I would take it. I do know a few other people who had treatment under 30 so I do think it's common enough.

[Dot457]

Hello! I had my first cycle of IVF at 25! I'm 26 now and hopefully going to have our second round sooner rather than later. Due to numerous problems that I have I've basically been told it's now or never, and I know that if I don't do it now I'll regret it. If you ever need any advice or a rant just shout! :) xxx