Help! Is it too late?

[NewName79]

Please be kind as this is all new to me. I don't know if this is a TTC or IVF forum question so posted both.

A condensed version: I am 39 and going to be 40 this summer. I was single until 1.5 years ago and thought I'd never have children. I met a wonderful man and we got married at New Year!

Time to start TTC, and we have had one month so far. I am aware that after 40 my NHS IVF entitlement goes out the window. I know a bit about IVF having had a friend go through it, but not loads. I have checked my borough and under 40's are allowed only 1 round.

We had private fertility checks before we married, doing all the tests that the NHS would do so no evident problems, aside from my age.

Do we just keep TTC or should I be being proactive re IVF as the process of even getting seen takes months and I turn 40 in early August? has anyone else ever been in this position? Is it crazy to start TTC naturally at 39.5?

I'm sorry if this sounds naive and I know so many people on here are sadly experienced at all this. Just making sure I don't miss a step or miss out on anything I should be aware of.

Also, I have never used a coil or pill, only condoms so no chemicals to leave my system, and I am following the usual advice re health, exercise, ubiquinol, wheatgrass, Folic acid etc etc.

I would greatly value some friendly advice. It is not something one feels able to discuss with friends IRL. Thank you.

Lots of women get pregnant naturally at 40+. You won't have been trying long enough to have NHS treatment if they stop funding at 40 in your area but that's no reason to try and rush into ivf now. Give your body at least 6 months of trying before seeking advice. IVF is no guarantee and is rough going and if there are no apparent problems, try and relax and just go for it. Even at your age I can't imagine any doctor suggesting straight to IVF without trying naturally first when there is no known fertility issues. Again, plenty of women in their 40s fall naturally! Good luck.

It's great news that you've had private testing done already and everything looked good. I am 39 too and was just about to start IVF this week but got a positive test and had to call and cancel! So please don't worry about your age! It won't stop it from happening. Just to let you know how it worked for me, we were referred after I requested it as I've had 2 miscarriages and after testing my egg count was found to be on the low side. They require couples to have been TTC for two years plus in my area before they will even consider referral. This may or may not be the case in your area but something to bear in mind. I wouldn't rush into IVF when you've only just started TTC as it's a lot to contend with. You have every chance of it happening without IVF. I would say that although I have used the Ava bracelet, opks and temping for months that this month I did none of those and just DTD when we felt like it! Much less stressful!The Dr at the clinic said just try and do it every 2-3 days throughout the month and that should cover it!

It's definitely not too late. I got pregnant at 39 (naturally). I know you're not 40 yet but you could take a look at the 40 and ttc thread because there are a lot of positive stories on there and lots of great advice and support.

I meant Over 40 ttc.