Conception at age 46 for the third time

[Shawney]

Any stories of women with natural conception age 46 and above. Im 46 years old been married for 20 years, have a beautiful daughter 17, and son 15. My husband had a vascetemy 15 years ago, I would like to have another baby, however I have higher fsh, never had a problem getting pregnant in the past, however its been 14 years! Any suggestions or stories of natural conception?

Shawney

Hi Shawney

My initial suggestion would be to have blood tests done asap to see what your hormone levels are like particularly that of your FSH (as this will give indications of quality of eggs).

If your H had a vasectomy 15 years ago a reversal may well be unsuccessful now. This has to be taken into account. It may also be that you are now entering menopause.

I sincerely hope you could perhaps have another child but you also need to be realistic as well as to your actual chances of conceiving (not suggesting you have not been realistic but there are many obstacles here that may not be overcome). Assisted conception of some description or egg donation are distinct possibilities. Also some clinics do have cut offs in terms of age and may not be able to treat you.

Thanks for your response, I did have my fsh level tested three times, 1st was 17, then 33 then 45. Also I did have a consultation with a fertility doctor, and discussed the possibility of using donor eggs, he has women in the early 50's he said are using donor eggs in his office. Alot to think about. Im not sure about wanting to use donor eggs.

Shawney

Shawney I don't want to rain on your parade luv but the odds of having a baby at 46 aren't gonna be good. Has your dh had a reversal? Is he producing any sperm? My friend (43) is about to have her 1st baby and had to use donated eggs in order to concieve (and went to a Spanish clinic). Did your fertility doc talk about odds to you?

Shawney have you done much research on this on the internet? There are tons of stats which are quite depressing. Not to say it won't happen but....

Have a look at the thread for 40 somethings on this page. I'm on there and numerous others who are battling the odds all the time.

I think you need to be realistic though.

I'd have to agree with Mrsaslexanderarmstrong - chances of getting pg at 46 are pretty slim, you also have FSH levels which indicate you are perimenopausal - so I think donor eggs would be the only route to take.

Is there any reason why you want to have another baby at this stage?

At 46 i'd be looking forward to the grandchildren, my husband had a vasectomy three years ago and we were told not to waste our money getting it reversed.

Shawney I don't want to give you false hope but I'm 44 and expecting my 3rd child at the beginning of July. 10 years or so gaps between DCs, and this baby conceived naturally whilst not particularly trying No donor eggs, or IVF though perhaps I'm lucky (but surely not an isolated, Guinness Book of Records case ) Do appreciate though that things rapidly go downhill from age 40, so 46 potentially very different from 44? But also could it be that one person at 46 might be fertile whilst another at 41 may not be!?

So, there's the potential for life in us old dogs yet!!

Well had my first at 43 but as rubyriley says it goes downhill quick as just can't get pg with number 2 so rapidly giving up hope.

Well done rubyriley btw - nice to hear a positive for a change!