41 years old, trying for DC 2- when to consider IVF?

[JoJoBooBoo]

We conceived DS1 without trying when I was 39 (first time for unprotected sex!)I am starting to realise how incredibly lucky we were. We have been trying for DC2 for about 6 months now and I'm nearly 41.

I don't know when to start thinking about IVF...although I just looked on the Lister Clinic website and the stats are not hopeful. (That's not even thinking about the extortionate cost...)

It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world not to have another baby and I am very thankful for my little one. But I we don't try IVF, I guess we will never know if we could have had another.

Oh, I don't know, I feel so confused. Shall we try naturally for a while longer? (Am using Persona.)

Any thoughts appreciated.

After 6 months I'd go to the GP and talk about your options. You can at least get tests underway to check hormonal levels through your cycle, check DH's situation etc. There are things that can be tried before moving directly to IVF. I'd want to try less invasive procedures first.

Thanks LadyBee. The only thing I am worried about is that the tests would take a lot of time (?) and I feel like time is running out.

It will be 6 months in May (I think) so we will try the GP then.

Anyone know how long GP tests take?

The test shouldn't take long, the first ones are generally just blood tests, taken on around day 3 and 21 of your cycle, so if you time your GP appt to be before then you should be able to get the initial blood work done quite quickly, results in about 7 working days I'd guess? Likewise for your DH, it's just a sperm sample for analysis.
If your results came back abnormal, then the referral to a specialist might take a while. But you may find that having a child already disqualifies you from treatment on the NHS beyond prescription of clomid, for example, (this depends on your area, so don't take my word for it!) so it would be at that point that you may need to make decisions about finding a private clinic.

Thanks for the info. That doesn't seem as long as I thought. I don't think we'll get much help on the NHS from a specialist, which is fair enough, but at least having some tests done will save a few hundred pounds.

Thanks again.

Get yourself to the GP asap and exaggerate about how long you've been trying.

Don't waste time - it's too important.