Try naturally or use up blastocysts?

[Ididivfama]

I had one child naturally, second took years so we did ivf. Infertility unexplained. We still have a few blastocysts left (5 day old embryos of good quality). If we want a third child, what would you do? We’re not quite ready yet and want a bit of a gap, BUT would love one at some point which is more important than perfect age gap.

1. I could just not go back on contraception and see if something happens naturally for a few years. There is still a chance this could happen. It means I might get pregnant naturally and not have to bother with any treatment or cost. Means it might also happen sooner and be more likely to definitely happen. But then I have two blastocysts there waiting which feels awful.
   
   OR
   
   
2. Deliberately be on contraception so I don’t get pregnant until I can plan to use the final blastocysts in a few years time? That reduces my guilt - I have definitely tried the final ones, giving them a good go. They are good quality and were taken from me and DH when we were both years younger so in that respect may be more likely to work? But it also might not work. Also going through treatment is stressful and it cost!!! Would be nice to not do this.
   
   
   I know it might not happen naturally but I’ve known people were it has and they get extra fertile again post baby.

[YoureWinningAtLife]

1

[Ididivfama]

@YoureWinningAtLife

1

How come? I need more please. 😂

[Aviee]

1

[Girlontherailreplacementbusservice]

1.5 - as soon as you reach the point when getting pregnant again would be OK for you (physically, emotionally, financially) try for a set period without contraception. Once this year/18 months/2 years/whatever is up if you have not had a successful pregnancy use your blastocysts.
So if you want a 2-4 year age gap you start TTC when the baby is 15 months old and plan you use the embryos after 2 years.

Good luck.

[didyouseetodaysrainbow]

Very similar position to you and we originally chose 1, and did get pregnant naturally then lost the baby. I don't know if me being older had anything to do with it. We're now going to use our little frostie. I feel good about trying with this one, wouldn't want it to be destroyed. But yes the cost is depressing!

[Ididivfama]

The thing is, I feel so guilty about the idea of not using a frozen one! It feels kind of wasteful you know?