41 year old trying for second

[mummyfromabroad]

Dear Mums,
I don’t post often, but I’m reaching out for some advice. I’m 41 and have been trying to conceive our second child for the past 6 months. My first was conceived naturally in 2019. Unfortunately, I had a miscarriage in November 2023, and we didn’t actively try again for nearly a year due to various personal reasons.
Both my husband and I recently underwent fertility testing. His results came back normal. My AMH is 2.30 ng/mL, and my AFC is 22, with no thyroid concerns. According to my doctor, these are good numbers for my age.
However, my fertility specialist has recommended starting IVF as soon as possible, mainly due to my age. While I’m open to considering IVF, I was surprised when she dismissed the idea of doing an HSG test to check for any blockages in my fallopian tubes.
I’m now unsure whether I should insist on having the HSG done before proceeding with IVF. Has anyone been in a similar situation or have any thoughts on this?
Thank you in advance!

I wouldn’t necessarily rush into IVF if you haven’t had any problems confirmed. 6 months is a short amount of time for anyone TTC. My kids took 16 months and 12 months respectively at 31 and 34. I’m now 11 weeks with #3 at 42 and that took 3 years in total (but only 3 months from my last pregnancy where I suffered a miscarriage. I also had a surprise pregnancy/MC which prompted this past TTC stint which was the result of a couple of months being a bit flaky with the pill). So it can be all entirely random even at our age and with previous fertility issues! Have you been referred for the HSG through the NHS? I’d imaging that would be the next step, if you’ve done the Day 4/21 tests and SA.

Thank you for the message. This is what I was surprised my fertility specialist didn’t recommend Hycosy or 21 day progesterone test to check if I am ovulating. She said she can see in the scan that I have ovulated. The scan was few days after my last ovulation. I personally thought she was rushing me to do IVF.

Also she said if I am getting fertile days on ovulation stick I must be ovulating.

IVF = 💷💷💷 innit, so they have every incentive to convince you that’s the best option. As you’ve been TTC for 6 months now you can start investigations through the NHS, so why don’t you book a GP appt. They should offer you a day 4 and 21 test fairly quickly. Hycosy might take longer as that would be through a fertility clinic. Good luck!

Thank you I will do that and thank you for taking time out to reply to my post.