Timing the next cycle

[MissHoney85]

Bit of a long one but I'm after some advice...

We had a failed round of ICSI in January and are gearing up for round 2. We have primarily MFI but I've never been 100% about my own side of things, especially as my cycles tend to be quite irregular.

After that round, the clinic thought sperm quality was the most likely reason it failed and suggested trying some supplements before the next go. My OH is now taking FH Pro for Men. The advice seems to be that it takes around 72 days for sperm to be created so that's how long you should give any supplements to work. That would take us pretty much to the start of May.

I'm pretty sure I ovulated last week so my period is due on the 10th. If I started in that cycle, egg collection would be around the 28th April. If I don't do that cycle, I might have to wait another couple of months due to holidays etc so might be looking at a July egg collection.

Just not sure what to do... I turn 35 in late April which is weighing on my mind. I don't want to rush into it though and waste our last NHS chance. My OH is also quite keen to try naturally for a few months as his sperm count seemed to have gone up quite a lot at egg collection, probably because he started a low fodmap diet for his IBS at the end of last year. It was still low (12m up from 5-6m with around 25% motility) but could have continued to improve since especially with these supplements.

Argh I just don't know, I hate decisions! Any wisdom to impart?

July isn’t that far away....whilst being long away enough for the lifestyle changes / nutrition / supplements to fingers crossed take effect. Your fertility will not suddenly fall off a cliff at 35, you’re still very young in IVF terms!

I second @Youngatheart00 turning 35 when you don't have known low reserve is nothing to worry about.

Last March I turned 35 and was rushed into my second cycle and it was a disaster. It was probably going to be that way anyway, but there hasn't been a change in my stats for the last year inspite now nearly being 36 and I wish I'd held them off and gone at my own pace. A few months won't make a difference in all likelihood either way, so going at your own pace and not allowing IVF to take over has got to be a good thing!

Thanks @Youngatheart00 and @MrsC2018. I kind of knew that answer already just from writing it all out. I know fertility doesn't fall off a cliff at 35, it just seems such a psychological boundary. The ticking of that clock is getting deafening! Plus I'm just very impatient and hate all the waiting involved in this process! Guess I'll just have to learn...