QuestionI have undergone several treatments (IUI) for infertility. I am a single lady with no partner and used sperm donors. My 2nd and 3rd IUI (separate sperm donors) netted me 2 daughters. One born in 2007 when I was 38 and the other born in 2009 when I was 40. I thought I was done. However, the sperm bank notified me last week that the first sperm donor is once again available (I did not know the vials could be reserved when I initially started this process). I am now 43. I am wondering now - am I too old? My 4th and 5th IUI were done last year when I was 42 and neither took. I know the chances go down as I get older. But is 43 too old?
AnswerHello Louise from the U.S. (D.C.),
There are certainly pregnancies at 43 years old but the chances are very slim. Using a natural fertility treatment method like IUI, your chances per cycle would be <1%. You are not biologically too old, meaning you certainly could be pregnant safely, and probably have the stamina for a new baby, but your ovaries are old and may not have any good eggs left. The only way to know for sure is to try knowing these facts.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
