How to get pregnant at 42

by Tien
(West Melbourne, FL)

Hi Amelia,
I am 42 and have done 3 IUI and 2 IVF. I got pregnant from both IVF cycles. The first pregnancy lasted 8 weeks and the second one my hCG level was 69 and then 59 after 1 week and then up to 69 again in a week.

The doctor's office said that it wasn't a good pregnancy. I have an appointment for acupuncture and I drink herbs too. So, what can I do to get pregnant at my age with my own eggs? How long must I take herbal medicine and do acupuncture? What is the best way to try to conceive; IUI or IVF?

I don't have any medical problems, but the doctor said at my age the egg quality is not very good. Thanks Amelia.

Best,
Tien

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How to get pregnant at 42

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by: Amelia Hirota

Hi Tien,
I find it promising that you got pregnant with both IVF cycles. There are plenty of women who don't even get one + hCG test with multiple IVF cycles. It's hard for a doctor to not mention egg quality when the patient is 42 years old. It's very hard for doctors to see beyond your age. I'm sorry about this, but this is fertility medicine today.

I would recommend that you work with an acupuncturist and herbalist that is specializing in treating fertility issues. I find that most patients need between 3 - 6 months of treatment before they conceive. Other patients need up to a year of treatment.

I also find that saliva testing throughout your cycle is very helpful in diagnosing hormone imbalances. You can call the acupuncturists or chiropractors in your area and see if anyone is doing this testing. I'm finding more and more that the issue is not so much egg quality, but whether or not your hormones are interacting in a way that promotes the development of a dominant follicle. A dominant follicle is necessary for a successful pregnancy to occur.

In answer to your question about IUI and IVF, the stats are in support of IVF. More of the work is being done outside of your body and they are transferring an embryo back into your body. With IUI, there's always the question of whether or not the egg was fertilized and then we wonder about implantation. Of course, we wonder about implantation with IVF, as well.

I find with patients over 37 that don't respond well to fertility drugs, that balancing the hormones is key. Many times, women over 37 that couldn't conceive with ART (assisted reproductive technology) get pregnant naturally with acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle changes and good quality supplements. Best of luck to you!

Sending Baby Dust Your Way,
Amelia Hirota, D.Ac.

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