ivf risks for over 40s

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naghee1972
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by naghee1972 on Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:29 am

ivf risks for over 40s

What are the risks of taking drugs at the age of 42 for ivf treatment?

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Dr Sarah Gray
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by Dr Sarah Gray on Sun Mar 10, 2013 12:18 pm

Re: ivf risks for over 40s

The decision to take any drug should always be made on an informed basis having weighed by the relative risk and benefits. IVF is not without risk but how that applies to you will depend on your own health and age is just one of many factors. If you are otherwise well the risk may well be acceptable but you have to consider that that the chance of success reduces as you get older. You will need specialist advice.
Dr Sarah Gray
Primary Care Lead for NHS Cornwall for Women's Health and Cancer

naghee1972
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Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:20 am
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by naghee1972 on Sun Mar 10, 2013 11:04 pm

Re: ivf risks for over 40s

Thank you Dr Gray. I have seen a specialist and all the screening test and hormone and blood tests are normal with AMH level of 10.5. I have been given the contraceptive pill to start from day 1 of the cycle and hope to start the treatment thereafter, I am concerned about taking the pill at the age of 42, my bmi is 23.6 and in general good health. Given good history, long protocol was recommended whereas considering my age I was expecting a short protocol, what would be the right protocol for someone like me?

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Dr James Thompson
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by Dr James Thompson on Sat May 11, 2013 1:34 pm

Re: ivf risks for over 40s

Hi,

Following on from what Dr Gray had to say every drug or procedure will have risk attached. How your risk changes will depend on your health, underlying conditions, family history etc and therefore it is difficult to calculate or compare to others.

From my understanding you will not be on the contraceptive pill for very long so the risk of complications/cancer attached to this will be minimal.

I am not really in a position to rationalise why your fertility specialist has chosen the long protocol for you but they are likely to have their reasons. If you are concerned about the decision that they have made I would suggest that you simply raise the question with them. They should be more than happy to explain their reasons and hopefully be able to reassure you in the process.

Good luck!

Dr James Thompson
www.askdocjames.com
Dr James Thompson

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