Some more questions

[Lavender126]

Just following back on my previous thread. Well I am going to see the doctor this weekend. Just want to know some short forms that you'll use here. What is "BMS"? I think TTC means trying to conceive! Whats BFP? .. OPK? What are the things to ask I mean like LH , HCG and what are the levels that shoud be adequate in order for pregnancy to occur? Do you think that it is quite possible for a 42 year old to conceive using the IUI? Should we be optimistic? I know that it is like a 10 % success.

[jessica]

Hi lavender!

At the top of the page there is a link for "acronyms", I'm sure you will find that helpful!

bms- baby making sex
bfp- big fat positive
bfn- big fat neg
opk- ovulation predictor kit
ttc- you guessed it! trying to conceive!

I'm sure one of the wonderful ladies will answer the rest of your questions, GOOD LUCK!

[BC-DKNY]

hi lavender......let's see...

BMS = baby making sex
BFP = big fat positive
OPK = ovulation prediction kit

you got TTC correct! WTG! (way to go) you get a gold star! although we use many abbreviations we've conjured up along the way, there's a list at the top of the screen and if you click on 'acronyms' you'll find a list of many of the universal abbreviations. ask about any of the the ones that aren't listed...will be glad to help you along.

also, if you look on the first page, you'll see a pinned thread about useful info and links. you'll find a lot of helpful info there too.

the following is a link to a chart or normal hormone levels:

http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/hormonelevels.html

the levels (such as LH) fluctuate and are expected to fall into a certain range on certain CD's (cycle days)

on the same site (which is a great site BTW - by the way) there are lists for beta #'s, which are the levels of HCG that are typically present during the first few days and weeks of pg. i honesstly don't remember the exact number for beta's, but i think anything under an 8 is considered to be an unviable pg. if someone else has info on this please jump in.

as for getting pg at 42...there are a lot of variables. if you're 42 with a low FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) your chances are much better than someone with a high level. FSH is used to determine the amount of egg supply you have left and the condition of your eggs. many doctors will not even treat a woman for IF (using her own eggs) if her FSH is 12 or above. some will treat up to a 17 FSH level.

here's an idea of normal levels: FSH is often used as a gauge of ovarian reserve. In general, under 6 is excellent, 6-9 is good, 9-10 fair, 10-13 diminished reserve, 13+ very hard to stimulate. In PCOS testing, the LH:FSH ratio may be used in the diagnosis. The ratio is usually close to 1:1, but if the LH is higher, it is one possible indication of PCOS.

i'm assuming your DW has had this tested already. this test is drawn on CD 3 B/W (blood work) and is one of the first things they do. easy and non invasive. if you don't know what your DW's levels are, ask your doctor for a copy of the B/W. i'm sure he'll gladly give it to you and it will give you an idea of what you're dealing with.

this website is chock full of women who've conceived their babies, (be it 1st or subsequent) in their early 40's. some have been able to accomplish this on their own, using their eggs and their dh's sperm, and some have used donor eggs and/or donor sperm.

i think the most important thing at this point is to feel confident that your doctor is treating you both as aggressively as possible due to the age factor.

when i was TTC my ds (darling son) i was dealing with secondary IF (meaning i'd been pg and given birth before but was unable to acheive a pg on my own again after a couple of years of trying) while TTC my son. my OB/gyn was so aggressive about treating us (i was 37 and had been trying for 2 1/2 years) that she ordered whatever test could be done as quickly as possible. meaning she completely strayed form the typical testing protocol, and gave me tests completely out of order according to what CD was closest. at 38 i was labeled as "advanced maternal age," a very UGLY term to use on a woman trying to get pg. i became pg just 4 mos shy of my 39th b-day.

so the point i'm long in getting to (sorry) is that you want to make sure your doc is sympathetic to your cause and takes a personal interest in getting you pg in the quickest possible fashion.

question your doctor about DW's hormone levels, your SA (sperm analysis) results, how many IUI's he attemps before moving onto the next step is. what his next step is, whether it's IUI with meds, or IVF. monetary issues and insurance issues. some insurance co's do not cover fertility treatments.

i know you said you had basic testing. you didn't specify, but you can ask what other tests might need to be done (that you might not have had) before moving onto the next step.

that's pretty much all i can think of at the moment.

i think if you both have mother nature on your side, and a good doctor, you should be hopeful. i wish you both the best and would love an update after your doc appt!! best wishes

[BC-Maura]

Hi: I can't add anything to Dina's response other than, GOOD LUCK and let us know how the doctor's office turns out this weekend! Oh and I recommend bringing your questions with you on paper... that way you won't forget them while you're in there (I find my mind goes blank when I'm sitting in someone's office!).

All the best and keep us posted++++++++++
Maura