question

im 32 years old. im not planning on having kids for at least 4 years. i only recently started thinking that i may need to be proactive about a pregnancy after 35. is freezing embryos something that is done 'just in case?' im seeing my gyn this week and ill bring it up there, but i was just curious what peoples' experiences have been. TIA

ETA: (from my post further down)
also, is it easier for people over 35 these days? i know a lot has changed. a lot more people are waiting. i happen to be very healthy and great physicaly condition, but does that really matter in the grnad scheme of things?

Message edited 8/20/2009 12:11:22 PM.

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I don't know how often this is done, but in retrospect, it's something I wish I had done before 30.

Message edited 8/20/2009 8:14:54 AM.

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This is a very smart move.. And a good place to be asking.. Look into this

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Posted by dilb712

This is a very smart move.. And a good place to be asking.. Look into this

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4 years...

Though the time does increase your chance of having issues, I know too many people who had no problem having kids at 36....unless, of course, you are going to be getting a medical treatment, ect which may interfere.

I'd go see an RE. An option may be monitoring your FSH count. Freezing embryos will be quite the process (and very expensive). Have no clue if it covered by med. insurance.

Honestly, don't wait too long. I had to (career), and now I really wish I didn't... though it may not have changed a thing.

And...my last point is that selfish me would want the kid to come out without any syndromes, ect... and this rate does truly increase with age of both mother & now they believe father.

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thanks for your responses ill look in to at the doc..cant hurt to ask.

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They have recently invented a great method for freezing eggs called vitrification. The thaw rate is better than anything else they had previously, though nothing is 100%. It might be worth checking into. I wish I had done this earlier in life. I never thought I'd have problems and now that I am 41 we have had to move onto Donor Eggs.

I have no idea the money involved in this. But, I know that SIRM and New Hope Fertility in NYC are using this method. Not sure about anyone on the Island. I think Cornell was supposed to start this during this summer, but no confirmation on that. It's still very new. But, I haven't heard of anyone specifically freezing their own eggs for future use. But, if can be done.

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this is interesting beth-ann.

im curious...what IS the actualy process of freezing?

also, is it easier for people over 35 these days? i know a lot has changed. a lot more people are waiting. i happen to be very healthy and great physicaly condition, but does that really matter in the grnad scheme of things?

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I hate to even say this. But, your health has nothing to do with the health of your reproductive system. Its in its own little world (so to speak). I have been a health nut and workout maniac since I can remember. I was a gymnast and at 17 I joined my first gym. But, of course it doesn't hurt you, to be healthy. I also tried every herb, supplement, and voodoo thing I could find. It did make a difference in my last cycle, but it was too late for me at that point.

Vitrification works by flash (quick) freezing method. So, that no ice crystals form in the process. Which would damage the eggs or emby's. Its the future of the industry and will be widely used very soon.

Just do a search and maybe you will find something local.

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I regret waiting. Yes there are medical advances but your eggs age every single day.

Freezing is an option for sure but I have no idea about cost.

I asked my doc about waiting and he didn't give me good info. I was 37 and he told me when you're ready start trying.

Bad advice. I wish someone would have shaken me and told me not to wait and given me the cold hard reality of my fertility.

At age 42 now I see a RE already had a miscarriage and will probably end up going through some pretty advances procedures to get pregnant. Even with all of the medical technology, my chances are only about 18% in any given month.

Something will always get in the way of starting a family. I wish I knew then what I know now.

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Unfortunately your health and fitness level has not got that much bearing on your fertility. We got married at 37, took a couple of years to get everything perfect for a family and we started TTC when I hit 40. A year and 2 miscarriages later and I'm heading to IVF. I always get excellent results on my annual physical and feel like a 20 year old My RE said there is no way my eggs would be the same now as they were 10 years ago.

I would talk to your ob/gyn and see what they recommend.

Also, are you talking about freezing embryos or eggs? My friend had her eggs frozen 4 years ago and that does not have the same successful results that you get with freezing embryos.

ETA: My friend paid $20,000 for the first round and $15,000 for the second at a NYC clinic.

Message edited 8/20/2009 1:46:44 PM.

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Wow!!! 35K. that's a lot. Guess it makes sense.

True & Very sad about the lack of other health problems having no control over fertility.

I WISH I had an identified fixable problem... like weight loss...but I don't even catch colds often (hubby seems to think I am immune to everything...including sperm!).

It's terrible to know that sometimes, you just aren't in control.

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I think the girls already gave some great advice. You have to remember it's not just about getting pregnant at that point. Over 35 means you're considered advanced maternal age and your risk of trisomies and other chromosomal abnormaltities goes up considerably. Best of luck to you

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Just to give you another perspective - I started to TTC when I was 27. I was healthy, in shape, always had regular periods, and generally had no real health issues.

Things did not work out as planned and I started seeing an RE last July. My RE believes that I have egg quality issues - even though I am in my 20s. I underwent 5 IUIs that were all unsuccessful and the last one resulted in a pregnancy that I miscarried. The baby had an extra set of chromosomes that was caused by an egg quality issues.

I then underwent IVF (my diary is posted on this board) and to be honest, I did not have a really good responsse. I had 2 good embryos to transfer (none to freeze). While I was pg with twins, I did lose one of them
However, I am 15.5 weeks pg with one and doing well.

So I guess the point of my story is that age and your health doesn't always mean anything. I am in my 20s and have egg quality issues. And while it may seen harsh and unfair, age does have an impact on a woman's fertility. The bottom line is that our eggs don't get any better with age!! I would make an appointment for a consult.

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Is there a reason why you think you will have trouble TTC? Granted pretty much no one at the beginning expects to have problems, and I applaud your wanting to be proactive, but I think you are putting the cart before the horse if you don't know of any problems.

Plenty of people get pg easily after age 35 - most don't end up on this board.

Best of luck to you. See what your OB says.

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thanks everyone.

and yes jen, i kind of agree with you. i guess i sometimes get this feeling of worry...but i have no other justifiable reason for me individually.

going to ask more at the doc.

thanks again everyone!

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Just wanted to add that I was also always very healthy and fit and although I feel like I'm in my 20's the reality is I'm 38 and I've been trying for over 4 years.
I never thought I'd have a problem getting pg.