IVF INFORMATION

LINKS AND RESOURCES ON
INFERTILITY AND INVITRO
FERTILIZATION

Question:
My first pregnancy ended with preclampsia. I did well with my second even though I spent 11 weeks on bedrest. I delivered at 35 wks due to fluid reduction after 11 weeks of bedrest. Fearing this would happen again, I had my tubes tied but have regretted it ever sense. My doctor said IVF can be cheaper than tubal reversal. Any suggestions? I don't have lots of money sitting around but I just feel like our family isn't complete.

Judy S.
Georgia

Answer:
At age 39, I would first check for ovarian reserve to determine if you are likely to make high quality eggs that will result in pregnancy. This would likely involve measuring FSH, estradiol and inhibin on the third day of your menstrual cycle and rechecking the FSH on day 10 after clomiphene for five days (clomiphene challenge test). In addition, I would want to make certain your husband's semen analysis is normal.

IVF and microsurgery fallopian tube reversal cost about the same $12-13,000. The cumulative cycle start to take home baby success rate for IVF after three cycles would be about 25-35%. The result after tubal sterilization reversal after two years would be about the same. These less than encouraging results are primarily due to age related issues. Because time is of the essence for you at age 39, I would recommend you consider IVF rather without delay.