I Am 43 Is It Possible To Conceive Naturally? I
My GP says I need not worry and in time I should conceive naturally. Here are results of day 3 bloods I had done recently.
HCG <2U/L
LH Level 4 U/L
FSH 5.5 U/L
These results mean nothing to me but you may understand them for me.
The blood tests are normal, so you may conceive naturally- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Fertility gradually reduces after 35 years of age but this does not mean women over 35 years of age do not conceive. It may take longer for some women but as long as they have regular menstrual cycles they are likely to conceive.
In your case, the tests show that you are not pregnant and you are not in menopause either. So, you do have chances to conceive.
I would recommend you to have regular intercourse every other day to increase the chance of conception.
If you have regular intercourse and you are not conceiving in a 6 month period then some other tests may be indicated such as TSH and FT4 (to check the thyroid function), prolactin, progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, etc. Semen analysis and hysterosalpingogram may be needed if the above tests come out normal.
To conclude:
- fertility reduces with age, this means women may take longer to conceive
- you have normal test results, thus you are not in menopause and you may ovulate
- to better determine if you are ovulating or not you may use natural methods (by monitoring your basal body temperature and the secretions) or check LH in the urine around expected ovulation time (these are similar to urinary pregnancy tests but check ovulation). Another way is to check progesterone levels in the blood a week before the expected day of the next menstrual period)
- if you are not ovulating or you have regular intercourse and not conceiving in 6 months, some more tests may be indicated (as explained above)
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
You do stand good chances to conceive- further details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
If ovulation tests show that you are ovulating, you do stand a good chance to conceive.
On the other hand, semen quality and the passage of your fallopian tubes are also important for conception to happen. So, if you are not conceiving in 6 months of regular unprotected intercourse then tests such as semen analysis (to check the sperm quality) and hysterosalpingogram (to check the patency of your fallopian tubes) are recommended.
Generally, there is a 66% chance you will conceive in 6 months and 90% chance you will conceive in a year.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
The numbers mentioned are general statistics that may apply in your case
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
The percentage I mentioned above are general statistics. They can apply in your case as well.
If you are ovulating and the semen analysis is normal then you do have good chances of pregnancy.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician