OB/GYN visit today

So I went for my annual physical today and my first exam since TTC and I learned a few things. Some of them upset me and some of them didnt.

First, the doc gave me a tidbit of information that was rather unsettling. He said a normal, healthy couple only stands about a 10% chance of conceving in each cycle and that is under the best of conditions. So I am thinking even if I decided to chart and temp and stand on my head after sex while I ovulate with EWCM, it is still only a 10% chance that it could happen. So I asked him about my age (35) and he said that my percentage is even lower (Im guessing I would drop fewer eggs). So that info really just bummed me out.

OK so now he knows I am 35 and he hands me a piece of paper. MAMMOGRAM TIME! Yippee - can you feel my excitement? Man I felt like an old fart today. He said to make an appointment and if I get my next period, go get the mammogram. If I dont, come in for a pregnancy test. He wrote an Rx for pre-natals and I was off.

He really said that there was no reason to think that I couldnt conceive considering that my mom and sister basically had to breathe and they were pregnant. So he looked at me and said "Keep breathing!"

I felt really blue after this. I am not hung up on age as a rule. But now I feel as if the whole process is going to be more work when it shouldnt and my anxieties are even more heightened.

Re: OB/GYN visit today

Last night on the phone my mom said to me, "Well, in a little more than five years you'll be 40!" I was like, Thanks Mom. I know that aging is a gift and 40 is not old but I wasn't ready for it to be put out there like that!

Anyway, LOTS of women get pregnant after 35, some with help but lots without. I know that those stats can be very depressing, but it makes me wonder WHY there are so many pregnant women around, many over 35, if the odds are so slim? I really think your chances are good. And I also would guess that a woman of 35 who takes excellent care of her body will stand a much better chance than a 25 year old who abuses hers. At least, I hope!

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We have to be hopeful, I am 35 too and even if you are younger this whole process is crazy.

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I suppose you are both right. I cant worry until and unless I have been trying for a significant period of time. But I DO get miffed (and yes sometimes jealous) every time I hear when a teenager gets pregnant because of hers or her partner's carelessness. I know so many older couples who have all the means possible to take care of a child and cannot conceive. They go to great expense and heartache to be parents. Lets just hope we dont have to wait too long!

Message edited 7/17/2006 7:31:04 PM.

Re: OB/GYN visit today

dont get bummed! Many girls in their 30s get pregnant. I think the percentage is lower when you begin ttc and then by the end of the yr its like 75 percent. I would keep up on the prenatals if you arent already and dont stress. Take a long relaxing weekend away. Usually when you least expect it...surprise...it happens! Good Luck to you!

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I can't believe there is only a 10% chance of getting pregnant during a cycle? I can see why that could upset you. But at the same token, I know plenty of people who get pregnant within the first few months of TTC, I only hope I am that lucky as well.

Good luck and don't let the dr. get you down. Just have fun and keep working at it!

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Yeah but I believe it because for every one of the ladies that gets pregnant, there are many who dont. I cant let it get me down though. It is just THAT type of "pressure" that makes women nervous.

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10% sounds super low to me. I found this on the Taking Charge of Your Fertility website, maybe it will give you a bit more hope:


What are your chances of conceiving in any given cycle?

It is believed that the average fertile couple has about a 25% chance of conceiving for any given cycle, depending on their age, frequency of intercourse, and numerous other factors. Of course, if couples are taught precisely when to time intercourse based on when the woman is most fertile, those odds can be greatly increased.

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My Doctor said 15% each month and that is a totally healthy couple... I was devastated when I heard it... so scary!!!! Then she added, if you think about it, it is a miracle that it happens at all.... which is so true.... but not very comforting when TTC!!!!

Re: OB/GYN visit today

Leslile, please don't let this discourage you. You won't know until next month and the month after that, etc. There are people here who are perfectly healthy, with no problems and it still takes them a while. Hang in there.

As for the mamo...don't feel like an old far. I am 25 and my dr. has been sending me for them for 2 years. He said he would rather be safe than sorry.