Q about age, eggs and O

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Q about age, eggs and O
5
Tue, 09-16-2003 - 3:02pm
I haven't O'd since April, due to a lost pg. I'm now in my first cycle, day 6. I'm charting my temps, plus I'm going to start using a OPK on about day 10. I'm not sure what they measure exactly, so my first question is: will I only get a positive if I truely ovulate?

Also, I was told once that older women (I'm 43) are likely to release more eggs as they approach menopause because the body is getting rid of them. That's why twins are a higher probability as we age. It's also why MC rates are higher, because these eggs are 'old' and therefore may be genetically damaged. Has anyone else heard this?

Barb

"Maybe our bodies sim

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
Tue, 09-16-2003 - 3:31pm
Yes, unfortunaetly, I have heard that. I dont know that it is true, but it does make sense.

I dont know about the OPK thing, I havent ever used one.

Katie


Married to highschool sweetheart since 8-12-02


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2003
Tue, 09-16-2003 - 3:47pm
Hi Barb! I have heard the old egg theory, but not the getting rid of them theory.....could be true...hmm....

As far as OPK use, they detect the LH surge that stimulates the release of the matured egg. If you get a true positive OPK ( where the line is the same or darker than the test line) it means you are having the surge and releasing the egg. Now, it doesn't mean your egg is a great egg, but yes, you are releasing it.

GL to you!!!!!!

Tara

 

 Tara~ co-cl of Pregnant after TTC

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-05-2003
Tue, 09-16-2003 - 4:07pm


A positive OPK indicates the LH surge that triggers ovulation, but it doesn't guarantee that you will ovulate. You generally O 12-48 hours after the + OPK (24-36 average). I think the only way to confirm ovulation (without the doctor) is to chart your temperatures. Your basal body temperature should increase noticeable AFTER you ovulate. If you use OPK too, this should happen within a few days of the + OPK. If you don't get + OPKs or don't see a temp rise on your chart, I would see a doctor immediately based on your age. This could indicate that you aren't ovulating regularly. I would go to Fertilityfriend.com and read their fertility handbook. Its excellent. They also have free charting online.

I have heard the old egg theory and the increase in multiples. But plenty of women in their 40s get pregnant and have healthy babies. I would speak to the doctor now though to see if there are things you should be doing to increase your chances. Definitely make sure you are taking a good multivitamin, preferably a prenatal.

Good Luck!

Vicki

Avatar for bethanees
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-17-2003
Tue, 09-16-2003 - 4:17pm
Hi Barb,

I don't have an answer for the OPK as I have not used them yet... but I do have answers for the other question.

I'm sorry to say that what you heard is indeed true. As we age, what eggs are left in us have aged, just as we have. They are much more likely to have chromosonal defects in them - 1/44 births to women 40 and over will have Downs - which is not a bad thing at all! What amazing little children! Also our bodies, after 35 try to "jump-start" the ovulation process (because our bodies begin to sparatically stop O'ing.) So when there is a strong enough LH surge, our bodies will release (ovulate) more than one egg.

Here is a link with some VERY helpful info... I hope it helps you out a little.

http://www.asrm.org/Patients/patientbooklets/agefertility.pdf

Bethanee TTC#3 c2 cd23 10dpo

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 09-16-2003 - 4:21pm
Hmmmm....I've never heard of increased chance of multiples the older women are. That's very interesting. I do know that the chances of having a child with Down or some other chromosomal abnormality increases with maternal age. As women age, they tend to have more problems with abnormal egg divisions.....hence chromosome problems.

Heather

heatherfamilysig.jpg