IVF or continue naturally?
34F. We started trying in early 2025 when I was 32 and conceived our first planned pregnancy on the first cycle, but unfortunately had a TFMR around 13 weeks for severe CDH. During that pregnancy we discovered a complete uterine septum, and I later had 3 hysteroscopic resections. There’s still a small residual septum, but both REs recommend leaving it alone.
We’ve now had 6 well-timed cycles without another pregnancy. I ovulate regularly, tubes are open, semen analysis is reassuring, and AFC is around 8–9. My RE does not think I’m infertile and thinks natural pregnancy is still very possible.
We definitely want two kids. The decision is whether to keep trying naturally now or pause for IVF mainly to bank embryos for baby #2 while I’m 34, since retrieval may be harder at 36–37 after pregnancy/recovery. IVF is covered through my employer, so cost isn’t the main factor.
For anyone who faced a similar “IVF for future family planning, not because you currently can’t conceive” decision, what helped you decide? Any hindsight you wish you’d had?