I just turned 20, and I can’t help but feel like I’m way too young to have all these big decisions and responsibilities thrown at me. Is anyone else going through a quarter-life crisis of sorts? It’s like I’m simultaneously expected to have it all figured out and yet still considered a kid by many. How do you cope with feeling too young to handle it all? Let’s chat and share our experiences.
Starting at 25 and not anticipating needing intervention, I wish I had started sooner. I began treatment at 27, which seems to be a common experience. The waiting and uncertainties of IVF make time feel limited, unless things go perfectly the first time. Feel empowered with the resources, finances, and emotional strength to go through this challenging process. Waiting is tough, but you have what it takes to persevere.
I began my fertility journey at 22 and spent years advocating for myself to doctors who doubted me. Looking back, I wish I had pushed harder for IVF treatment in my mid 20s. Despite still trying for a baby 10 years later, I realize now that pursuing IVF was not crazy. Trust your instincts and don’t let others discourage you because of your age. Take the chance if you feel it’s necessary.
Yes, I tried my first IVF cycle at 24, which unfortunately failed due to male factor infertility. Now at 25, I am preparing to try again in a few months. It can be a lonely journey.
I have dedicated a large portion of my twenties to trying to conceive, and now at 29 and a half, I am left with only one embryo. My husband and I are determined to take back control of our lives in our thirties, regardless of what happens with this embryo. In my opinion, age is not a determining factor for when to start a family as everyone has their own timeline. However, be prepared for potential snide remarks and be ready to address or disregard them.
It’s a good idea to freeze your eggs at a young age, you’ll thank yourself later.
The ideal age to start a family is a personal decision that can be influenced by various factors such as health, relationships, and cultural norms. It is important to wait until you are emotionally and financially ready to become a parent, regardless of societal expectations. This group is here to support mothers in need of assistance on their journey to motherhood, no matter when they choose to start.
I went to the urologist yesterday and he mentioned that the younger your eggs are with IVF, the better success you’ll have. I’m 26 and he warned against delaying our decision about MTESE. It’s interesting that they usually advise people my age to try for a year before seeking intervention, but my doctor sent my husband for a SA due to my PCOS. My friend in her 30s didn’t face age concerns with her recent retrieval. It seems like I’m too young to be worried about this, but for us, it’s either IVF + MTESE or IVF + donor sperm; IUI and donor sperm aren’t viable options.
Starting IVF at 40, I am always amazed by the young women in this sub in their 20s! It’s tough and draining, and I doubt that my 25-year-old self could have handled IVF. I was probably still socializing at bars and eating Taco Bell at midnight. I admire the determination and patience of all of you going through this experience. This journey will shape you in ways that others may not understand. I’m grateful for this community and wish you all the best of luck! 
Honestly, I wish we had begun trying to conceive earlier. I am now 30 and have been trying since I was 25 with no success so far.
At 24, my partner and I decided to undergo IVF. Despite obstacles such as insurance delays and work commitments, we completed our first retrieval right before my 26th birthday, followed by a second retrieval six months later. It seems uncommon for those in this community to undergo IVF at my age, as I often see more people my age in the egg freezing sub. I sometimes feel like the outlier.
At 37, I feel caught between feeling too young and too old for this situation. I thought of myself as healthy and fertile, but now entering into an ‘advanced maternal age’ pregnancy makes me question if I should have started earlier.
I had always anticipated undergoing IVF due to my partner’s fertility issue. However, when I consulted my husband’s doctors, they assured me that my youth would not be a hindrance. But my first round of testing at 27 revealed results similar to a 43-year-old’s. Looking back, I realize we should have started testing earlier, as I feel we began too late.
It’s rare for anyone to regret beginning early; the likelihood of success is greater when you’re younger. In your 20s, time and biology are in your favor.
I wish I had started my IVF journey earlier. A successful cycle but 3 painful years trying for baby #2. My advice: freeze your eggs in your early 30s! Good luck!
My husband and I began trying to conceive when I was 22 and he was 23, after getting married at 21/22. It took us four years, and I always felt like the youngest patient at my clinic. Despite my age, I do not feel too young and am grateful we started trying when we did, as infertility can affect anyone regardless of age.
I have moments when I do and moments when I don’t. After 4 years of trying, we recently did IVF. Despite being young compared to my friends, I am the youngest cousin and all my family members have started their own families. I often feel like no one truly understands our journey.
At 28 years old as a female, I don’t feel too young. Even though a stage 4 endo diagnosis wasn’t planned, I see it as the next logical step. I am grateful for discovering this at my age instead of later when there could be additional complications.
Starting treatment at 27, I wish I had begun even sooner at 25. The waiting and uncertainties of IVF make you realize you never have enough time. It’s tough, but don’t feel strange - feel empowered by your resources, finances, and emotional strength to see it through. Waiting can feel like wasted time, but it’s all part of the process.
Looking back on my fertility journey that began at 22, it took years to convince doctors of my struggles. I wish I had told my younger self that pursuing IVF in my mid-20s was not crazy. Now, a decade later, I am still trying for a baby and wish I had advocated more. If you believe IVF is your best option, don’t let anyone discourage you, even if you’re young.