I am praying for some help from my genetics and from science, plus God...

I just received this email.

Dear Doctor Malpani,
I have been reading many of the articles on your site and found them very helpful.
My husband had a vasectomy during his first marriage, 17 years ago. I have wanted children my whole life. I found him later in life. I am now 41. Can you help us to have a baby ? My Mom had my little brother at 40, and her sister had a son at 42. I am praying for some help from my genetics and from science, plus God...
Many thanks,

This is what makes being an IVF specialist so gratifying - we have the chance to positively impact people's life so effectively.

I really like her last line . Patients need to have realistic expectations - and the success of an IVF cycles depends upon many factors, including:
science
genetics ( what I call the patient's protoplasm)
God ( or luck or Mother Nature , depending upon your religious views !)

Unfortunately, there is little any of us can do to influence the last two, which is why we have to make the best use of science to maximise the chances of success. And while the outcome may always be uncertain, at least we have peace of mind we tried our best !