First Step - Clomid

When I visited the GP to discuss undergoing fertility treatment, he discussed making a referral to an assisted reproduction unit, but in the mean time he prescribed me a course of Clomiphene to see if this could trigger ovualtion. As soon as I was given the prescription, I thought - this is it - I will be pregnant by the end of the month. Because I didn't have a natural cycle and no period, first of all I had to take a drug called norethisterone to trigger a withdrawal bleed, then on days 3-7 of the cycle following the bleed I took the clomiphene. On day 21 I had to go for a blood test to check hormone levels and to see if I had ovulated. The two months that it took to complete the whole cycle and receive the results back felt like the longest two months of my life. I really don't think I appreciated or the GP appreciated the emotional strain such a seemingly simple 'trial' would have on me. Needless to say the results were dissapointing, and it appeared that I had not ovulated. So, the next step was to wait for the referral to the assisted conception unit. But it seemed that everytime I got some bad news, I transferred my hope and longing on to the next step.

The Journey to have a baby.

I always knew that I wanted  to have a baby, and wanted to try as soon as, if not before we got married. So, a few months before the wedding I went to see the GP. The GP told me to stop taking the dianette (pill) as in his eyes I had been on it far too long. I assumed that as soon as I stopped taking it miraculously - I might suddenly start a cycle and conceive. I even went as far as to do a pregnancy test every now and again. Was it naivety, desperation, longing. Whatever it was this was only the start of the journey for me. I don't think I can put into words how overwhelming the longing was. People may think it silly, selfish. I know over the course of the years I have read some very hurtful things about women who undergo IVF. But in my opinion, not only did I have a physical issue with trying to conceive, but the longing starts to cause emotional changes, and these in turn had an effect on my own life and put a terrible strain on my relationship.

Exciting Development in IVF treatment for women with PCOS

Natural Cycle IVF/M – A New Alternative approach to Conventional IVF Treatment

It is well documented that women with PCOS are at a much greater risk of developing PCOS.


The techniuque of IVM (in vitro maturation) has many benefits for women undergoing Natural IVF but particularly for those with PCOS. 


You can read more about the research here:

http://naturalandmildivf.blogspot.com/2010/10/natural-cycle-ivfm-new-alternative.html

One Stop Fertility Testing!

I suppose in some ways I could be seen as fortunate as I knew from a young age that I would need some sort of fertility treatment. Therefore, when we arrived at the point in our relationship when we wanted to try for a baby - I went to see the GP to start the ball rolling. For those who have been trying for a baby for a number of months to no avail may be interested in a clinic in West Wimbledon which provides a one stop fertility MOT. Basically you as a couple go to the clinic, the woman has an in depth scan (sometimes a blood test) and the man gives a sperm sample. After one hour the clinic is able to give you some idea of why if for any reason you have been having difficulty conceiving. I personally feel that it is a good first step, even for those who haven't been trying to conceive for that long, as if there are any major problems or minor ones that could benefit from some simple life style advice then these are highlighted early on.

http://www.createhealth.org/one-stop.htm

How to tell a new partner!

Where did I get to?

Okay - I have told you that I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 15. At that point I was a long way off thinking about starting a family. I went to an all girls school (not necessarily a reason I know), and did not really have a boyfriend until I was 20 years old. Well things did not really get that serious with him, but I did take the pill, and I suppose in some ways I felt quite self conscious of the fact.  Also by this point I had startied to show some of the other symptoms of PCOS -  such as spots around the mouth. I also used to have the most terrible mood swings. This led me to the decision to discuss my diagnosis with my new boyfriend. I did not feel that it was taken in any way other than a discussion about something I suffered with. Some of my friends thought that may be it would be taken the wrong way e.g. I want to have a baby with you! But it didn't seem to be. Anyway that relationship turned sour (very sour) and we parted.

About a year later I met someone else. I was now 21. I yet again thought about whether I should tell him, and made the decision to do so very early on in our relationship. He did not seem bothered -and did not run the other way. In my mind I felt that if someone would not accept me for what I am from the beginning then that is their problem. Now (10 years on) I think I would be more reserved about telling someone - so maybe it was my immaturity a bit.

This second relationship did not turn sour, and we were married when I was 24. Since marrying my husband, I asked him what he thought about me telling him so early on in our relationship - he said that he wasn't bothered, but wondered slightly why I was telling him! So, was I wrong to tell someone so early on - I don't think so - In my eyes, that is who I am, and it felt like a big part of my life.

PCOS on Wiki!

Thought some of my fellow PCOS sufferers might be interested to read what Wikipedia has to say!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome

What is PCOS?

I realised this morning that there may be some readers of this blog who do not know what PCOS is - so for those who don't, or who are interested in finding out a bit more about PCOS  - here is some information for you.

 

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the name given to a condition in which women with polycystic ovaries also have one or more additional symptoms. It was first ‘discovered’ in 1935 by Doctors Stein and Leventhal, so for many years it was known as the Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

 

The term polycystic ovaries describes ovaries that contain many small cysts (about twice as many as in normal ovaries), usually no bigger than 8 millimetres each, located just below the surface of the ovaries. These cysts are egg-containing follicles that have not developed properly due to a number of hormonal abnormalities.

 

Polycystic ovaries (PCO) are very common, affecting around 20 per cent of women. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is also very common, affecting 5–10 per cent of women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):

• affects millions of women in the UK and worldwide
• runs in families
• is one of the leading causes of fertility problems in women
• if not properly managed, can lead to additional health problems in later life
• can affect a woman’s appearance and self-esteem.

 

Although PCOS is treatable, it cannot be cured.