TTC over 12 months, what is going on? Possible PCOS? Pls help

@liveinhope - cough syrup?? Is this some weird trick I don’t know about?!

I also was wrongly diagnosed with PCOS a few years ago - diagnosis now revoked, and had a polyp removed last October, which completely messed with being able to see any kind of pattern with my cycle

I have really irregular cycles, anything from 27-42 days is “normal” for me, so we found it really difficult to plan when to dtd and I found that the lack of control I had over the situation was making me quite stressed and I felt like a failure because I had no idea what was going on. I researched a couple of different options and eventually decided that it wasn’t admitting defeat to get help so I ordered the OvuSense sensor and it has made things SO much better, it’s so easy to use and tells you clearly when you are ovulating, so now I don’t have to worry about trying to analyse every little thing or remember to do OPKs at specific times because it’s all taken care of. It’s quite expensive but there always seem to be offer codes available, and it has made me so much more relaxed about the whole thing.

Sorry that should say sperm count.

@liveinhope100 has your partner been checked as well? Both sleep count and DNA damage?
Most couples fall pregnant by the 24 months. Not what you want to hear I know. I am in the identical boat as you. I have PCO but apparently it’s quite common (25% of fecund age women) and most women don’t even know it and it’s a year and a half for us now. 😔 our BFP is coming.

@chezels usually metformin is prescribed to manage weight and to induce ovulation. Typically those who have PCOS remain on metformin for the rest of their lives regardless of conception. It’s an important step in the prevention of diabetes as of weight loss, healthy diet, and exercise. PCOS is a metabolic disease that impacts fertility but first and foremost, a metabolic disease.

@cheezels - you can get pregnant just on clomid, but clomid has shown to be slightly more effective in trials if metformin has been taken for 3-6 months before starting clomid in women with PCOS.

My recent transvaginal ultrasound showed polycystic ovaries but my bloods were normal and I have no other features of PCOS. I’ve been referred to gynae, and my husband and I to the fertility clinic (we’ve been ttc our first for 15 months, we’re both in our 30s.

@liveinhope100

Hey, I have also been diagnosed with PCO but not PCOS (confirmed via blood test and sugar test). Prior to going on the pill many many years ago I've always had a regular period.

I've been told by my OBGYN that it shouldn't be any problems for me to conceive (I'm 35 though so worried anyway).

My follicular phase is very long though and luteal phase short, but hopefully can conceive without any help. I'm TTC cycle 2 at the moment.

@Dinosauraddict do you know by chance, say I have pcos and I go on clomid, can I still get pregnant or do you need to be on metformin too?

Clomid is often prescribed for unexplained infertility as well as it’s just that extra boost, not only PCOS.

@Explorers - The scan will probably be a transvaginal scan. If you’re interested and they’re not rushed off their feet then it’s fascinating as they show you your ovaries from all angles. My PCOS has been diagnosed 3 ways (blood tests, transvaginal scan and laparoscopy - the latter wasn’t needed for actual diagnosis though) and I am on metformin.

Thank you for your comments. Sorry still in such shock to process this news. I had blood results back about testerone and androgens being high and therefore go has referred me to have a scan to check for pcos.

Speak with your Gp. Maybe they could explain your scan results better.

If you have had a blood test for pcos and it's came back that you don't have it then you don't have polycystic ovary syndrome. There's a difference between having polycystic ovaries and having polycystic ovary syndrome. I have one polycystic ovary but do not have pcos. Very confusing. But as far as I have been told that alone would not affect my ability to conceive.

Sorry @liveinhope100 should be tagged not Dinosauraddict

@Dinosauraddict did you have your tubes checked with an HSG? Usually they only prescribe an ovulatory medication if they know the tubes are clear. Have you had your TSH tested? Many times hypothyroid can cause your ovaries to present as polycystic.

@explorers10 there is such a thing as „thin PCOS“ but it’s less common as it is a metabolic disorder. The only way to know for sure is with a day 3 hormone panel and an ultrasound. Diagnosis usually is only after both are confirmed and your FSH is at least 3 times of your LH. The normal treatment is metformin and weight loss if your BMI is over 23.

@dinosauraddict

Can you explain a bit more about pcos. Have you been prescribed something to help conceive? My gp said I have high testerone and androgens so has referred me to a scan to check if I have pcos. She was really confused as she said I’m not overweight and have no facial hair. Im really devastated as I conceived my 1st on 1st cycle with no issues and to be told this I’m still in shock

I would guess the next step would be blood tests to see if you’re ovulating. Personally, the PCOS means that I don’t, but many people with polycystic ovaries do, or at least most cycles.

I have actual PCOS (not just polycystic ovaries) and in the last few cycles the length has varied between 20 days and 53 days. I also get a lot of excess hair (neck/chest/face etc) among other things. It’s uncommon to have PCOS without other (quite telling) symptoms - and the blood tests should tell you one way or the other.

My fertility specialist said 25% of women have ovaries that present as polcycystic and it’s not an issue. You now must have both hormonal panels where the FSH is at least 3 times that of the LH AND ovaries that present on ultrasound as polycystic. If you are not struggling with annovulation and/or amenorrhea/extremely irregular cycles over 45 days, they are hesitant to diagnose.