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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

TTC - PCOS and Low Motility

30 replies

Lils93 · 05/07/2023 16:57

Hi all,

I'm new here! I'm not really sure where to start and feel like I'm about to off-load my life story, so my apologies in advance!

Myself and my partner (both nearly 30yo) have been TTC now for 9 months now (which I appreciate isn't the end of the world given people try for much longer). However, we have the following hurdles and are currently in the process of a referral to see a fertility specialist:

PCOS:
Diagnosed 10 years ago through blood tests and pelvic scans, I've been on Metformin ever since
I use the Clearblue digital OPKs which do show a spike each month/suggesting that I am ovulating (I also get egg white CM)
Most recent blood tests were all normal - I think the Metformin has been working! (tested LH/FSH/E2)

Suspected Endometriosis:
Ongoing pains in my pelvis, specifically on the left side
Pelvic scan suggested that the left ovary is 'stuck' to the lining of my womb (pelvic adhesions)
I was referred to a gynaecologist who advised against having surgery to cut the adhesions as they'd most likely grow back by forming scar tissue and will interrupt TTC

Semen Analysis:
My partner's sample showed that the amount of sperm is normal but the motility is low at 36%
The results also showed that some of the sperm is misshapen

Frenulum tear:
2 months ago, my partner experienced a frenulum tear during my fertile period (worst possible timing)
He's now experiencing pain during intercourse, adding more pressure and making this feel like an impossible mission (we took a break for a while, but he's determined to carry on)

Has anyone else experienced a combination of the above issues and been able to conceive naturally? I'm beginning to feel like IVF may be the solution we will be given.

Also, slight tangent, but we're discussing holding off starting IVF until we get married (nothing set, but if we're told IVF is our only hope, we'd have something a bit 'shot gun' within the next 6 months). Does this just seem like a waste of time/would it be best to just concentrate on have a baby first given our age etc.?

I feel a bit conflicted but also don't want to 'rush' into the IVF as it almost seems like the last resort....

Any thoughts/advise welcome. Thank you! 🙂

OP posts:
waitingforourmiracle · 05/01/2024 13:34

@Englishrose35 I have PCOS and my partner has a low count and low morphology, if you haven't already I'd get the ball rolling with the doctors as the wait times can be horrendous! We're 2 years in and just about to start our first round of IVF in the upcoming weeks. We were advised due more the male factor side IVF. This may not be the case for yourself but I would definitely get speaking to your GP x

Original poster
Lils93 · 05/01/2024 13:33

Englishrose35 · 05/01/2024 12:58

Hi - I know this is an older thread but wondering how you got on??
We are in a similar boat: 35, TTC for 6-months. I have PCOS but ovulate (positive clear blue OPK and mucus) with possible endometriosis (awaiting repeat scan).
Husband also has borderline motility.

Thanks and would be good to hear how you are getting on.

Show quote history

Hi @Englishrose35, thanks for you message.

Unfortunately I don't have much news, we are now on month 15 TTC.

My partner has a repeat semen analysis test in two weeks, once we have the results for this we will be referred to the assisted conception unit to discuss our options.

I'm continuing to take Metformin the PCOS and still seem to ovulate each month (positive OPKs and mucus too). The only option I was given re the endometriosis was to have surgery on the adhesions, but we decided against this as it may not drastically improve our chances of conceiving naturally and will disrupt TTC.

Thanks and wishing you the best!

OP posts:
Englishrose35 · 05/01/2024 12:58

Lils93 · 05/07/2023 16:57

Hi all,

I'm new here! I'm not really sure where to start and feel like I'm about to off-load my life story, so my apologies in advance!

Myself and my partner (both nearly 30yo) have been TTC now for 9 months now (which I appreciate isn't the end of the world given people try for much longer). However, we have the following hurdles and are currently in the process of a referral to see a fertility specialist:

PCOS:
Diagnosed 10 years ago through blood tests and pelvic scans, I've been on Metformin ever since
I use the Clearblue digital OPKs which do show a spike each month/suggesting that I am ovulating (I also get egg white CM)
Most recent blood tests were all normal - I think the Metformin has been working! (tested LH/FSH/E2)

Suspected Endometriosis:
Ongoing pains in my pelvis, specifically on the left side
Pelvic scan suggested that the left ovary is 'stuck' to the lining of my womb (pelvic adhesions)
I was referred to a gynaecologist who advised against having surgery to cut the adhesions as they'd most likely grow back by forming scar tissue and will interrupt TTC

Semen Analysis:
My partner's sample showed that the amount of sperm is normal but the motility is low at 36%
The results also showed that some of the sperm is misshapen

Frenulum tear:
2 months ago, my partner experienced a frenulum tear during my fertile period (worst possible timing)
He's now experiencing pain during intercourse, adding more pressure and making this feel like an impossible mission (we took a break for a while, but he's determined to carry on)

Has anyone else experienced a combination of the above issues and been able to conceive naturally? I'm beginning to feel like IVF may be the solution we will be given.

Also, slight tangent, but we're discussing holding off starting IVF until we get married (nothing set, but if we're told IVF is our only hope, we'd have something a bit 'shot gun' within the next 6 months). Does this just seem like a waste of time/would it be best to just concentrate on have a baby first given our age etc.?

I feel a bit conflicted but also don't want to 'rush' into the IVF as it almost seems like the last resort....

Any thoughts/advise welcome. Thank you! 🙂

Hi - I know this is an older thread but wondering how you got on??
We are in a similar boat: 35, TTC for 6-months. I have PCOS but ovulate (positive clear blue OPK and mucus) with possible endometriosis (awaiting repeat scan).
Husband also has borderline motility.

Thanks and would be good to hear how you are getting on.

Original poster
Lils93 · 05/07/2023 20:17

Thank you so much for your reply and insight!

I'll see how it goes at the referral, and I'll definitely ask about the ovulation induction as I didn't realise this was an option. Were you given any information on your partner's morphology at all? I agree that IVF is a big decision and so will take your advise re not rushing into it.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Wishing you all the best on your IVF journey later this year, really hoping it all works out for you!

OP posts:
PinkMandalorian · 05/07/2023 18:20

At 30 years old your not old. Fertility does dwindle with age and it increases more after 35 but its gradual
. Its not a cliff. At 30 a reproductive doctor would consider you a spring chicken.

I'm 37 and I have pcos and now they are saying they suspect endometriosis. My partner has low morphology .
Where nhs will go really depends.
They might suggest you try a few months on ovulation induction to increase your chances. Itll boost your egg production and hopefully produce a better quality egg. Thats what they made me do.
Were starting ivf at the end of the year but were told as I have pcos it'll be a longer process and require a few months between egg collection and transfer because your at risk of ohss with pcos.
Unfortunately I don't have a success story to share but we did manage to get pregnant in december ( loss) which in itself was a miracle as we've been trying for many, many years however there's also women with pcos and endo who get pregnant without issue or just needing a little help. It really just depends on the individual couple.
I wouldn't rush into ivf if your not ready. There's you've a good few years yet before you need to panic .
We've been talked through the process and it's a big deal, and to be honest I'm scared but as I'll be 38 now and considering how many years it's been , I feel ivf is probably the next step for us as we've tried everything else at this point

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