Fertility pcos issues, private or nhs

[MiniHouse]

Hi,

We've been trying for child no. 2 for 7 months, I'm 38 and even tried another 1.5 years before but also breastfeeding so not sure if counts. I have pcos but conceived within 6 months without medical help 5 years ago. Though pcos symptoms worse now.

It's proving tricky to get an appointment (though I am also impatient). Is there any benefit in going private now, or should I just persue NHS doctor and see outcome of tests first? Though I think I'm not ovulating every month due to no show on ovulation tests.

Ovulation tests never worked for me (I also have PCOS). Are you doing a low glycemic index diet? Are you on metformin? If you want to conceive quickly go private

I went private - the time to get an appointment wasn’t quite so bad 15 years ago - because I didn’t meet trust guidelines for eligibility. Knowing how long it can take to get appointments now I’d definitely do it again.

I'm on low glycemic index and avoid processed foods. I found a nutritionalist which helped to some degree. I'm not on Metformin as my nutritionalist though diet would suffice but now I'm not so sure, as it's been a while, I'll try asking the doctor (when I find one).

Yeah def ask the doctor. May be worth trying clomid as well to make you ovulate if you haven't been

I would check qualification criteria in your trust before you wait on NHS treatment if you can afford private. Age, BMI, whether you have living children with the intended father can all count you out. I was lucky to qualify for NHS IVF at age 35, fast tracked due to my age and previous late loss and the whole process took about a year, but my SIL is waiting much, much longer. New baby on the way, for which we had to go private, matter of days between me telling the clinic I wanted to try again to being seen to get the ball rolling.

Is your current child with the same partner? Unlikely you'll be eligible on the NHS if so

You probably won’t be eligible for NHS treatment as you already have a child. I’d not waste time waiting and go private.

I would go private or do it yourself by finding the right supplements. It Starts With The Egg is a brilliant book with specific advice for PCOS etc.
I was also struggling to conceive. I started taking some of the recommended supplements (it's all evidence based in the book, not woo) and conceived twice (one miscarriage, one current pregnancy). What worked for me was myoinositol which works sort of like metformin, and agnus castus to regulate my hormones, as well as ubiquinol, folate, vit C, and vit D to help egg quality. Some people swear by NAC. The book explains how much of each one has been effective in studies and who it might be most beneficial for. If you can afford private hormone testing that might lead you towards which supplements might help you more quickly.

Low GI wasn't enough for me (secondary infertility and insulin resistant PCOS) but with keto/low carb I got pregnant on my second cycle trying (nearly 3 years ttc) and it cleared up a lot of my other health issues.

Thanks everyone. These responses are so helpful. I'm already pretty good with low carb diet, I'm exercising, slim etc... I'm going to try the supplements and go private. My GP said I should fill in an consultation form they now haven't made available! I think it's a sign.
If you can recommend any good clinics in South East/London let me know!