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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to be so worried about conceiving?

42 replies

Lollero · 07/09/2015 12:48

First post, hope this is the right forum.

I am 28 (29 in Feb), married last year, been with DH for 7 years in all. We are due to complete on our first house in approx. Nov so quite settled and more than ready for a baby and plan to start ttc immediately.

I am really worried about it - the short answer is that I am very worried about it not happening easily.

I was on the pill for years until I was 25 when I came off it because I wasn't sure it agreed with me particularly. Since then my periods have been extremely infrequent (I'd say I've probably had about six in that time). Can't remember the last time I had a period in fact. I felt quite unwell about 2 years ago and was referred to hospital for a scan (aunt and cousin died of ovarian cancer and dr was concerned as symptoms consistent with OC) - scan revealed that I have "very" polycystic ovaries and GP put me on metformin. Had one period in the 3 months I was on it but side effects were awful (had to be v close to a bathroom at all times!) I'm an architect and being out and about all the time means this is not practical. GP wasn't helpful at subsequent appointment and nothing else was suggested (I appreciate there is little that can be done). I wasn't in a position to be wanting a baby at that time so kind of put it to the back of my mind and forgot about it..

For the past year I have been getting agonising cramps every week or so. I have a quite good pain threshold I'd say. I really think it's time I investigated this a little more and I have an appointment with GP in just under a fortnight.

I guess I am just after any personal experiences if you have been through something similar. AIBU to worry? Is this more common than I think? Anything I should ask for/about when I see GP?

Many thanks in advance.

OP posts:
StarlingMurmuration · 07/09/2015 12:55

Flowers I don't know much about your condition but hopefully someone will be along soon who can offer advice....

One of my friends has had very bad PCOS throughout her twenties, with lots of scans and investigations etc, and has just had a little girl, so it is possible!

Original poster
Lollero · 07/09/2015 12:57

Thanks Starling, so nice to hear!

OP posts:
Claireshh · 07/09/2015 13:01

Given your family history it's sensible to get checked out again. Hopefully all will be well.

I have PCOS and used metformin to conceive. Did the doctor start you on one 500mg to start with? I found taking it before bed made it a bit easier. After a couple of weeks I added in the second dose.

I fell pregnant the second month after starting it. I was advised to take it throughout my pregnancy to reduce miscarriage risk.

I used it again to conceive my second.

The side effects are grim but I found they went away pretty quickly. X

ArmySal · 07/09/2015 13:04

I have 'bad' PCOS, and had my first child in my early twenties.

I then struggled to conceive again, and stopped trying (or stopped thinking about it.)

I had a lovely 'surprise' son last December at the age of 36.

Hope everything works out for you Flowers

Original poster
Lollero · 07/09/2015 13:06

Thanks so much for your reply, Claire. I can't remember the mg but I was prescribed 3 tablets a day, one with each meal. So glad you had such positive results from it. Perhaps I need to persevere/start metformin again.

OP posts:
Original poster
Lollero · 07/09/2015 13:07

Thanks Armysal, really encouraged by these responsesSmile

OP posts:
Olafscarrotnose · 07/09/2015 13:11

I'm typing cuddling one of my twins conceived with Ivf. Just wanted to say even if you dont conceive easily it's not the end of the world these days.

One bit of advice I'll give you is if you feel something is not right go with your gut and pester your gp as for us the process of fertility investigations took an age on the nhs.

Plenty of people with pcos conceive quickly there's every chance you're one of them Flowers

Original poster
Lollero · 07/09/2015 13:15

Thanks Olaf, congrats on your twins. Do you mind me asking if you were the one to insist on further help or does assistance just kick in? Hope that makes sense? I get the impression from what I've read that you do need to push for it. How soon can you access medical help/I feel etc. does anyone know what method of ivf is most commonly used for pcos? Would it be possible when you don't actually have periods? How do you know if you're even ovulating?

OP posts:
Original poster
Lollero · 07/09/2015 13:15

Wow re-read that and apologise for so many q's!!! Not all directed at Olaf!

OP posts:
PosterEh · 07/09/2015 13:16

Hi Lollero metformin is a wonder drug for regulating periods when you have PCOS but I know what you mean about the side effects. If you do want to give it another try make sure you get prescribed the slow release version as that can help. It's a bit more expensive so you might need to be a bit pushy. Also I agree with pp that you need to build up slowly to the full dose.

PosterEh · 07/09/2015 13:18

Have a look at the fertility friend app for help on learning how to check when you are ovulating. It explains the temperature method. You can also get ovulation sticks (a bit like preg tests) but I don't think they are reliable if you have PCOS.

BarbarianMum · 07/09/2015 13:21

I would say that if you want to conceive and you are not having regular periods then that warrants further investigation (and probably treatment). I think age is on your side but if you have reason to believe that there are issues you can dispense with the usual 'give it 2 years' advice.

Olafscarrotnose · 07/09/2015 13:26

Op my go said I must have been ttc for a year before they would start investigations, I wouldn't accept this as I knew something wasn't right.

Each step of the process has been a fight, massive issues with waiting lists but I don't know if that's just my area. Also be aware some nhs trusts do not fund Ivf check online what the policy is in your area, arm yourself with as much information as you can.

I think for pcos you would be on the long protocol which means you have injections for a few weeks to shut your body down and then stimulating injections for another week or so to grow and mature the follicles. You will be given an injection to induce ovulation.

If you have any more questions fire away. Pp mentioned fertikity friends check it out it's an excellent support.

Original poster
Lollero · 07/09/2015 13:26

Thanks Postereh and Barbarianmum. I do have bupa cover from work so may mention this to gp

OP posts:
PosterEh · 07/09/2015 13:28

Make sure you check what your bupa covers first - in my experience, not a lot.

Original poster
Lollero · 07/09/2015 13:29

Thanks so much for that info Olaf, really appreciate it. With this procedure, is the idea that you then attempt to conceive "naturally" or is the sperm artificially inseminated?

OP posts:
Spartans · 07/09/2015 13:31

I have pcos. I didn't find out until I came off the pill after dh had the snip. It took me a while to concieve my 2 children (over a year for each) but didn't know anything was wrong. So it is possible to get pg.

My friend who has it got pregnant whilst waiting for further investigation.

But it's definitley worth going back to your go to discuss it before you start. Good luck

Original poster
Lollero · 07/09/2015 13:32

Thanks Spartans

OP posts:
Olafscarrotnose · 07/09/2015 13:33

With Ivf, after the final injection to induce ovulation you have your eggs retrieved under sedation, they are then mixed with the sperm in the lab where hopefully they fertilise and develop into embryos.

One or two embryos are then implanted into your womb where fingers crossed they implant.

Ivf tends to be the last option. If there are drugs available to help you ovulate etc you will probably have a few months with that first.

CatnipMouse · 07/09/2015 13:34

Hello! I don't have PCOS but many of the women on the infertility / conception boards have, so pop over and maybe look at some threads? I just wanted to say that if IVF turns out to be the right thing for you, don't be too scared of the idea. It's not so awful. But you have a way to go before you get there and hopefully it won't be necessary.

Re ovulation, yes to the predictor sticks (if they are OK for PCOS) and you can chart temperature too although that has not really worked for me. Also read up on cervical mucus changes around ovulation time.

I hope your appointment goes well and that you make some progress towards finding out what is causing the pain. Good luck!

AuntieStella · 07/09/2015 13:54

"First post, hope this is the right forum."

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception might be a better place. If would certain lee worth having a browse there, and perhaps joining one or more of the chat/support threads.

grumpysquash · 07/09/2015 13:57

Hi OP, PCOS is very common, much more than you would think! There are also lots of support groups (I used to volunteer for a charity called Verity, not sure if it's still around).
I have PCOS and had infrequent periods in my late 20's. To cut a long story short, I had a procedure called laser diathermy (not as bad as it sounds) and ended up having 3DC in 5 years. There are lots of success stories, even though the journeys take some interesting twists and turns.

Good luck!

Original poster
Lollero · 07/09/2015 14:45

Thanks SO much for the suggestions and help everyone, hugely appreciated!

OP posts:
sminkypinky · 07/09/2015 15:58

I have PCOS and struggled to conceive, but was given clomid and 3 months after starting on it I got pregnant with my first baby at 35 yo. AFAIK you can be referred to a fertility specialist after 1 year of ttc rather than 2 if you have PCOS.

mmmminx · 07/09/2015 16:21

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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