Polycystic ovaries - but not PCOS

[PandaSam]

Does anyone else have this(/these)?

Doctor said it wouldn't make TTC difficult but I remain sceptical (not sure why - just don't trust him!)

Have been TTC for 8 months - I know its still in the "average" bracket but I'm impatient and can't help questioning this stuff.

Hi,

Its a fine line between PCO and the syndrome itself (the commonality between the two is the cystic follicles on the ovaries. It can also make ttc more difficult as ovulation is often affected by the prescence of polycystic ovaries). PCOS is basically the cystic follicles on the ovaries plus any combination of additional symptoms. PCOS though is a very individualistic disorder and affects each woman with it very differently. What may be a problem for one is not necessarily so for another.

Will GP refer you to a gynae; this is what should happen now. PCO is not a problem that should be messed around with by GPs as it is outside their remit.

Thanks so much for your response, that's really helpful.

I don't have any other symptoms which is why Dr said it's not PCOS (should have said in OP that it was a private fertility specialist I saw rather than a GP - I paid for a fertility MOT just to check everything was ok)

He was adamant I was fine but I'm still worried so might go to GP and ask for a referral.

Was using CBFM for 6 months which showed peaks every month which makes me think the cysts are not stopping eggs being released - is that an accurate assumption to make?

Thanks for your advice so far

Hi

Temp charting is not all that reliable unfortunately when PCO is present as it can give a chart akin to the Rocky Mountains. Also you can get a temp rise in the second half of the cycle when an egg has not been shed so charting is not infallible here. If you wish to continue charting then do so but I would be doing you a disservice if I did not point out the potential problems associated with this method. (BTW many gynaes do not take notice of such charts primarily because they feel they are so unreliable).

Some of the cystic follicles with regards to polycystic ovaries contain hormones, others are dormant and some may have an egg. These cystic follicles do disappear - only to be replaced by further cystic follicles. This is why it can take a skilled sonographer to spot these.

You'd be better off having regular blood tests and ultrasound scans/follicle tracking to check whether an egg has actually left the ovary.

If you're still worried then certainly request a referral to a gynae for further evaluation.

Hello

I was told I had PCOS by a rubbish "specialist" (not in the UK) on the basis of having once had polycystic ovaries. It lead me to buy a book on the subject, interogate many people on internet chat rooms (I think you were one Atila, thank you!) and finally get a second opinion. I am now quite convinced that I dont have PCOS and the cysts in themselves are/were quite harmless.At the time I had them I had a post natal thyroid problem and wasnt having periods. Since then I have had several other scans and they have never been seen since.

As I understand it cysts are often just the lumps that would go on to develop into an egg to be released at ovulation (several lumps develop together, the one that grows biggest becomes the egg and then the others disappear) When in your cycle did you get scanned? Could these just be part of your cycle and have since disappeared? I would only really start worrying if these show up on scan after scan, or like Attila says if you have other symptoms.

I have never used CBFM but if you are still worried why not try temping/charting. This would give you added reassurance that you are ovulating.

Have you been timing SWI very well over the last 8 months? Before going to the GP again I would really recommend reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility if you havent already. That way you can go to your GP armed with more info.

best of luckxxx

x post with Atila, and much of what I have written completely to the contrary!

I am interested (and worried!) about what you said about having a temp shift but not necessarily ovulating. Can that happen to anyone or just people with PCOS?