PCOS & TTC for a year - seeing a GP

[PandaSam]

Have been TTC for just over a year and I paid for a private scan a couple of months ago which showed I had 'polycystic appearing ovaries'. The consultant said that didn't mean I have PCOS.

But as I have had PCOS in the past, and after some MN advice, I decided to go to my GP and see what she said.

I explained about the scan and previous PCOS etc and she said that she didn't think she could refer me as we had only been TTC for a year and the guidelines were to wait 18-24 months.

I said I thought it was 12 months and she said it wasn't and that PCOS wasn't considered a fertility problem and wouldn't get me referred any sooner.

This seems to go against every other bit of advice I have read. Is she right? Should I challenge her?

Are there any indications of problems with your menstrual cycle?

No, cycle is regular as clockwork (30 days) and I don't have any other systems of PCOS

There is a fine line between PCO and PCOS and the commonality between the two is the cystic follicles on the ovaries.

I would have a look at the NICE guidelines and contact your PCT; I would be very surprised if they actually considered that PCOS was not considered a fertility problem.

I would actually seek the advice of another GP as gynaes generally like to see people re ttc problems after 12 months of trying without success.

Thanks for you responses.

I checked the Nice guidelines and it says referral should be after 12 months but less if PCOS is suspected.

Think I'll have to make another appointment and be a bit pushier! Hate challenging Doctors though

Hello ladies

PandaSam - I have PCOS and the advice I have is that referral will be after 6 months of TTC as opposed to 12 months without PCOS.

Be strong! I was lucky enough to be advised on PCOS by a leading UK specialist in that area so am confident that they should refer you sooner rather than later.

Good Luck xx

Thanks for responding.

Going back to see GP tomorrow, armed with Nice guidelines, failing that I will try supersunnyday's advice!

I have got PCOS, i suffered badly with it and had 2 cycles of clomid to conceive dd1. it took me just over 2 and half years to get pregnant with ds and happily just 1 month to conceive dd2. my cycles varied from 31 days to 64 days and the 2 and half years trying for ds were really hard.I overhauled my whole life,got plenty of exercise(long walks every day), changed my diet to porridge and fruit for breakfast,regular healthy low gi snacks to regulate blood sugar levels which can sometimes be a bit up and down with pcos,a big bowl of salad with lunch and dinner (watercress,raw carrot and cucumber)and really healthy home cooked meals.i went to reflexology and tried to get as much sleep as i could.i dont know if any one thing helped but thought id tell you just in case!

after just over 2 years of trying for number 2 i was referred to hospital but few days after my appointment came through i found i was pg.

just thought it might help to know that sometimes it just happens with no intervention! good luck.