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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.

TTC with PCOS (Thread lucky #4!)

999 replies

RoseBud2016 · 01/02/2016 12:11

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and would like a small group of very friendly ladies in the same position as you to talk to, then this is the thread for you!

You can find our first thread >>>>>>>> HERE

You can find our second thread >>>>>>>>> HERE

You can find our third thread >>>>>>>>>HERE

And you can find our stats >>>>>> HERE

Smile
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10
Devgal · 02/03/2016 19:03

Qwtchy, my GP prescribed me metformin as a result of my scan. I had a review at 6 weeks she didn't want to see me again for another 6 months to discuss further. Since starting it my cycle went from 76 days (following a year of irregular cycles) to the last 3 cycles being 30/40/30, which is a revelation!! Will be interested to see if this cycle will be nearer 40 again. Have you asked your GP?

Vixxfacee · 02/03/2016 19:05

Village clomid doesn't work for everyone. Didn't make any difference to me and I was on a high dose. Well except terrible moods.

Next step for you could be ivf or icsi

stealthbanana · 02/03/2016 19:18

village glad you're being proactive. Clomid works for lots of women, and you should be having scans anyway, so you can see if you're at risk of multiples. You can then make your own decision about whether to risk it or not.

Like vixx clomid wasn't for me. If that happens to you it might be IVF or more likely you'll follow me down the road of injectables to get you to ovulate. But you're not there yet! The majority of women DO respond to clomid so your odds are good.

Shellbell0403 · 02/03/2016 19:44

Can I ask a question...

What's the injectables? Xx

stealthbanana · 02/03/2016 19:56

Injectables are just artificial fsh (the hormone that you normally produce to ovulate). Clomid tries to trick your pituitary gland into producing your own fsh; with injectables you literally inject fsh into you (so you don't need to make your own).

IVF cycles also use injectables but at much higher levels (as there you are trying to grow lots of eggs rather than just one!). On an injectables cycle you do your injections and are scanned, then once ovulation is triggered you can either just go home and dtd or do an IUI. But they basically get you to the point that you ovulate!

Shellbell0403 · 02/03/2016 20:38

Ahh thanks stealth! The hospital have told me that it's Letrozole. Then a couple with metformin aswell; then IUI then IVF... Wonder if they would do that to me to? Xx

stealthbanana · 02/03/2016 20:42

If you are ovulating on letrozole then no you won't need it. If you don't ovulate then they'd look at it in combination with iui. Cross that bridge if you have to!

ellewalk · 03/03/2016 10:53

Morning All....

Hello to all the new faces, I have enjoyed reading your posts, you all seem to have plans as much as you can plan these things! hope all is going well for all.

I have just been relaxing as much as I can this month, no idea if I ovulated no real idea if I did when, did get some EWCM on CD12 and 13, did BD around then but only if we both wanted to rather than we should do! Now I am nearly slap bang in the middle of the TWW and it is driving me crazy. I swore that I would try not to symptom spot but here I am 6DPO googling Flu/cold symptoms and BFP why oh why of course I have found lots of stories saying yep great sign and lots that end up not being a sign Grin wtf Anyway towards the end of night I started with that sore throat cold coming feeling and mega thirsty (but so was DH so put it down to too much salt in dinner!). Woke up this morning, bad back, heavy head, tight chest, phlegm, generally feel like a cold is well on its way! Had the urge for pure orange juice and had to stop on the way to work to buy a big carton, nearly all gone! Need to distract myself, should be easy as I am work but NO can not concentrate on anything!

Anyway we shall find out in about 7-8 days!

Have a good day all.

Honeybee100 · 03/03/2016 12:59

villagefete I answered my own question as AF arrived on day 31. Spent all day yesterday in tears. I stupidly felt so positive and that it would be our month. Last month it came on day 28 (which I think is the day they assume it's due) so it obviously doesn't come the same time each month which is annoying! I feel exactly the same as you though in worrying that the Clomid won't work, I only have another 4 months on it. If they start you on a low dose, don't panic if they don't work and you need a higher dose. I'm worried about multiples also but feel that I'd rather be doing something and have a chance and we'll cross that bridge if we get to it.
Feel so down today but it's probably hormones making it worse.
How long have you been trying?xx

FeeFeeLaFew · 03/03/2016 15:23

Sunnydays, welcome back. Hope you don’t have too long a wait for your gynae appointment. I never had progresterone bloods done during a ‘normal’ cycle (as I didn’t really have one for a long time) so I don’t know about when it should be taken.

Pugmummy, definitely ask for tests if it’s been five years. Was your ultrasound recent?

Frazzle Flowers – sorry to hear about your argument. I hope you are feeling happier. You can try to track your luteal phase using e.g. temperatures – at least, I was trying to do so, even with very irregular cycles, and decided that mine was pretty darn short. What makes you think it is short – or would the B6 be a ‘just in case’ thing? I take all manner of supplements and I know they include lots of B vitamins, but I haven’t sought doctor approval for them ;)

VillageFete, good call on just relaxing for a month . Try to be cautiously optimistic about your next steps rather than thinking too many steps ahead. But as Vixxfacee says, there are other steps available if it does turn out it doesn’t work.

Bananafish, how are things going? I like hearing success stories, so do keep dropping in. Smile

Devgal, it’s great to hear how well metformin worked for you! How many days are you into the current cycle?

Stealth, how was your latest scan? Any sign of egg collection yet?

Shellbell, fingers crossed you won’t need to go through all those steps. Has AF arrived yet?

Ellewalk, sounds like you had a great approach, sorry that the TWW is being stressful though. If it is a cold, I hope it isn’t too bad a one. Hopefully the next week will go quickly for you.

Honeybee, Flowers Don’t be too despondent, if you can. Four more goes on clomid is lots of chances.

I had another IVF stimulation tracking scan yesterday morning. The nurse wasn’t sure whether they’d want me to trigger that evening or wait a few more days – I only had three follicles at 18mm or bigger, but have dozens that are coming up behind (about 40 in all that are 8mm+ - hugely polycystic! And they are mainly on one ovary too. I am a bit fearful for quality when there is such quantity). She gave me tutorials on two different trigger injections. At the end the day they called me to say that I should trigger that evening, on Ovitrelle which seems to be the default option. I have had mixed messages (or have just been slow in comprehending) about whether that means they are more likely to try to proceed with a fresh transfer or not. Again, apologies for those who have had no need to read anything about /go through IVF at this point – hopefully you won’t have to. But I’m quite excited to be at this stage now after a very slow first ten days on stims, and no glimmer of a BFP in 20 months of trying. Just a bit nervous about whether I am going to get sick with OHSS with all my follies.

FrazzleRock · 03/03/2016 15:45

Thank you for your response FeeFeeLaFew I was worried I'd messed up on this thread already by getting muddled up. Hormones and stress messing with my brain function I think.
I tried temping with DS2 but my charts were always all over the place. No pattern whatsoever. I did that for about 9/10 months iirc. I have no idea how long my luteal is, it is a 'just in case', but now I'm wondering if taking it might delay my period even further...
I'm hoping next time it happens by surprise like our little one did. After trying so long for DS1 and 2 with Ex-H, I couldn't believe it when, after only being with DP 7 months, we had a BFP. I was astounded.

I'm not hugely familiar with the process of IVF. I'm going to hang around and keep up to date of what you're all doing so that I am armed with knowledge and support when (if - fingers crossed) we start trying again.

stealthbanana · 03/03/2016 16:18

Hi feefee. Sounds like it is all tracking v nicely for you. The last few days I think are a flurry of activity so a few of those smaller follies will undoubtedly catch up

I had a scan this morning, I am just a little way behind you. I have around 8 follies at the 16mm mark and lots coming up behind. My doctor would like to keep me stimming for a few days longer to maximise the haul of those smaller follies. So am remaining on the 125iu gonal f for now. I have another scan Monday and EC will be weds/thurs/fri next week, depending on what he sees on Monday. I'm frustrated with how long I have been stimming but between the conversion from IUI and the risk of ohss (I'm also grossly polycystic and won't be having a fresh transfer because of this) we have to go low and slow. So just have to sit tight and trust in my (very good) doctor!

frazzle gosh don't worry about that, we all lose our heads at some point here Grin This is a safe space!

VillageFete · 03/03/2016 18:58

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

Stealth You are a fountain of knowledge! Thank you.

Honey I'm sorry. It's shit, isn't it? It's 19 months in for me now. I'm glad clomid is actually doing its job and making you ovulate, fingers crossed you get caught soon. Can I ask, do they scan you to see if it works? Also, how many months can you have it for? I read 3?

VillageFete · 03/03/2016 19:00

Posted too soon! Another clomid question for those in the know. Can I still drink caffeine whilst on it? Do I have to follow any kind of special diet. I think my BMI is 27.

FeeFeeLaFew · 03/03/2016 19:15

Frazzle, there's no such thing as messing up on this thread! Temping for 9-10 months without working out a pattern would be frustrating. Mine wasn't a pattern but I only had three cycles before starting the pill as a type of down-regulation before IVF.

Stealth, thanks, I hope they do! I'm a bit envious of your even follicle growth though Wink. To be honest I was just really glad that they decided I should trigger rather than wait another three days, as my ovaries are pretty large now (the scan was sooo uncomfortable yesterday!) and 20 days of injections got tedious. I guess you'll be at the same mark by next week but it sounds like you're in excellent hands and so it's worth doing it exactly as your doctor says. They had reduced my dose back from 225 IU down to 150 IU for the last three doses. Am hoping it's been enough to get more to maturity by Friday.
Have they told you what the frozen transfer involves and how long you'll have to wait? Nothing's been mentioned to me yet but I guess all will be revealed tomorrow - I think my clinic decide based on the number of eggs collected whether to do a freeze-all.

villagefete, I think people have up to six months on clomid, if it seems to be working (i.e. making you ovulate). I'm sure the diet query depends on who you speak to - a lot of people say to avoid caffeine while TTC and the same would go for clomid, but if that's going to stress you out and make you unhappy it's probably not worth it! Definitely ask your doctor though.

Shellbell0403 · 03/03/2016 21:49

Feefee well I am unsure... Had some belle sing yesterday then nothing last night and nothing today.... Don't know whether to speak to a nurse and see what she says... I was on a 35 day cycle and now it's way after....

Tried to speak to dh and he was as useful as a chocolate teapot! Help! Lol

Honeybee100 · 04/03/2016 12:54

feefee Thankyou, trying to be positive about next month. I don't know much about IVF but good luck, sounds like it's all going well Smile

stealth so glad everything is going ok with the IVF for you. Sounds like a long process, but I'm sure will be worth it in the end.

villagefete Yep it's very shit. I think day of AF is always the worse. Just got to think positive about next month. Thankyou me too, I really hope it works for you too! Starting to think there may be something else wrong now though, which I know is stupid as its only been 2 months on Clomid but can't help all these thoughts going through my head!
I don't get scanned as my doctor said to only get scanned if I was bothered about having twins, and then we would have to cancel that month so I just felt I didn't want to miss a month and it was worth the risk. My doctor said to be on it for 6 months and then if it hasn't happened to do more tests and then IVF. I think he said there are risks if you are on it long term.
I still drink caffeine 🙈 Not excessively as I know you shouldn't drink a lot when ttc but i still drink tea and Diet Coke occasionally and the Clomid still worked xx

Honeybee100 · 04/03/2016 13:01

shellbell Just saw your post! Chocolate teapot 😂 Are your cycles usually regular? Do you have a number for the doctor who gave you the Letrozole? Maybe give him a ring? Don't worry, I'm sure all will be fine xx

FeeFeeLaFew · 04/03/2016 15:04

Back at home, after what was actually a really uncomfortable procedure (though apparently it's normally fine for people!), but worth it because they got 13 eggs out of 15 large follicles. Now the anxious wait until tomorrow to see how many fertilised!
Hope everyone's doing well.

Nurse15 · 04/03/2016 16:57

Hi everyone, Haven't been keeping up much recently as work has been somewhat manic recently!!

Feefee congratualtions on all those amazing eggs, will be waiting to hear your news tomorrow :D

I have been taking my metformin for just over a month now, had a period about a week into taking it so will be interesting to see what happens now. I have been taking OPK's this month but missed a few with being at work etc, had some egg white CM about 12 days ago but didnt do any opk's so not sure if i ovulated but have had another positive OPK today out of the blue so not sure whats going on, Just going to go with the flow!!

DH had his semen analysis this morning, Will find out the results in about 4 weeks they said, Feeling very frustrated that it takes so long when they analyse it within half an hour of giving the sample!! PCOS doesn't like to make things happen too fast does it!?

Hope everyone is well and will have a proper catch up soon :)

FeeFeeLaFew · 05/03/2016 07:10

Thanks Nurse, getting a bit nervous about the call from the clinic now- haven't been able to sleep since 4am today!
I can't believe they make you wait 4 weeks for the SA results- that's bizarre, even with second class post and a bit of a delay for processing. Is it from a hospital or coming via your gp?
Was a bit out of it yesterday and have reread previous messages. Honeybee, what other tests have you had done? As others have said, it's not just risk of multiples but also checking your lining that makes monitoring a good idea.
Shellbell, did you speak to a nurse. Smile re chocolate teapot. I don't blame your DH for not being able to help though- we spend so much of our time trying to figure this cycle/fertility stuff out and I at least still don't have a clue!

Nurse15 · 05/03/2016 07:44

Feefee let us know as soon as you know! I have everything crossed for you!

It comes via my consultant at the hospital so I have to wait for my next review with her to get the results! Everything here in NI is ridiculously slow!

CwtchyQ · 05/03/2016 09:27

Good luck feefee - very exciting

I've dropped off the thread again - hope everyone is okat. Thinking of rose, hoping you're okay.

I ovulated on Tuesday which is great but only dtd 3 days before ov (I just got sick of it tbh!) So not expecting anything. Just glad this cycle is almost over - 70-something days. Eck.

Have a good weekend everyone

Sunnydays321 · 05/03/2016 10:01

Good luck feefee, will you hear from the clinic today? I have my fingers crossed for you.

cwtchy I completely agree.. They say dtd every other day but I just can't maintain that through 50-100 day cycles! I got an almost positive opk last weekend and made sure we dtd seceral times around it... And then it faded to almost nothing and I though f**k it and we haven't dtd for a week until today (all opks negative). I know that kind of attitude won't make a baby so I'm back on it now but it would be SO much easier with regular cycles! Three days before is fine for sperm lifespan so fingers crossed for you.

nurse Shane it takes 4 weeks!! Can you phone up and request the results sooner? I know from work that the gps always say people's bloods will be ready in a week but the actual results have been processed by the lab within hours.. It's just a case of the results getting to gp, GP filing them, receptionist sending you letter, the post etc!

ellewalk hope tww going quickly. Any symptoms? What are you now 8 or 9 dpi? When are you going to test?

No news here. Cd32... No sign of ovulation yet. Still got ewcm mixed with creamy, who Iv had for last two weeks +... Think that just shows my hormones are mucked up. And a couple of false surges on opks, all temps still low.

Have a good weekend ladies. X

Honeybee100 · 05/03/2016 10:34

feefee I've only had a scan and blood tests so far no other tests. If I wanted a scan I would have to pay for it privately as my nhs consultant didn't offer it and that's not really an option for me Sad I feel really worried now though, and not sure what to do. I am seeing nhs consultant in April so could ask him then but that will be my fourth round by then. What do they do if it thins your lining out?im panicking now!xx