Same sex TTC with possible PCOS

[Gingeydoo]

I have irregular periods which range between 40 and 28 days. I have used OPKS to track ovulation but find I get multiple or no clear negative in each cycle. I have also used just about every clearblue product but it seems to tell you the result based on what CD it is rather than what is actually happening (have compared to OPK tests and now don't trust anything). Obviously it makes it impossible to know when I'm ovulating as I have no clue. I've tried the whole checking cervix thing but can't find the damn thing Haha!! Also I try and track CM but don't seem to produce much of it and not being able to find my cervix doesn't help that.

So I've had bloods done to check for PCOS all were normal except testosterone was a bit higher than normal. I've got acne, can't lose weight and am cold all the time. So GP is arranging a scan to check for PCOS and bloods once I've finished my next period.

I wish that was all the issues I have unfortunately I'm using a sperm donor as I'm in a same sex relationship so this makes things harder without a regular supply of sperm. We only manage to get maybe 2 donations per cycle and I've no idea if I'm using them at the right time anyway.

Anyone offer any help or advice? I'm just about defeated.

Hiya!

I'm not sure how much help I can be, but I'll give it a shot.
My wife and I also are a same sex couple and have been wanting to start a family.

We got our GP to refer us to a fertility clinic at the end of last year and by January we had our first appointment there.
We went through a whole lot of tests there, where they check that everything is working as it should be, and depending on the results of all tests they then offer you a series of treatment. Because everything looked fine with me, we were given the option of 9 treatments over the NHS.
3x IUI without any interference (they just get you in for bloods every other day to track your hormone levels and then bring you in for the IUI when they think you're ovulating)
3x stimulated IUI (you get a nasal spray to stop your brain signalling to your ovaries when to start producing specific hormones, and then you do hormonal injections up to the day of IUI, afterwards you get a pessary to thicken your uterine lining and some other things to make it as likely as possible to conceive)
3x IVF

As there wasn't any sperm available through the NHS, we were advised to purchase via the European Spermbank or use a person we know (We went for the first option).

We were super lucky, as our first IUI try ended up giving us a BFP and I'm currently 7weeks and a few days pregnant.

I'd highly recommend getting referred to a clinic, they really know what they're doing and test for everything that could potentially be an issue, so that they can give you the most suitable treatment options.

Good luck!!!

@ceecee88 thanks for your reply. Did you just ask to be referred or did GP suggest it? Apparantly our local board thing says we have to try 6 times (iui) before nhs will help us which is ridiculous. Can't afford 1 nevermind 6 goes of iui.

No problem at all.
Well, we basically went to our GP and said we'd like to start a family and whether they had any information or advice for us.
They then did a few blood tests and said they'd refer us to the fertility clinic, who would be able to tell us more.

I think it very much depends on where you live regarding that rule. I mean, how will they know if you've actually tried it?
Asking doesn't cost anything. Definitely worth it. :)