PCOS Fertility Help?

[ttcrainbowbaby1]

After a battle with my doctors, asking for fertility scans and being turned away, I finally went private and found out I have PCOS. We have been TTC for a few years on and off (at the moment it's 13 months consistently, prior to this we tried for 18 months consistently, and between this were not using birth control.) and were told by NHS GP that unless we were TTC for 2 years consistently that she wouldn't refer me to a fertility clinic.

I think at this point I would like to take action with private healthcare, and try Clomid, though I'm unsure on how this works - when looking at clinics nearby they all offer IUI and IVF. Does anyone know how I could go about getting Clomid?

Also, does anyone have fertility clinic recommendations in the Bristol area?

Most clinics will do a scan to see if you're ovulating or Hycosy, if not they should try clomid first and then if unsuccessful a form of ivf.

I can't help on private clinics in Bristol but many NHS hospitals also have a private arm. So you pay for the treatment but are seen at the same place as the NHS clinic. Worth looking into the hospitals near you. If you are looking at fully private clinics, look for the words Ovulation Induction, which is what I've mostly seen it called.

I have PCOS - have you tried all the usual advice in the last 18months? Eg. Inositol supplements or been prescribed Metformin? Both can have good results for PCOS. Is your BMI high? PCOS can have a rubbish impact on weight so worth trying a low carb / intermittent fasting diet as that can help if your PCOS is causing insulin resistance.

I would also say that many clinics are moving away from clomid and onto letrozole - more effective, fewer side effects, less risk of multiples. I conceived DD1 with letrozole and hoping to do the same for a second child. So make sure you do all your research first.

Have you tried lifestyle changes in the meantime? Inositol worked wonders for me alongside losing weight through watching my diet, resistance training and walking loads.

(currently 4 months pregnant conceiving naturally).

Keto diet works wonders on PCOS and works quickly too.

OP, could you go back to your doctor and tell them you've been consistently trying for 2 years? See if you get anything paid for?

First things first, has your partner had a test too?
I have PCOS and we did need ivf but there was a male factor issue too.

@ttcrainbowbaby1 I'd look into letrozole; superior results for PCOS. Also ensure that you are taking myo insositol / inofolic alpha x

Also - CRGW in Cardiff offer letrozole snd clomid - not sure about bristol but Cardiff isn't too far