PCOS investigations - anyone had the transvaginal ultrasound and what to expect?

[emeraldgirl1]

Said it all above, really! But has anyone has this done and what should I expect? Will the hospital automatically assign a female technician to do the job or will I have to request that? Don't know if I fancy having a random bloke rummaging around!! And I'm presuming it's not actually painful, but all info would be much appreciated thank you!

I'm also scheduled for a blood test for what they call LH and (I think) FSH - are there any other tests I should be having done?

AND... if it comes up negative for PCOS what should I do next? (Irregular periods are worrying me) Ask for a referral to Gynae or Endocrinologist perhaps?

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Hi RunLyraRun

I would certainly ask why the bloodwork results were described as "nearly normal". That means they were not and it should be properly explained to you by the gynaecologist (presumably this was the person who requested the tests in the first instance).

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

I suppose I am an old hand!. I was diagnosed with PCOS some years ago now and am a parent.

I would look into getting a gynae referral asap as longstanding irregular periods are certainly problematic to have when ttc. PCOS as well is a condition that should not be messed around with by GPS. Its a problem that is generally outside their general remit of understanding, it often needs specialist help from a gynae in order to conceive.

Clomid is usually prescribed initially but a person should be monitored whilst on it. No monitoring whilst on this is a no-no as it can markedly affect hormone levels. Some PCOSers as well can become clomid resistant; it is certainly not suitable for all PCOSers to take. It can increase LH levels which is something that many PCOSers have an excess of to start with. This is why monitoring is adviseable throughout the time you're on it.

A course of clomid lasts for six months after which time other treatments should be tried (these include injectible drugs and ovarian diathermy surgery).

A person is less likely to be ovulating regularly if at all if periods are irregular.

The pill can mask symptoms of the underlying problem regardless of what type of pill that has been taken. A withdrawal bleed is not an ovulatory one.

namechangerforareason has mentioned Verity. Its a very good UK based website for PCOSers.

www.verity-pcos.org.uk

[RunLyraRun]

Thanks Attila. I didn't think that was a very helpful comment from the gynae!

Fortunately I saw a different one last time, who was lovely, so hopefully I will be able to stick with her. I will ask her about the bloods next time I see her.

[namechangerforareason]

RunLyraRun

Please follow up these blood test results! Its your body you deserve to know what is going on and as for describing them to you as "nearly normal" that is shameful for a doctor! on your behalf! As soon as you get a diagnosis then you can start treatment options.

I am now a parent too after a long hard fertility battle but it was worth it.

Emeraldgirl, Atilla is correct in saying you can have a bleed without ovulating so it is important to make sure you are ovulating before TTC, please check out the verity website. It really helped me as I was given practically no information from my initial consultant, just told to take clomid, get blood work done regularly and wait and see. In hindsight I should have pushed for more. I am angry now that I didnt so please dont follow my path and get things sorted as soon as you can. It took me 8 years to conceive, although eneded up conceiving naturally after lots of treatments from gynae and assisted conception.

There are many knowledgeable people on here with regards to PCOS so please dont be afraid to ask anything or for support. You will get answers ans help without hesitation.

Hope all is well with you

x

[Tigresswoods]

I've had the internal and can tell you that it doesn't hurt at all. They do lob on the old lube quite liberally!

I had a female tecnicial and then when having a consultant's appointment with Bupa my male consultant did it with a female nurse present.

Not a problem for me, more worried about needles dand blood, give me an internal anyday of the week!

[HellsNB]

I have my ultrasound this Saturday... at least I know what to expect now, ta folks!