PCOS - Trying to conceive

[ElizabethCatherine]

Welcome to our 5th thread :)

A lovely bunch of ladies all here to help each other along the way with any questions or concerns we all have when TTC with PCOS

Sorry to hear that @SLady , I am still waiting for my next cycle to start Clomid, CD 32 today and had loads of EWCM myself last night...not sure whats going on either.
Don't be too hard on yourself, this was the first month of clomid and your body will be getting used to it. Is it worth using OPKs next month to see if you get a positive? x

Are you usually regular AmyL88? Yes im starting to think EWCM isn't that reliable, I'm sure I can't ovulate CD28 on Clomid!!
I'm just waiting for the FC to call me back. I'll have CD21 bloods next time so least ill know for definite. Although if AF doesn't arrive in the next couple of days I'll know I didn't ovulate this time

Well every cycle seems to be different for me. Last couple of months i did get a positive OPK but not until around CD24. I am on CD 32 now and just taken an OPK and its not positive but a fairly strong 2nd line...very odd!

Did you get any ovulation symptoms around CD14? Have you been DTD regularly throughout the month?

That's strange. That's why I'm staying away from opk's to be honest. I get confused enough as it is! Yes I thought I did AmyL88 but obviously not I did DTD regularly throughout the month so would have had a good chance of catching it if I had of ovulated. FX crossed AF arrives for you soon, all the waiting is so frustrating!

We can all be frustrated together ladies, the waiting game struggles are real. I just got a letter in the mail today saying my consult is pushed out from June 28th to July 7th.. another 2 weeks! Damnit. Was getting excited to be starting something next week.. soooo frustrating.

Sorry everyone is struggling today, you're not alone I had such a shitty day at work and the fact that my mind is set on TTC is not helping...

AmyL88 and SLady, I don't trust OPKs at all. I definitely ovulated this month (a scan showed a dominant follicle) and I know exactly when as I had ovulation pain and temps confirmed it (btw, I'm a huge fan of temping as you can see if you actually ovulated or not). However, had no clear positive OPK, even when I did two a day, didn't drink anything for a good few hours beforehand etc. Other people on the interweb experienced this, so OPKs are just evil.

As far as EWCM is concerned, when I do ovulate, I usually get it for a few days before ovulation, but it pretty much disappears when I get closer to ovulation day. So that's not a great indicator either, at least not in my case.

SLady, have you heard back from the clinic?

ElizabethCatherine, sorry your appointment got pushed back. Did they give a reason? Look at the bright side: you still have something to look forward to rather than being in limbo.

My news: I ordered 90 satchets of Inofolic from eBay (from Poland as it's much cheaper than here). I've been taking Inositol since January and I really think it helps, but it's not the fertility-specific version so thought I should give the real deal a try. It's expensive (£35 for 1.5 months supply), but I put things into pespective: other ladies are spending tens of thousands on IVF, so I might as well try this as well. I also bought the Wellman Conception vits to give DP's swimmers a boost As you can see, I need to feel like I'm doing something...

Sorry I always end up writing novels, I'm a very chatty person . Hope you'll all have a relaxing evening

@looking4hope no reason, just a letter saying sorry your appointment has been moved.

How the heck do people track temps when it's warm AF outside lol. Everyday is a struggle and different temperature in my sleep. I'll have no hope if I can't use OPK tests and no EWCM to track. I'm like a dried up old lady 24/7 I have to use lube so it's not painful LOL TMI, my hormones are so off that's a side effect. The gyn said it's the same for when cancer patients go through treatment and stuff.

ElizabethCatherine, temps that go up and down (looking like mountains) are a sign of PCOS, so it's to be expected. As long as you take them at the same time every day, after at least 2-3 hours of sleep, it's fine. Mine stabilised a bit in recent months, since taking Inositol. As long as an increase that's maintained for at least 3 days is observed, it doesn't matter what pre-ovulatory temps look like. FYI, the most reliable app is Fertility Friend based on my experience. The app detects ovulation based on temps - if you're interested, this is how they detect it (blog from another app, a shitty one which doesn't detect it automatically): www.kindara.com/blog/when-should-i-mark-a-temperature-shift-in-the-app

I'm dry as well and always have been Ever since we started TTC, we've been using Conceive Plus (a drop goes a long way) as normal lube pretty much kills the sperm (saliva is another big no-no).

It's starting to cool down from today, yay!

That's really annoying elizabethcatherine last thing you need in this waiting game is to be pushed back for more w.a.i.t.i.n.g for no reason!

Well done looking4hope it's good to be proactive!! Hope work is a little better for you today

Update from me - I spoke to the clinic and they said not to be disheartened. They give 50mg twice as they believe it can take a couple of months for your body to get used to the drugs and get it into a routine. I will start norethisterone after day 35 if still no AF and then have a CD21 blood test next cycle and if my progesterone is too low I will start 100mg next time. They aren't strict on the 6 cycles only rule. They look at everyone case by case so I guess at least I don't need to feel like this second 50mg cycle is wasting my cycles. Even though I don't really buy it, I've never seen anyone on 50mg for a second month if it didn't work the first - would be nice to see some success stories on that! I guess i havent got a choice though and I'll just have to trust and put my faith in what they say. I'll just take the next month with a pinch of salt I think

Thanks SLady, work is not any better. I'm also doing some freelance work on the side, so I barely have time to breathe.

I'm sure you can find some similar Clomid stories on Mumsnet or other forums. Sorry it feels useless to take 50mg again, but who knows, maybe they are right and your body does need to adjust to the meds. At least they're willing to explain everything to you, all my NHS encounters have been really rushed. Will you test again before taking norethisterone (if AF doesn't come)?

I feel your pain looking4hope work is so full on and stressful for me too. Plus with Clomid not working, I feel in a negative head space at the moment.

Hmm you never know, I'm not feeling optimistic though. Just gimmmeeee the 100mg Yes I'm going to test again on CD35 and then call for my prescription of norethisterone. Those delightful little tablets again

It sounds like we're all having a bit of a sucky couple of days - fingers crossed the weekend improves things!

In terms of tracking I paid for natural cycles which tracks temperature. I was all over the place, so I changed to vaginal temping (sorry tmi!) Which is much much much more stable.
This month the app claims I ovulated. Who knows!? OH sperm is useless so even if I did it wouldn't lead to a bfp!
I do think on balance probably quite a good app though!

I've also always been pretty dry (pre seed is what we normally use) I didn't realise this was linked to pcos though!

I still can't decide wether or not to be positive about ivf, or if it's scary that we're already at the last resort! Can I still drink? I think we all need a stiff one!

@looking4hope what time of day are you supposed to take inositol and how many mg a day? Or tap of the powders, I got it in powder form but have been slack on taking it. I see so many different posts on how much people are taking people don't seem to go buy the instructions on the tub. Thanks for the app recommendation I'll check that out. Might be a good idea to do that when I'm starting meds.

@FloofyFloo yup it's a def side effect to be dry, I didn't know that either until my gyn asked me if it hurt to have sex she said it's very common because it's hormones that makes CM. And yes go and treat yourself to a drink! When I'm taking clomid I'm still going to have a drink know and then, you never know how long it can take and we can't wrap ourselves in cotton wool. I would say after having IVF no but before, you go have that cold one lol

ElizabethCatherine, I'm taking 2g twice a day, usually with breakfast and lunch (but sometimes dinner instead of lunch). As far as I know 4g is the recommended dose - for example one Inofolic satchet has 2g of myo-inositol and you're supposed to take two a day. I'm also taking folic acid in the morning (400mcg). I put the inositol into a glass of water, stir vigurously and drink it while eating or immediately after. Some ladies report tummy problems, I've only had mild ones for a few days when I started.

FloofyFloo, you can definitely have a few drinks before you start the actual process. It would also help you relax a bit . It's a good sign if you ovulated and who knows, maybe a strong little swimmer made its way to the egg. I think it's important to stay optimistic no matter what life throws at you

Hi girls 👋🏻
I'm new to this thread so hope I can join in!

Bit of my history... I'm 25 coming up 26 and came off the pill in December 2016, sort of TTC but more just if it happens then it happens, but also to see what my natural cycle was like before really going for it with TTC as I'd been on the pill for 11 years - was placed on it originally for irregular and heavy periods.
Since coming off it it's been hell. I had my withdrawal bleed from pill, then my cycles have gone 46 days, 35 days, 63 days and now I'm on CD59 waiting for AF.
During my 63 day cycle I was sent for ultrasound due to severe abdominal pain which came back traces of PCOS and Endo... then had hormone tests but they came back fine which having read through a lot of info on PCOS would look like they actually checked my hormones at the wrong time as I was actually on CD 1 or 2 I think.
Being referred to gyno on 3rd August to see what to do next. I was scanned for PCOS at 14 due to irrregular cycle but that was clear.

Sorry for the waffling, at one point were you all confirmed to have PCOS and have you really had to push the doctors for help? I feel at a loss.

When AF does arrive I'm absolutely floored, so painful, I'm exhausted and really struggle to get through the first 2/3 days. Anyone else like this?

Thanks!

Hi littleemma1 welcome to the thread, the more the merrier!
I was diagnosed with PCOS at 16 and then re-diagnosed twice as part of the TTC process. You should be able to get it looked into at the GP if you're worried. 3 criteria are irregular periods, abnormal hormone levels, cysts on ovaries and you need to meet 2 of those. I don't have heavy or painful periods mine have always been fairly light but I think that's a symptom of endo. It might be that some of your endo symptoms cross over with pcos? My gp was very happy to test for pcos, my initial bloods weren't done on any particular day and they came back fairly normal but I have cysts and irregular periods so it was confirmed. When I went back for a fertility clinic referral I needed to have bloods on CD2-5 and CD21. Hope that helps

Hope everyone had a good weekend :)

Hi @slady! yeah my heavier painful periods are due to the Endo 😒😫
I know weight can play a massive part in PCOS so I'm actively trying to shift any extra pounds and doing well so that will be a good thing to tell the gynaecologist come August... just seems so far away right now!!
Is the fertility clinic private or NHS based? I feel like I'm waiting ages for everything.
I hope you don't mind me asking, have you managed to conceive? X

Yes it is said to help massively and most nhs trusts have a criteria of BMI under 30 before you can start fertility treatment. Hopefully you can get some answers in August. No I haven't, I have started Clomid treatment now on the NHS and finished one round (which unfortunately didn't work) and due to start the 2nd soon. It does feel like it can take a long time on the nhs but you're young so plenty of time and it may still happen naturally in the meantime. I had to TTC for a year then took about 6 months to get a referral and start Clomid. Not too bad but felt like a lifetime sometimes

littleemma1, welcome to the thread (though I wish nobody had to join...)! I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years ago and it was confirmed this year. Same here, all my blood test results are fine (I did last ones on CD3), but I have all the classic PCOS symptoms. With the NHS, you have to be patient and push a lot. The GP and gyno can help with the intial diagnosis, but if you're not ovulating regularly you'll need a fertility clinic further down the line. I also have the occasional painful period (staying in bed and taking a lot of painkillers), but in my case it's because of two small-ish fibroids.

Just take it step by step, keep TTC so you can claim in Dec that you've been TTC for a year (in case you need a referral, you might get pregnant before then...) and try to stay positive. Ask questions, rant, whatever you need; we're a friendly bunch

SLady, had a relaxed weekend but now on the train to work and I'm dreading it as Monday are usually really crazy. Planning to go back to my HIIT training this evening, to help me get rid of work thoughts i.e. imagining that I'm punching my boss really helps sometimes Hope you're feeling okay and you had a lovely weekend.

Well I'm thinking I'll need to tell a couple of little white lies about how long we've been TTC because I know it can take so long!
Just to complicate things though we're now getting married next July (yay! 😬) so between now and march are being careful as I don't want to be waddling down the aisle 9m pregnant as I already have my dress lol!
I think what's getting to me most is I feel like I'm in a limbo stage at the moment as I just have to sit and wait until I see the gyno on 3rd August but just carry on with these horrendous periods (I suppose at least there's a lack of them 😒)
The only thing that helps with the cramps are cocodamol but you're only allowed to take them for a short while and I can't take the best thing ibuprofen as I get stomach ulcers.... grrrrr.
OH is very understanding and whenever I have a mini meltdown about being terrified that I'll never be able to conceive - bless him I'm not sure how he puts up with me!
Are fertility clinics private or on the NHS? Not sure we could afford to go private 😑 Xx

Welcome @littleemma1 the fertility clinics are on the NHS and private. But yes they say TTC for 1 year before they accept you, private you can go whoever but it does get expensive. I was referred to a gyn and had to wait 3 months to see her for to only had an ultrasound to confirm PCOS and then she turned me away to seek help from the fertility clinic - she said there was nothing she could do for me I needed to see a fertility clinic if having a baby is what we are going for. Just so you know, it may be a waste of time because it certainly was for me and we all know how painful the waiting lists and times are. Push for the fertility clinic referral, have some blood work done and get your man to have a semen analysis done they will only take the referral once they have that. If time is precious then I for sure would tell a little lie at this stage about how long you have been TTC for.. wish I did so I could have got that referral off sooner. Once they receive all those records and book your appointment it's again another 2 months to get in with them. Push push push you have to be so on it with the NHS

Hi @littleemma! Nice to have you here!
I found that having no periods made the doctors immediately pay attention, although they did try a lot of things before I was passed on to a fertility clinic! I didn't have a pco diagnosis before hand - because I was on birth control and because I don't have severe symptoms (apart from a lack of periods) I'm overweight, but not hugely, I don't have excess hair, I'm not overly spotty, my testosterone levels aren't raised... But as you are diagnosed I would think your doc will try to help straight away.

The other thing is - I know SO MANY people with pcos who have conceived naturally and easily. So you might not actually need any help - it is probably worth seeing through the whole year of TTC, especially as clomid raises the risk of multiples(and you have time on your side and you don't want to be waddling in a wedding dress!).

The one thing I would advise doing if you're not in a rush, and doing early, is getting a sperm count done. I was knocked sideways when I found out my partner had a low count, poor morphology and low motility, and it means we don't have any chance of conceiving naturally - we need icsi . My fertility clinic does an initial consultation which checks female and male fertility for £300. Then you may want to wait for NHS treatment, but at least you'll know!

This feed has been a life saver for me though - people just do not understand the emotions involved with infertility as far as I've found! They're normally very sympathetic, but don't get the anger or despair! (I'd also advise counselling if you start the longer journey into treatment and the waiting and the helplessness!) It's amazing to be able to sound off to people who get where you're coming from!

@elizabethcatherine I've been taking inositol on and off for a while now - I just whack a scoop from the bag in whatever drink I'm having, or on cereal, or in yogurt.... I probably remember about twice a week. I think it's helped with a return to an almost normal cycle (60days, 40 days, 52days) this year. I'm also swearing by the pregnacare vitamins which I think have helped too!