Secondary infertility, PCOS, failed HSG, Clomid - advice for next steps?

[BubbaB]

I have been TTC for two and a half years. DS1 was conceived naturally and on first attempt 5 & 1/2 years ago. He was born via failed forceps then EMCS. Given the difficulties we are experiencing now, we feel even more lucky to have him.

Last June I had a failed HSG after having been diagnosed with PCOS by fertility clinic. At the time, fertility nurses weren't sure whether to get laparoscopy or to go for Clomid for 6 months - consultant decided 6 months of Clomid rather than risk damage with laparoscopy.

I have had four rounds of Clomid and I am going to take a break for a couple of months before starting treatment again due to personal reasons (bereavement, referral for unexplained breast pain)

I didn't ovulate first time but have ovulated the other three times according to my day 21 scans, the only issue seems to be that the follicles on my day 12 scans are never close to the size they would like.

I am trying to mentally and physically prepare myself for IUI or IVF. Neither of these have been spoken about yet, but I am trying to be as practical as possible. Part of me does wonder whether an alternative medication to induce ovulation might be more effective.

What practical steps have people in similar situations taken to prepare? Through this forum, I've heard about reflexology and acupuncture - I've been looking in to these options, has anyone experience of using either or both together?

@BubbaB Hi! I am in a very similar situation to you, have a 5 yr old conceived naturally and had a MMC Feb 2017 at 12 weeks. Since then i have been diagnosed with 'mild' pcos, put on clomid, confirmed ovulation but still nothing! Had to take some time off myself over xmas and now i am cd16 on my 5th Clomid round...clock is ticking!

I have done reflexology and it is s relaxing, obviously as i am still not pregnant for me it hasn't worked however i would 100% recommend it for de-stressing!

I have just (this weekend) been for a consultation with a fertility acupuncturist and walked away feeling so positive. She deffo knows her stuff and i cant wait to get started. She did stress i need to get my thyroid checked asap (and couldnt believe the consultant or GP didnt check it before starting me on clomid) She says that plays such a big part in TTC!!

@AmyL88 Thanks for your reply! It’s funny you mention thyroid- I’ve been tested a few times for this as I’ve had other symptoms in the past but I’m not sure if the fertility clinic did these more recently - will check.

Definitely interested in acupuncture, have started Pilates for the mindfulness/relaxation benefits, tempted with reflexology but there are so many beauticians that claim they do it, at least in my area, and I’m not sure about the credentials they should have.

I have pcos & me & my partner weren't 'trying' but had unprotected sex for close to 3 years & didnt concieve. I was over weight & went on to lose 3 stone & about 2 months later I was pregnant & now have a beautifully healthy 7 month old daughter. Not meaning to sound rude but have you put weight on since you conceived your first baby? They say even losing a little weight can greatly improve pcos symptoms... & I definitely think that's what was stopping it for me! Good luck!

Hi Ilovemybaby91, thanks for your reply! No, I am not and never have been overweight (BMI is 22). Well done on losing 3 stone - that's amazing! Congratulations on the birth of your daughter :-)

@Ilovemybaby91

Ahhh well thank you I hope you get your little bundle sooner rather than later! Good luck xx