Unexplained fertility & polycystic type ovaries?

[Orangeflowers]

Hi all,

I've just found out that it says 'query polycystic type ovaries?' in my fertility notes. The nurse indicated that this was just noted down as a query as I'm 2.5 years TTC with no BFPs, and there is no reason to explain my lack of fertility. She said there would be no test for PCOS however as I've not actually got any of the symptoms - I'm definitely not overweight, no excess hair; periods are regular etc etc.

The only thing suggested that might put me in the frame of 'polycystic type ovaries' is the number of follicles I produce. However, I understand that with PCOS - lots of follicles are produced that turn out to be just fluid filled, with no or undeveloped eggs.

I am 41, with 1 fresh failed transfer. In this cycle, I had 20 eggs collected, 16 mature, 14 fertilised & only 3 embryos made it to day 5/6. Generally my scans show about 23-28 follicles.

Could it be that my embryos are developing too slowly due to PCOS and the 'mature' eggs actually not being that well developed?

I'd be interested of hearing others experiences of PCOS or polystic type ovaries or above average follicle production for age, with slowly developing embryos.

Also worried that my slowly developing embryos could be down to caffeine consumption. I'm endeavoring to cut down to 1 tea/ coffee per day now, but saw recent research which suggested that even 50mg of caffeine a day could be counterproductive for fertility..

Thoughts appreciated,

thanks

[Chel91]

Hi, I have PCOS, but my main symptom is irregular periods. I don't really have any of the other symtpoms, my BMI is 19. If you are living a healthy lifestyle, it can certainly mask the classic PCOS symptoms.

PCOS is still so poorly understood. Some women with PCOS do have regular periods, but that is rarer. Sometimes regular periods occur, but ovulation does not happen often. The only way to know for sure would be to have more tests, specifically checking androgens. Sometimes women with PCOS also have an elevated LH/FSH ratio. Insulin resistance is also pretty common even in lean women. I'm on a lower carb, no sugar, no alcohol, lots of supplements and nearly caffeine free diet. Personally I feel like it's the only thing left I can do xx

[Orangeflowers in reply to Chel91]

Ok, thanks. Useful to hear your experience

[Gueritarubia]

I think it’s also possible to have PCO without the S. My ovaries look and behave polycystic, but regular periods, a little excess facial hair but nothing else. Regular weight, etc. My first cycle (long protocol) I had quite a few eggs (11 eggs, 8 mature if I remember correctly), butnothing to transfer. Second cycle on a different protocol (short with double trigger) I had 15 follicles at collection, don’t remember how many mature eggs but a whopping 8 high quality blastocysts. So don’t despair. I was 37 or 38 at the time. Have a daughter from first fresh transfer (second cycle) and now trying for a sibling still from the same batch. I’m 41 now and ovaries still very much looking PCO

[Orangeflowers in reply to Gueritarubia]

Thanks for sharing, much appreciated. That does sound quite a bit similar, so could be PCO for me. I only had a single trigger. Maybe a double one could develop the eggs more, not really sure if it does this, or just stimulate more follicles... Good luck 🤞 on your next attempt x

[Gueritarubia in reply to Orangeflowers]

So my first cycle I had a regular trigger only, on second cycle a double (two different ones combined) to ensure maturity and it worked. Xx