Advice / Support

[Slxo]

My partner and I have been trying to conceive for 2 years now, I have PCOS and irregularperiods. We got prescribed clomid earlier this year but still no luck, I had a blood test around 7 weeks ago to test for for ovulation but its so varied when I speak to people as to what tests they have had etc also depending on hospitals and private clinics etc. That is the only test we have had since starting the tablets and I have had no results, should I have had a call?. We are at the beginning of our 6th and final clomid cycle and I am really struggling with the likelihood of anything happening but also the next steps to IVF. A mixture of the unknown and lack of information can be quite daunting about the next steps and IVF. I've never reached out on here or any other platform but today I just feel sick to my stomach and wanted some reassurance from someone who gets it...

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Slxo. Maybe the Clomid will work, I hope so. However, although you might not like the idea of IVF, it is a positive way to regulate your cycle in order to have a successful egg collection and create embryos to use. Obviously, I wish you both well with whatever treatment you follow on with, if necessary and for success. Good luck! Diane

[Slxo in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you for replying. I have up and down days, I think I am ok with IVF its just a lot of unknown but i suppose we all keep going and pushing through. Thanks again!

[LSandJ]

Hi,

I have PCOS and am currently have clomid for 4 cycles (just did my test today for the 3rd and no luck, so one more cycle), then back yo Dr for next steps. They may suggests a couple more months of clomid or maybe go to IUI before ivf.

I've actually had ivf before too. For me the physical side wasn't bad at all, not really any bad recations to the drugs (and you get used to the Injections pretty quickly!!) But it is an emotional roller coaster, maybe even more than clmoid cycles. Cos there are so many highs and lows. High expectations and waiting for results.

Here if you want any specific advice or have any questions? X

[Slxo in reply to LSandJ]

Thanks so much for messaging. Its sometimes hard to remember you're not alone. Sorry to hear you're going through this too. IUI hasn't been mentioned at all only IVF as a next step, I was scared to begin with but I'm ok with the idea of IVF and have done as much research as I can. This whole thing is just so up and down isn't it, some days I'm ok and some days I really struggle. Its a lot of unknown but I also don't know what to ask or what I want to know. That probably sounds very strange?! X

[Marylyn]

Hi I am a fertility awareness educator for 40 yrs .Have you had thyroid function ,active vit B12 ,folate, iron,zinc ,vitamin D levels checked ? A vit b12 & vit D deficiency can result in infertility in female & male .

[Slxo in reply to Marylyn]

Thank you for replying. I don't believe so but I am not entirely sure what has been tested at this point. I will certainly ask these questions to my fertility doctor to find out though so thank you so much for mentioning these things.

[Esme78]

Hi there! A fellow PCOS person here although I've successfully reversed it now. I would strongly recommend a book called 'Natural Solutions to PCOS' by Dr Marilyn Glenville.

We had a very long and difficult (in)fertility journey - I too took clomid - and we had two fresh ICSI cycles; I got a positive pregnancy on my third embryo transfer and we now have a beautiful 3.5 year old girl. I searched for a Gyn/Obs specialist with PCOS specialism which proved to be very helpful. PM me if you want her details.

Keep positive! Sending your good vibes x