Should i start my egg freezing process at 18?

[xohope_12]

Hello! I am not very sure if i should even be asking Fertility Network UK this question, however i have no clue who else to ask.

I am 18 from Scotland and have suffered with PCOS since around October 2019 but only got diagnosed finally in may 2022 after i had another ultra scan and they found i have polycystic ovaries. I also suffer with Insulin resistance, and cysts on my ovaries.

I have only ever got my period naturally twice since the first time i got it in September 2019 and again in June/July 2022. I take provera 4 times a year since September 2022 but recently stopped as the withdrawal bleed would last 2 weeks and would be very painful and heavy.

Although i have never checked my fertility rate, i have always kind of known i will probably struggle with fertility issues. Due to this and other reasons id like to go down the egg freezing route and surrogacy route. However I don't know who to go to or if i should even start at this age, id love any tips or advice on what i should do.

Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully answer my message. :))

[Flare90]

Hi,

I think you should definitely go to get tested and diagnosed only, don't rush into freezing if its not needed now and you might still have time to consider your options ☺️

[WillowPark]

Hi, I have had painful periods since a young age. I was told I probably had endometriosis and knew that might mean fertility problems. I pushed to get checked and considered my future fertility in doing so. In the end I was told I didn't have endo and was perfectly healthy with unexplained period pain. My husband and I now have unexplained infertility. I'm really glad I got checked at a young age and did everything recommended (which was nothing). I think if I hadn't I'd be sitting here blaming myself 15 years later for sleepwalking into an issue when I knew in my heart there was something not right. Plenty of ladies with PCOS can conceive easily, even with a bit of help, so hopefully that's you, but no harm in speaking to the experts and seeing if they recommend egg freezing or any other course of action for you. Good luck x

[xohope_12 in reply to WillowPark]

Hello! I'm so glad to hear that and thank you for sharing your story

Although i may be able to carry myself, for other reasons i dont want to actually carry the baby however would still want it to be from my eggs hence why i'd go down the egg freezing/ surrogate route. However thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post ❤️

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi xohope. I don’t know your full history, but I feel to start off with, get yourself as healthy as you can by eating a sensible, healthy diet, aiming at a BMI from 19-30. If that is ok get your hormones checked on Day 2-3 of your cycle , and maybe your AMH. Once you’re happy with all of that, then look into egg freezing if you still want to. It’s expensive and there are storage charges too. Good luck. Diane

[xohope_12]

Hello Diane, hope you're well.

Thank you for getting back to my question so quickly and also for the advice! I will 100% take your advice thank you again.

Hope you have a great christmas when it comes. 🎄

[SMBCnewbie]

When I froze my eggs (much older) there's a 10 year time limit on storage if freezing for social reasons. I think this can be extended if you freeze for particular health reasons (you have to apply for extension) but it might be a consideration for you if you aren't sure at what age you might use them. It's around £300-400 storage a year depending on clinic. Of course you might intend to use them within time frame but I always thought if I was younger it would have been something to think about. Get some advice on things that can be done now that might help the pcos symptoms and advocate for yourself, get second opinions etc if needs be.

[evalooda in reply to SMBCnewbie]

Just to say - the 10 year limit was removed in 2022. It's now 55 years! So at least the time limit pressure is removed x

[SMBCnewbie in reply to evalooda]

Oh perfect. I didn't realise as I did it just 2020 and used all my eggs up this year with ICSI. Wondered if things had changed.

[Ytrewq123]

hi xohope_12, I couldn’t read this and not respond, as a fellow PCOSer I can totally understand where you’re coming from and the concern. I just wanted to say please don’t assume PCOS means unchangeable fertility struggles, there is hope, I really believe once you understand what’s driving your PCOS (you can get a good idea by doing an updated set of hormone tests from the GP) lifestyle changes and other medical support can mean we have just as good a chance as anyone else. There is also research to suggest some women with PCOS can actually be fertile for longer. I see you mentioned “and other reasons” for freezing your eggs so I won’t comment on the egg freezing side incase I’m way off track, but just from a PCOS angle perhaps start with some updated blood tests? If you know you have insulin resistance too, there are lots of options to help insulin sensitivity which in turn can really help balance our other hormones like testosterone. Hope that helps somewhat but happy to DM anytime xx

[xohope_12 in reply to Ytrewq123]

Hello Ytrewq123, hope you're well! i just want to say thank you so much for reaching out and giving me advice I truly appreciate it!

Of course, there are thousands of women who struggle with PCOS and even fertility issues but still manage to have babies naturally. However for other reasons I wont actually be carrying a baby hence why i'd go down the egg freezing/surrogacy route even if i am fully able to carry one.

Annoyingly, i have been trying for months to get an ultrasound and more blood work but doctors are taking what feels like centuries to respond back :/

Thank you again for taking your time to respond to my question and i hope your PCOS struggles are easier to deal with and treat you well in 2024 aha.

Hope you have a great Christmas when it comes 🎄

[Eloquentia]

Hi! I am sorry you are struggling with PCOS, I have it too. What I found helpful was reading a few books about it (8 Steps to Reverse your PCOS and The PCOS Plan) with helpful suggestions about lifestyle changes and food supplements. Myoinositol was particularly helpful in getting my period more regular. I conceived through IVF being exactly 20 years older than you. Getting the eggs was not an issue, if anything, you tend to produce too many when you have PCOS which puts you at the risk of OHSS. If I were you, at this age, I would focus on getting as healthy as possible and making lifestyle changes to manage the PCOS better. This will improve your fertility naturally Very best of luck! xx

[xohope_12 in reply to Eloquentia]

Hello Eloquentia, thank you so much for responding to my question!

I'm sorry to hear that you also have PCOS, but am very glad to hear that you managed to have a baby!

Thank you for the advice, a few people have also mentioned this. And also for the book recommendations, I have been trying to find a really good book on PCOS so thank you for that :))

I hope you have a great Christmas and a happy new year when it comes! ❤️🎄