New and have questions

[Jennifer Lynn]

Hello everyone,

My name is Jennifer and I am new to FertiliChat. My friend has recommended me here because my dh and I are thinking about starting to try for a baby.
To give you a little back round on us we have been married for about 7 months now, but we have been the best of friends for 8 years. I have an 8-year-old son Anthony, who is the light of my life.
Now that we are considering starting to try for a baby I am worried because I was diagnosed with PCOS about 3 years ago. I have been on birth control since. But I also have serve IBS which my dr. doesn’t want me on metformin because of all the stomach problems that go with the medication. So he has talked about clomid (last pap if we ever wanted to try). I have read that PCOS has a higher rate of miscarriages, is this true? I am trying to get any information on PCOS as I can before we start trying. Is there something I need to start now? Or wait until we are trying? Any information on PCOS would be helpful so would any suggestions. Thank you, Jennifer

[Lynne]

Welcome Jennifer!!

I have PCOS, and was able to get pregnant after 2 years with the help of a specialist (RE). Here is what I have learned about PCOS, and it is accurate as far as I know:

The reason PCOS'ers have trouble getting pregnant is because we don't ovulate OR we don't ovulate a "good" enough egg. It is important to note that you can NOT ovulate, but still have regular periods. This was the case with me - I had a period every month, anywhere from 25-35 days apart, but was not actual releasing an egg. Because ovualation is the issue, ovulation induction is usually the cure - things like Clomid, injectible drugs, etc...this is providing there is nothing ELSE wrong like blocked tubes, endometreosis(sp?), or male factor infertility. I am pretty sure that the odds are good for PCOS'ers to achieve preganancy through ovualtion induction. As far as the increased risk of miscarriage, I believe that it is true, but I don't think it's DRASTICALLY increased. Suggestions to help PCOS is to watch your diet - particualrly your carbs, and to exercise.

So, in my case my RE started me on 1000mg daily of metformin(Fortamet). I also have IBS, although not severe, and it did not bother me in the least. Maybe your doctor would be willing to start you on a low dose to see how you would do? So, the Fortamet regulated my period to every 26 days, but I was still not getting pregnant. Re sent me for an HSG test to make sure my tubes were open and clear, and they were. The next step was to have an IUI (inter-uterine insemintation). I took 50mg of Clomid, a lose-does shot of hCG hormone to make sure the egg released (Ovidrel) and had the IUI. We did the IUI basically because we also had morphology issues with DH's sperm - their shape was off:rolleyes: Anyway, it worked, and I am 8 months pregnant with a little boy.

Sorry to go on and on about me, but I like to share success stories that could help others.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Good Luck!!

[Christina]

Hello and Welcome to FC. Please feel free to join us over at http://www.fertilichat.com/showthread.php?t=397

[Jennifer Lynn]

Thank you Lynne. We are closing on our house in about 2 weeks and hoping to start ttc shortly after.

Do you or anyone know if PCOS causes gestational diabetes? When I was pregnant with my son I had gestational diabetes, is there a good chance I will have it again?

[Lynne]

Jennifer -

PCOS is generally linked with insulin-resistance and is considered a pre-cursor for diabetes - although this is not the case for everyone. I was told that my chances for gestational diabetes was higher because of the PCOS/Insulin issues. Luckily, I don't have it, but I am boarderline with it.

[Jennifer Lynn]

Lynne-
Thank you again. Also CONGRATS on your DS. They are wonderful. Big time mamma boys. You will love it.

[azlynne]

Jennifer,
I wasn't able to take Metformin for too long due to the IBS, but took Brewers Yeast tablets from Hi-health. You can google brewers yeast and insulin resistance on the web to see how it can help. I also started the Glycemic Index diet to lower sugar and carbs. I have PCOS, and was able to get pregnant. I had a problem ovulating also. There are many options such as clomid, injections etc. I was able to use herbs and accupucture to achieve ovulation. The clomid wouldn't work for me, but works for many women. (my sister being one of them). I think the biggest thing that helped was changing my diet. Just keep researching and find the best method for you. It is possible to get pg with PCOS, it just takes us a little longer due to lack of ovulation.
Baby dust to you,
Lynne

[Jennifer Lynn]

Thank you,
What exactly does the diet intale?

Jennifer

[azlynne]

If you type in Glycemic Index on the web you'll be able to find a list. It pretty much list foods based on their level of increasing blood sugar and insulin. The lower the number the better. Carbs are ok, but you need to eat more whole wheat carbs. I wasn't super strict on the diet, just changed to healthier carbs, and tried to reduce my refined sugar intake. I tried to find more natural sugar items (like fruit). I thought I was going to die when I first started the diet. I wasn't trying to loose weight, just reduce my sugar and carbs. I gave up alot of my caffeine, and drank more water. I truly think this helped with my PCOS.

[Jennifer Lynn]

I was on the adkins diet before and found it very hard to stick with. I lasted about 2 months, it was so hard because it was barley any carbs. I think my biggest weakness is potatoes. But I am willing to try anything to make sure I am healthy and in shape to get pg.
Thank you for your advice. I will look up the diet.
Jennier

[blueyes]

Jennifer,
I too have PCOS and would like to say "ditto" to everything Lynn said in that second paragraph of her first post. That is exactly what was going on with me as well. Had regular period, never ovulated...or apparently it wasn't a mature egg if I did. We started with Clomid through our ObGyn, but it never helped me ovulate so we were refered to Reproductive Endocrinologist. He is the one that diagnosed me with PCOS but still said we'd likely be pregnant within one or two cycles. Well...it took two years...but we are pregnant so never give up is my suggestion.

In our case, we stopped the clomid and did straight injectables along with the ovulation trigger shot, of course...and the IUIs. We did about 5 IUIs without success, then had the HSG done to make sure all was clear...and it was. Tried further with IUI's and got pregnant once...but miscarried at 2 months...so possibly PCOS patients do have an increased miscarriage risk. RE did tests to make sure I didn't have anything that would cause repeat miscarriages, and I didn't. We moved on to IVF. First attempt failed...but the second attempt was the success. I'm 17 weeks pregnant tomorrow with a very healthy #1. When it is meant to be...it seems everything goes right and fits into place...which is a far cry from the many dissapointments we've had along the way.

As for the diet...I think it is very important and seemed to help me immensely. I was able to do Atkins for a year before we got pregnant. Since you didn't like that too much, it still follows the same glycemic index principles...so find what will work for you. It isn't that you can't have carbs...it is that you need to eat the complex carbs that take longer to breakdown and affect your blood sugar levels. Whole-wheat breads, pastas, and such. You'll find what works for you. Good luck to you both!! I pray you have success with your first round of Clomid or wherever you start! But if you don't...you won't be alone...just keep trying. It will happen when it is meant to be...sometimes...that just isn't on our timetables unfortunately. I'm about 7 years off of my schedule. :rolleyes: -blue

[Jennifer Lynn]

Thank you for your response. I know I need to be on a diet and am going to start monday (shopping weekend). I am just waiting for dh to want to start as well. He wants a baby but wants to wait until we close on the house. I know he would like to wait until he tries out for the police department as well but I am trying to explain to him that it is going to take me a while to get pg.

I am hoping that we will start this month or next.

Thank you again.

Jennifer

[Jennifer Lynn]

Blue -
Sorry I forgot to CONGRADULATE you on your pg!!!!!

I am very happy for you!!!

Jennifer

[waiting4sept]

Jennifer--Congrats! I see your pregnant!

[DreamofBaby]

Hey Jennifer,

Congratulations on your PG. How did you do it?