Questions about conceiving....

mavswimmer · 02-09-2008, 01:45 AM

Ok, so I have a few questions for you ladies out there. I am 26 and want to think about a baby within the next couple years. My partner and I are both ready, but need to get some financial things taken care of and then we will begin the process. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2000 and was on meds for awhile and then not on any for several years (denial on my part). I recently met with an endo to see what I needed to get back on track and healthy again. I had gained a ton of weight and am on the path to losing that. I have lost 12 lbs since we started on Jan. 7th. So, that is on the right path, but I am worried that my years of not being on meds could hinder my chances of getting pg.

I so desperately want to be pg and I guess I don't know exactly what all is involved. I have not talked to my doc yet, as I am just getting that ball rolling. Is it possible that my fertility is still ok? Or could the years off meds have hurt that? Also, how do you go about ttc? Do you just buy the sperm like they did on that L Word episode and kinda just shoot it up? I know it sounds crazy, but I never really gave it much thought until now and realize that obviously, I won't conceive in the "normal" fashion.

Any stories, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Or if you know of any questions I should ask my doc when I see her next would be great!

Thanks,
Al

FutureMoms · 03-02-2008, 03:54 PM

Al-hey there!
i've heard losing a bit of weight can help with ttc when you have pcos. i have pcos and have not lost much weight(i personally don't think i have THAT much extra weight anyway...perhaps im in denial)

i asked my family doctor to refer me to a local Fertility Clinic. usually a referral from your family doctor is required to see the RE(reproductive endocrinologist). i went for some ultrasounds and bloodwork, and my wife and i looked at donor websites to find a donor we thought was healthy(and had a cute baby picture too)

then the RE has you come in on cycle day 3 to do an ultrasound and bloodwork, and they may give you medication. do research online if you are worried or wondering about the medication(side effects, doses, etc) and then around cycle day 14(or whenever your blood work and ultrasounds show you are close to ovulating) you go in to the RE's for an insemination.

but..there's other routes. some sperm banks will sell you sperm to do an ICI(intra-cervical insemination)at home yourself.

a good book i found helpful was: A Donor Insemination Guide by Marie Mohler and Lacy Frazer.

also...during a consultation with the RE, they will discuss your pcos and your symptoms and if ICI, IUI or IVF is best for you. take some questions with you and dont be afraid to speak up on your own behalf(i found my previous RE REALLY pushed medication when i didnt want it....plus i had to educate a bit on same-sex couples.)

after a few negative IUI cycles, i had my RE(and family doctor) both say "well when is it your partners turn?"...if you are set on becomming pregnant then dont be afraid to be assertive and set them straight.

congrats on your weight loss by the way! with pcos, ive found all doctors/RE's are happy when we lose any bit of weight.

i knew another (lesbian) woman who did an IUI(insemination) and so i had asked her lots of questions before i saw the RE to start our journey.

write down your questions and either ask people on here(or even ivfconnections.com lots of same-sex couples ttc there too)...hopefully your RE is familliar with same sex couples and will be respectful and helpful.

best of luck to you!!!

FutureMoms · 03-02-2008, 03:56 PM

also....i was on Metformin for the pcos for 2 years...and during all my IUIs i was on it(1500mg/day) BUT my new RE has taken me off of it. im not sure how well it worked for me. it may have helped regulate my insulin...but i doubt it helped me ovulate. i tend to ovulate late in my cycle..and i have cycles that vary from 27 days to 24 days in length.
i was on medication(fertility medication like Clomid and Puregon) during all of my IUIs to help me grow eggs, and to help me grow them in time with my hormones to properly ovulate at the correct time(or close to it!)