PCOS Does Not End Fertility Many of you know I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). I have written about my struggle with it at various times, but thought it might be a good idea to blog as well.I was 23 when my gynaecologist said to me, “I suggest if you want to have children you do something about it before you turn 30, and you will probably need fertility treatment”. There was no way I wanted to even contemplate that option until my late 20s, but her warning haunted me from that day onwards, and still makes me feel uneasy even though I’ve gone on to have two happy, healthy boys. PCOS is an endocrinal (hormonal) imbalance that can influence fertility and affects around 10 per cent of women of child-bearing age. The syndrome started for me in my teens with irregular periods (or none at all sometimes). I am also very overweight, have excess facial hair, lost half of my scalp hair and often had a sharp, jabbing pain in the right side of my abdomen. I have seen doctors and a long list of specialists including several GPs, urologist, allergist, endocrinologist and gynaecologist about the symptoms listed above since I was 18. After enduring several ultrasounds, two laparoscopies and many blood tests, my doctor diagnosed PCOS, saying both of my ovaries were covered in tiny cysts and resembled two pin cushions. Subsequent ultrasounds have shown the classic PCOS ‘ring of pearls’ cyst formation around my right ovary. This ovary was three times larger than my left and there was also a cyst on my right fallopian tube. My tubal cyst was unrelated to PCOS, but was the most likely cause of my abdominal pain. Not ready to become a parent in my early 20s (and not in a good enough relationship to entertain the idea), I began seeing a naturopath at The Jocelyn Centre in Sydney to see whether I could solve some of my symptoms. The naturopath devised a low GI diet with herbal supplements, exercise and no caffeine. While I desperately craved chocolate, the change in lifestyle helped with my PCOS symptoms and empowered me to take charge of my life, instead of feeling sorry for myself and accepting my fate. I followed this treatment for many years and after all the hard work I did to control my diet and do more exercise, I was rewarded with a regular menstrual cycle and increased fertility. I also lost weight, which helped my self-esteem. Later on I also started taking Metformin to control the insulin resistance associated with my PCOS. When Harvey and I decided we wanted a child I stopped taking the pill and we set ourselves up for what my doctor warned could be months of heartbreak as my questionable fertility reared its head. Instead I was pregnant a month later. We were elated and somewhat mystified as to how we conceived our child so easily, but I have since found out a woman is her most fertile in the months after stopping the pill. Noah was two when we started discussing having a second child, knowing it was possible we wouldn’t conceive again. Luckily for us we did conceive Ethan within a few months and amazed my doctor again. My experience shows that while PCOS has many drawbacks and has to be managed carefully, it doesn’t always mean an end to fertility. Have you, or someone you know, experienced PCOS?
__________________________________ Johanna Baker-Dowdell is mum to two boys – Noah and Ethan – and combines looking after them with her work as a blogger, journalist, writer and public relations consultant. She owns and manages Strawberry Communications which started small in the third bedroom, but has grown into its own office space (in the converted garage). 3 CommentsFeedAdd Comment |
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Tuesday, 01 June 2010
Tuesday, 01 June 2010
Saturday, 12 November 2011
I was not overweight and did not have excessive body hair so it took awhile for the doctor to diagnose it, so I'm really lucky that I had a doctor that was willing to put me through tests to confirm my condition.
My periods are also irregular but I'm on diabex metformin and the pill to regulate my insulin levels and my period.
I'd love to join a support forum where other women talk about PCOS and how to get pregnant. Do you know of one?