PCOS+fertility books

[mitzy81]

Hi all,

Has anyone conceived after reading books like The Billings Method, or any other?
I have PCOS and normally get AF 2 or 3 times a year. I have started taking metformin again. Are these books helpful or not really?

[ticklish]

Hi mitzy,

I have PCOS and have managed to concieve twice using the Billings Method - you don't need a book to learn this. Plenty of information available on the web. Also the TTC threads and useful too.

Last time I used acupuncture to regulate my cycle - was still irregular but at least I was getting one every 4 to 6 weeks, which is better than normal - can go 6 months without.

There are a number of PCOS books re lifestyle factors and fertility - which yes, I have read and found useful to some degree - healthy diet, maintaining healthy weight, reducing stress all helps.

Have you seen a dr?

Only having AF 2 or 3 times a year does mean you have fewer chances - compared to 12 for women with monthly cycles and can take longer to concieve -it is just mathematics!

Good luck,
TICKLISH

[mitzy81]

Thanks for your reply. I saw a Dr about 4yrs ago when I was TTC with my ex, that is when I was told I have PCOS. So 4yrs later I am in a new relationship and in a different state, I spoke to my new GP about it, and she said I would have to try for 12months and then go back to her. I don't know why, I am not very happy about it. We figured we would give it 12months and see what happens, but it has now been nearly 4months and no sign of AF. I am fit and healthy, lost about 25kg, quit smoking and drink rarerly and still no change with AF so I don't know what else to do.... maybe I need a new GP.

[ticklish]

Yes I'd be finding another GP and ask for a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist/gynaecologist/fertility specialist.

TTC for 12 months is the usual rule but not having AF for 4 months warrants investigation and referral anyway I would have thought.

Good luck,
TICKLISH

[Manhattan]

Hi Mitzy

I agree with Ticklish. Basically no AF means no O, so TTC for 12 months will be a waste of time. Sometimes Drs just need this kind of logic pointed out to them.

I am in the same boat as you, and haven't had AF for nearly 7 months now. My GP was great though and after 5 months of no AF, he did all the necessary tests, and now I have an appointment with a FS in 3 weeks.

Since you have already been dx with PCOS, I would have thought you could get a referral quite easily. So if I was you, I would be looking for a GP who will give you the referral you so obviously need!

and Keep us posted with how you go.

[JellyBean]

Hi,

I recommend you see a Naturopath who specialises in Natural Fertility Management before you see a GP. Drugs do not get to the core of the problem - they only 'mask' the symptoms.
A great book for you to read would be Francesca Naish's 'The Natural Way to Better Babies - Preconceptual Healthcare for Prospective Parents' and exhaust the advice that is offered to BOTH prospective parents (guys need to pull their weight too!) before you consider going down the assisted conception path.
This book contains loads of advice which will assist with conditions like PCOS that you are unlikely to ever hear from your doctor.
And, yes- I conceived naturally after finally following the methods similar to that in this book (dietary, herbal, supplementation etc included)- after years of being bounced around by GPs and 'specialists', taking different drugs and having repeated surgeries. In the end it was a dead-end road for me.
I attribute the birth of my healthy baby boy, and the end of my endometriosis to natural medicine.

Best of luck xx