The thing with ibuprofen is that it is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), and like all other NSAIDS, it inhibits ovulation, and can interfere with embryo implantation. The only pain medications you can take during a cycle are paracetamol and codeine - if panadol alone isn't touching the pain, try panadeine, it's just that bit stronger and still safe. The nurses at the clinic have also told me that I can have mersyndol, but I tend to avoid it anyway.

My FS is a big believer in the link between weight and fertility, particularly in women with PCOS. He has a very strict eating plan with limits on the amount of carbs, fat, protein, and calories you can have each day. Any carbs you consume should be low GI. There's also a list of things you should avoid - cheese and tropical fruit being the only real surprise on the list.

He used the plan with me because I was severely insulin resistant, despite not being overweight. He gets very good results with it. The surprising thing is that he also uses this plan for women who have absolutely nothing to explain why they are not pregnant and why IVF is not working. He claims to get good results there, too.

A friend of mine who sees the same FS doesn't have PCOS, is not overweight, has no explanation for her infertility (apart from age) and has been through a couple of stim cycles, being lucky to get around 3 eggs, one embryo and the transfers have not been working. Our FS has now put her on this plan, and she's just had an egg collection and is about to go for transfer. 8 follicles, 6 good eggs, 4 fertilised with ICSI - it's her best result yet! We'll know later on today whether any get to the freezer, but the evidence is looking pretty convincing so far.

I can pass on the information if anyone wants it.

BW