POCS-confused by advice?!

Hello ladies,

I don't know if anyone can answer this question, but thought I would put it out there anyway.

Background info??I was diagnosed with POCS about 2 years ago. Gyno that I was seeing explained to me that due to the POCS I was not ovulating due to the cysts on my ovaries not allowing the eggs to be released, even though I had all the signs that I was ovulating and the at home ovulation tests were coming back positive. Was put on Clomid and conceived, but sadly miscarried at 9 weeks. Went to see a FS who put me on Letrozole to stimulate ovulation and had a successful pregnancy and now have a very active 8 ? month old DS.

Fast forward to now??back to the FS to get the ball rolling for the next one (DS took 3 years!). When asked in I had AF back, said yes (even though I am still breastfeeding!) Asked me if it was regular, again yes, every 33 days. FS was excited and told me that I was ovulating and would not need any medication, come back in 6 months if I was not pregnant yet!

Now I am confused. Does having POCS mean you do not ovulate due to the cysts or not? Any answers, suggestions or stories would be great as I am confused.

Thanks,
Tracey

Hi Tracey,

Most women with PCOS do ovulate - just not regularly. I was only ovulating every 3 months. The cysts don't prevent you from ovulating they are just a sign of the hormone imbalance that is PCOS. Instead of a dominant follicle developing each cycle many small follicles develop and form cysts. Generally speaking, if you have a regular AF then you are ovulating regularly. My FS told me when AF returns if it is not regular and the cycles are longer than 35days then I would need Clomid again.

Sounds like your body has sorted itself out. Good luck and I hope you are UTD really soon!

I was told pretty much the same thing as you when I was diagnose with PCOS. MY FS also told me that pregnancy and birth often 'resolves' the ovulation issue for women with PCOS and that conception without assistance is indeed possible. Give it a few months but if you have been trying for a while maybe go back and explain your situation. I do know some FS will track a cycle using regular blood tests and can tell you if you are ovulating or not. This can be more reliable then a home ovulation kit. Good luck :D!

PCOS involves more than just the cystic appearance of the ovaries, as the other ladies have mentioned. it is very possible after having a child (or even a change in lifestyle/loss of weight) for the hormonal imbalance to sort itself out and for you to return to a normal "cycle" - given that situation, i would think you'd be fine to try naturally - and would only need FS intervention if you've been actively trying for more than 12 months.

maybe check out fertility friend or another similar site and work out how to observe your natural fertile signs if you're not sure yourself.... if you have PCOS, steer clear of OPK's - there are warnings all over them that, if you have PCOS, they won't work properly!

Hi Tracey

I was diagnosed with PCOS about 3 years ago. I have lots of symptoms and I do ovulate each month. My cycle is roughly 28-29 days (with the odd 26 day one thrown in). I've tried clomid (which I conceived on about 12 years ago - before the diagnosis but I feel that i've had PCOS for a long time due to symptoms, just couldn't get anyone to diagnose it for me). I since tried clomid and tamoxifen but unfortunately haven't conceived on either of these since. The one time I did fall pg, I wasn't on any assistance (just lots of stress due to family events).

I also temp and keep track with FF. (by the way this is very addictive). But by doing this I know exactly when i've O'd

i second what BG said.

The cysts (i dont like to call them this coz they are not) are not stopping you from ovulating as such. The cysts are eggs that failed to develop properly and didnt get released ffrom the ovaries. PCOS i think is more about an hormonal imbalance rather than these cysts. I could go on about it forever but im just about to head out the door. HTH

I have PCOS and had DD with Clomid. I was not ovulating at all (blood tests every week) and very irregular periods.

I have have been having regular periods and ovulating for the last 10 months, i think having a baby has made thing go back to normal for a while? I say for a while as it has now been 8 weeks since AF and have not ovulated. (defenatly not UTD!!!!lol)

Hopefully you body has corrected itself and TTC will be a short journey this time around. Good luck!

Thanks lovely ladies,

That does change a few things. DH and I thought I was not ovulating at all. Does present a new outlook on things. Fingers crossed that we are able to have another baby naturally :pray:

I knew that I was coming to the right place to ask you all for your advice. It was not until I had left the FS that I came up with my questions as I was surprised by what I had been told.

Thanks again,

Tracey

As some of the others have pointed out PCOS is more about hormones causing the cysts than the cysts themselves.
i have PCOS but no Cysts...i was diagnosed through blood tests.

I had abnormal periods that would go on for 4 months at a time so i dont have a cycle at all...therefore don't ovulate. But don't have any cysts.

Good luck tracey, i look forward to hearing a BFP very soon!:crossfingers: