Ask Joanne: I'm having trouble getting pregnant
Categories: Just for mums, Pregnancy & birth, Medical conditions, Ask Joanne
What's your question about any aspect of life as a parent? Our experienced life coach Joanne Mallon is here to help. Send your questions in here and say if you'd like your name to be changed.
Peggy writes:
I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and have recently married. We want children and have come to the decision that now is the right time. I miscarried at an early age, and have not used protection in a while yet still not conceived. How do i go about getting pregnant?
Here's our life coach's reply:
Dear Peggy
As I'm sure you are well aware, PCOS can affect your fertility and make it harder to get pregnant. But it doesn't mean that you can't have children. Several celebrity mums including Victoria Beckham and Jules Oliver have spoken of their experiences of polycystic ovary syndrome. Whilst it may have had an influence on their ability to get pregnant, it didn't stop them having three children apiece. So take heart, there's every likelihood that you'll get there, though you may need a little help along the way.
There are various treatment options, which you need to discuss with your doctor. Being overweight makes a difference with this condition, so if you need to lose some weight then make this a priority. You can find out more about this and other treatment options on the NHS website here. There is also a self-help group for women with PCOS called Verity, which you can find out more about here.
You say you have been trying for a baby for "a while", I wonder how long this is exactly? Some people do get pregnant almost straight away, whilst for many others it can take much longer, even without the added complication of polycystic ovaries.
Good luck, and do make that appointment with your GP today. And of course have lots and lots of sex!
All the best,
Joanne
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
childcareisfun.co.uk 1-25-2010 @ 10:40AM
As founder of CCIF and a professional nanny with over 18 years experience, I was devastated when the doctors told me my PCOS would mean I was unlikely to conceive naturally.
After many intrusive tests and two rounds of the ovulation stimulating drug Clomid, I conceived my daughter Betsy.
Betsy is four months old now and I am now 7 weeks pregnant! This time completely natural with no help from drugs or doctors! Very close together indeed, but very exciting and proof that you can conceive with PCOS, it just takes time, patience and planning.
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Alex 1-26-2010 @ 10:27AM
Don't give up hope - it's a bit of a lottery for most people, I think, regardless of the PCOS (I have it and I am 12 weeks now after getting lucky on the first attempt). When you consider how much has to happen at the right moment, it's slightly amazing to me that anyone manages it by accident....
I wish you luck and hope you find a method that works for you.
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stacey 2-11-2010 @ 2:26AM
i have PCOS and i have 2 boys and now pregnant with my daughter so i would definatley not give up on hope. i was always irregular so thought it would be hard for me to have anymore but obviously i was wrong.
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NatalieEdge-Edwards 2-11-2010 @ 6:26AM
I was diagnosed with PCOS in May 2009 and started trying for baby number 2 in March 2007 (3 months after having my son Lennon) and when I was diagnosed with PCOS I was put on Metformin and 9 months on I am still not pregnant so 3 years we have been trying and it's not happening. I am very mad as everyone I know around me seems to be pregnant
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