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Q: Can I get PG if I have PCOS?

Posted Wednesday, October 17, 2007 3:45 PM

Q: I was just diagnosed with PCOS… does this mean I won’t be able to get pregnant? What can I do to increase the likelihood of conceiving?

Dr. Joseph Hill: PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome -- a common reproductive endocrine disorder that is associated with irregular or absent menstrual cycles and excess production of the hormone testosterone (called hyperandrogenism). Increased secretion of this male hormone generally causes excess hair growth, oily skin and acne. Due to the lack of regular ovulatory cycles and monthly release of an egg, PCOS is often accompanied by infertilty. Should a woman with PCOS become pregnant, the chance of early loss may also be increased.

While there is no definitive treatment for PCOS, there are therapies (often birth control pills) that aim to achieve regular menstrual cycles. If you want to get pregnant, medication (pills or injections) can be used to induce ovulation.

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Posted by Paula K
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Comments

re: Q: PCOS and Fertility?

i suffered form pcos before i conceived my 1st child.  my dr. told me that it would probably go away after that.  well it didn't go away after the 1st but did after the 2nd.  i had trouble getting pg with the 2nd but not the 3rd.  they are 19 mths apart.  i hadn't even had a p before i got pg with the 3rd.  don't be fooled.  pregnancy can change alot of things about  the body.  i now have regular cycles and i can get pg at the drop of a hat.  

Posted by mom007    Wednesday, May 09, 2007 2:17 PM


re: Q: PCOS and Fertility?

I also have PCOS and was told I was going to have to go on fertility pills.  Well...I'm happy to say that my husband and I didn't use any pills and we got pregnant right away.  I'm not saying this is the case for everyone, but it may give you some hope!

Posted by dancesmz    Thursday, May 10, 2007 2:35 PM


re: Q: PCOS and Fertility?

Don't be discouraged! I was diagnosed with PCOS the day AFTER I had my first OB appointment. We got pregnant after about 4 months of 'being less careful'. The biggest news-- we are pregnant with TWINS! Don't worry to much about the PCOS, obviously it doesn't mean no babies :)

Posted by FaeryStarGazer    Monday, May 14, 2007 7:07 PM


re: Q: PCOS and Fertility?

Since I have been diagnosed with PCOS, I gained 65 pounds and that is while being on weight watchers and going to the gym. Dh and I have been trying for 9 months to get pregnant, but nothing yet. I am on metformin and clomid, but still no results. Everyone varies. A reproductive endocrinologist can really help you thru this. Shedding a few pounds is supposed to help with conceiving.

Posted by Tink5120    Tuesday, May 22, 2007 11:11 AM


re: Q: PCOS and Fertility?

Does oily skin, acne, and  irregular menstrual cycles always indicate PCOS?  Dh and I have been ttc for about 6 months with no success - we had to stop because I was diagnosed with dysplasia in my cervix, which we thought may have contributed to not getting pg.  I have not been tested for any fertility problems, but I do have irregular cycles ( I always have) oily skin and acne (from the oily skin).  I am pretty sure that I ovulate each month since I have the typical ovulation syptoms.  

Posted by angel_7499    Monday, June 25, 2007 10:32 PM


re: Q: PCOS and Fertility?

I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 17. At that time (9 1/2 years ago) it was commonly believed that pregnancy would be extremely difficult or impossible. I was told I would have to have laser surgery to remove the cysts and that each time I had it, there would be scar tissue and the next pregnancy would be even more difficult.

Last year, in anticipation of TTC with my husband, I scheduled an appt. with a new OB/GYN because I had moved from one city to another. The new OB put me on metformin and told me that it was not going to be easy to get pregnant. We stopped being careful in December after being on metformin for a month, and then started *trying* in February. BAM, I was pregnant immediately.

Don't lose hope. It's not impossible.

Posted by sarakitten    Sunday, July 01, 2007 1:29 PM


re: Q: PCOS and Fertility?

I found out I had PCOS the day after my first OB appointment.  The endocrinologist was surprised that I had gotten pregnant so easily- we had only been TTC for about 2 months. Not only am I pregnant now, but H and I are expecting twin girls in a few weeks. PCOS does not equal no babies! I also have hypothyroid disease, which is another thing a lot of women worry about. Don't let these things get you down!

Posted by FaeryStarGazer    Tuesday, July 03, 2007 5:46 PM


re: Q: PCOS and Fertility?

doh! I all ready posted! We tried for a couple months and then quit with the trying part. As soon as we stopped trying, it happend for us. I should probably read the comments before I get all post happy! :P

Posted by FaeryStarGazer    Tuesday, July 03, 2007 5:49 PM


re: Q: PCOS and Fertility?

Well, I was diagnosed with PCOS in April of 2007.  We had been TTC since November of 2006.  Something that was not mentioned that is also related to PCOS is Type II Diabetes, which I was also diagnosed with within the month.  I am on Metformin and Clomid, and have lost over 20 lbs.  Still no luck.  I am happy to hear about all the success stories, I hope that one day I will beone of them.

Posted by AbbyLuvsBrian05    Thursday, July 12, 2007 9:42 AM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I was diagnosed with PCOS in Oct. 2006. I had all the symptoms of it for about 10 years before I was diagnosed. I am on Metformin and Clomid to try and get pg. We have been trying for almost 3 years with no success. I am happy to see that there are success stories but I just wanted some people to know that it can cause extended IF issues.

Posted by mrsolsenk12    Saturday, August 25, 2007 12:36 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I too was diagnosed with PCOS in 2004 after my miscarriage in September. My husband and I decided not to try again until the summer of 2006. Until that point I was not getting a period so I was placed on Metformin. I also read that it helps to lose a few pound.  I added another ingredient ... lots of prayers and within 2 months I was pregnant.  However, I had a miscarriage 2007 at 18 weeks, which I think was due to an incompetent cervix.  Happy to announce I got pregnant within 2 months after my miscarriage (placed cerclage at 13 weeks). This time I give credit to my Heavenly Father for His Mercy and Grace.  There are several stories in the Bible that tells the a story about women( Abrahams lineage) that were unable to conceive but were able to conceive because of Gods Grace.  I read them all and was encouraged.  I claimed all their stories for my life and believed that God would do the same for me.  HE CAN ALSO DO IT FOR YOU!  Continue to pray, exercise, eat healthy, follow doctors orders as well as follow your womans intuition about certain suggestions your doctors may have.

Posted by acheanpongk    Wednesday, September 19, 2007 3:54 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I was diagnosed in Dec. 2006 after years of symptoms.  They started 5 years ago and I gained 60 pounds in 1 year - no joke.  I am on 2000mg of metformin/day and have lost 20 pounds since Jan. 2007.  We've been TTC for over a year now, no success yet.  Went to RE in August and had planned to start Clomid this month, but plans changed.  We're semi-taking a break for the next year as DH will be in and out of town a lot with work.  No sense in taking clomid if DH won't be around regularly.  If we don't get pg on our own over the next year, will go back to RE this time next year.  The Met made me sick for the first week or 2, but after that I adjusted really well.  Only have probs  if I eat too much fat or carbs (and no salad after lunch time - BAD indigestion!!).  I don't feel starving all the time anymore and my skin has gotten better.  I still don't have a lot of energy though.  The weight loss was due mostly to eating smaller proportions and healthier foods.  You can do it, but everyones experience will be different.  Good luck!  Lots of girls on the trouble ttc have pcos, they are a great help!

Posted by charlaNIKol    Sunday, September 23, 2007 6:35 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I was diagnosed in 2001, I think. My DH & I stopped being careful, and after a year & a half, still nothing had happened. I talked to my OB after we got married, and he put me on Norethindrone (just a hormone that my body doesn't make) to make me ovulate, and BAM! we are pregnant. We are due in May next year.

Posted by S Ray    Thursday, October 18, 2007 3:38 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

Don't be discouraged!  I was diagnosed after a year of TTC with my first husband, and 3.5 years later we still weren't pregnant.  After he left me, I met the man I'm married to now...and we're pregnant with our 2nd!  Our son was a surprise (since I was on the pill) since we were only dating for 3 months when I found out I was 6 weeks pregnant,  Baby #2 was planned and all it took was for us to decide we wanted another!  Good luck!

Posted by jms124    Friday, October 19, 2007 7:18 AM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was in my late teens. I was immediately put on birth control pills and took them for quite some time.. I also took some time off of them and then started them back up 5 years ago.  They put me on Metformin for awhile but it didn't seem to do anything for me.  I was told it would be very difficult to have children one day because of the PCOS and the fact that I am quite overweight because of it.  Well, in May 2005 at the age of 29 my DH and I decided to go off the pill and BAM a month later I conceived.  Our son is now 20 months old and we are 25 weeks pregnant with a little girl! Despite all the odds here we are.. Don't give up hope.. I am glad I never did!

Posted by jacks_mommy    Friday, October 19, 2007 11:56 AM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I really appreciate everyone posting their stories on here. They bring a lot of encouragement and helpful information.

Posted by laurbear    Monday, October 22, 2007 5:09 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I just got diagnosed with PCOS four days ago, and have already started treatments of metformin.  I'm hoping that this will regulate me as Dh and I have already been TTC for over a year.  Thanks for your words of encouragement.  I have faith that once you control what you can and leave the rest up to fate things will happen the way they need to!

Posted by bonnieblue1    Monday, October 29, 2007 5:54 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I hope everyone who is looking for some answers and hope come to the Trouble TTC board and checks out the PCOSbio for lots of good info to help you out.

Posted by katieranck2202    Tuesday, October 30, 2007 6:30 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

My husband and I ttc for a year before conceiving with PCOS. We couldn't believe the diagnosis the first time we heard it, so we changed docs. At my first appt with the second doc she said the exact same thing. We tried 2 rounds of clomid with zero success. After the second round she advised us to a reproductive endocrinologist. Just a few weeks before we went to the first RE appt we agreed to get a kitten to help with the feelings of infertility. Just a few weeks (like 2 1/2 weeks) later, I ovulated and wound up pregnant without any idea. I was expecting the entire time I was under the RE's care without him or us knowing. I am happy to say that we have made it through the first 12 weeks without any complications. (but we didn't find out until we were 10 weeks along!!) No one has said anything about what will happen after the baby is born, but I'm hoping that the next time is a little easier. I can't afford that many cats! lol!

Posted by ktloulou416    Wednesday, October 31, 2007 6:48 AM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

Thanks so much for the comments and the encouragement.  Being in the over 30 crowd and diagnosed with PCOS has me feeling very anxious about TTC.  I'm hoping for my first cycle since going off the BCP in 1/08.  Happy New Years, right?  :)  Think positive!!

Posted by Denesdia    Monday, December 31, 2007 7:18 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

Don't be discouraged!!  I was also diagnosed with PCOS with extrememly irregular cycles and after a year of TTC on our own with no luck it only took 2 rounds of clomid as well as taking metformin to help in conjunction with the clomid, we conceived our first child and she was carried to term and very healthy.  We are now TTC #2 using clomid because it worked so well the first time.

Posted by AlmostMrsParkin    Friday, January 11, 2008 8:22 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I, too, have POS, and although FH and I are not currently TTC, we're not avoiding it either. As of right now, there may be a possibility that I am pregnant, which has me cautiously hopeful. I also have Type 2 Diabetes, which I suspect is due in part to the POS being undiagnosed for so long. I'm trying to lose weight, but can't seem to get anywhere with that. I am concerned about being pregnant or getting pregnant with all of these health issues, but after reading all of the comments, my hope and faith is restored.

Posted by FutureMrsS08    Saturday, January 12, 2008 5:58 AM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I have read a lot about PCOS. I was diagnosed with it in June of 2007. I got married in Aug. of 2007. So once I got married I had no insurance so I came across this site and hoping I can find more information out. My husband and I have been trying to get me preg for some time now. I get periods.. But then there are times I dont. I get signs of pregnacy but take the test then there it is that I am not. The dr. says I have PCOS. I have all the signs of it. But yet. there are no cyst and and im not diabetic? Does everyone with PCOS have cyst on thier overies? See I dont understand this. I hear clomid works well. I also heard Fertilaid works a lot of wonders. So my questions are. Did or does anyone use fertilaid to help get you're periods on tract or to get pregnant? Or hear of anyone who had to take that route? Or if all women with PCOS have cyst on thier overies? I am sorry about all of these questions but I am just still very unsured. I am also getting my hopes high and low with crazy emotions, and pretty much I need good advice or hear good new about PCOS. With what I read so far I have heard good and bad. But I will keep looking on here. I would appreciate it though if someone were to put another post on here. THank you :)

Posted by shortcup891    Tuesday, January 15, 2008 1:32 AM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

My Best Friend was diagnosed with pcos and kept convincing me that I needed to be tested for it too.I was diagnosed in 2005 and just recently went through a surgery to have the cyst removed from both of my ovaries. My husband and I suffered 2 miscarriages since our marriage in 2003 and after bravelle shots 3x's a day, metformin,chlomid,and serious exercise, we decided that we were emotionally drained. Our Dr. recommended I go off the bcp for awhile and let my ovaries take a break, this worked for my hormone levels but still no ovualtion. I have met several women with pcos who have conceived healthy, beautiful babies.. my godson's being 2 of the 8, so I am hoping that with alot of prayer and patience 2008 will be our year.

My husband and I have made a promise to eachother that we will take it one step at a time. One thing that I will say to all of you going through the same thing: Remember that your husband is going through the same emotions as you, don't use him as a batting cage. My husband and I read books about Pcos together and he goes with me to every Dr.'s appt. He is my journal, he lets the dr. know about hoe the medicine effects me/us. It has helped me to keep my stress levels low and look at this disease in a different light. Let's stick together, for anyone who is at my stage or coming close, let's chat.

Posted by Rcorbett    Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:49 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

Hi have PCOS i was diagnosed in early 2007. i am trying so hard to get pregnant and nothing. i am so dissappointed. I am on metformin and about to get on clomid. I hope its works. i feel so desperate.

Posted by sfernandez823    Friday, January 25, 2008 10:52 AM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

sfernandez823 I hear thhat not even those work sometimes. But yet I hear that it does. If the pills dont work try fertilaid I hear a lot more good stuff about them rather than clomid and metformin. It also helps get ur period cycle on track. I have even heard from people that they took clomid for about a year plus more.. They went off of it and tried fertilaid and with in like the first month to 3 months they were preg. That is just a suggestion. Its cheap too.

Posted by shortcup891    Friday, January 25, 2008 10:50 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18 years old. I was on birth control and came about 5 years ago. I am still having irregular periods. I have been seeing my OB?GYN now for about 2 1/2 years. On my first visit I told her about my PCOS and she told me we would monitor my periods and see if it improves. She has done no tests to confirm my diagnosis. On my last visit she advised me to come see her if I didn't have a period for longer than 3 months. I went to see her last week and she gave me  a prescription that would induce my period.  I informed her that my husband and I wanted to be pregnant by June of this year and so I wanted to know what we should do from now.  She then provided a referal to see a fertility specialist. My concern now is she is being a bit premature seeing that we haven't even officially start trying yet. Also, she has done no testing on her own, just my word saying I had PCOS. I have an appointment with the specialist for next week but I am wondering if we ned to at least start tryign on our own before we seek help. Please let me know your thoughts.

Posted by Gizmolilac    Friday, February 08, 2008 2:30 PM


re: Q: Can I Get PG If I Have PCOS?

So, the dr said I had PCOS and that I would probley need help to get preg. Well for a year now hubby and I had tried to get preg. No success. So the other day I was about to buy the fertilaid pills and in hope of getting pregnant. But I told hubby b4 I do that I want to take a preg test. So We bought one. .And BAM! A BFP! went out and bought 2 more and 2 more BFP! So here I am with PCOS and got preg of trying for a year w.o any help! So there is hope out there for everyone! :) gl2u all!

Posted by shortcup891    Sunday, March 02, 2008 2:46 PM


re: Q: Can I get PG if I have PCOS?

Has anyone had luck getting pg while taking just progesterone for pcos?

Posted by Lynn617    Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:31 PM


re: Q: Can I get PG if I have PCOS?

Hello, I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2003 after emergency surgery to take a cyst off my ovary that was a little bigger than a softball.  After that I was diagnosed and gained over 100 lbs in those 5 years.  I have had 3 miscarriages, and am now 21 weeks pregnant with our son.  I got pregnant by using the ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor, and the very first month I used it.  It pinpoints ovulation when you do ovulate and tells you the exact day you should TTC.  It worked for us!  I have had many friends with PCOS or other fertility issues use it and it worked quickly for them as well.  

Posted by kgrayce    Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:19 PM


re: Q: Can I get PG if I have PCOS?

I have been trying to get pregnant for a little over a year.  I have PCOS and have been taking clomid for the last 4 months, including this one.  I have lost 20 lbs since April and was told (because I am overweight) that weight loss would be a good idea.  It is frustrating that I am not pregnant yet and to make things worse, I am surrounded by people with babies or pregnant people.  3 just had babies, 2 are about to have babies, and another 3 just found out they were pregnant.  Not sure what to do!

Posted by Shannonrose81    Wednesday, September 17, 2008 10:41 PM


re: Q: Can I get PG if I have PCOS?

I was diagnosed at age 15 with PCOS (I'm now 25) and have been on birth control since then. My endrocronologist told me the first day I found out (at age 15) I would never have kids. After I found a new doctor and an OB, who both told me that I would be able to get pg- it has now turned into- I should have no bigger issues than the normal female getting pg, since I've been

being treated for 10 years and am healthy (no weight issues, diabetes, etc ). This is a big concern for me but my H is thinking very positive. We haven't started trying yet, but will be within the next year. I am encouraged by all the positive stories and happy outcomes, and pray for all the others. But before we start, I'll be having a long conversation with my OB!

Posted by sjacksrn    Thursday, September 18, 2008 12:20 AM


re: Q: Can I get PG if I have PCOS?

Yesterday I found out that I have PCOS and Hypothyroidism.  Gotta get the thyroid in check before I can try chlomid.  I actually am more at ease now knowing that I face a dilemma than not knowing what was going on all along.  If its in the cards for me I welcome the blessing!

Posted by kimraye77    Thursday, September 18, 2008 9:42 AM


re: Q: Can I get PG if I have PCOS?

I was diagnosed with PCOS in September. I finished my second round of clomid last month and had an ultrasound 10 days later to check my folicals.  There weren't any on the right side, but on the left there was a a folical measuring 1.6cm.  My OB told me to start doing the OPK the following day. They were negative until the 22nd of October. I had 3 positive tests on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. My OB also advised me to take a pregnancy test on my 35 cycle day if I had not started my period. I took the test, and it was negative.  I called my OB today and they advised me that I will probably need to start seeking the care of an RE. I am feeling very anxious, nervous, frustrated and sad.  

After reading all of the posts, I am curious about the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor.  I am going to buy one tomorrow and cross my fingers.

Posted by Jetaz74    Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:04 AM


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