Seven months ago, I had an appointment with my Ob/gyn to determine the reason behind some health concerns I was having.  I figured it was going to be something catastrophic, not exactly sure why, but when I found out that it wasn’t something that was life threatening, I still wasn’t relieved by what it was.  As it turned out, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. 

If you haven’t heard about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it is basically when a woman’s ovaries create many small cysts instead of actually ovulating.  This leads to missed periods, problems with hormones, acne, hair growth, increased blood sugar, weight gain and infertility.  Roughly 1 in ten women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and it is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

When I was diagnosed, the doctors were able to determine that at the time of my ultrasound, I had about 12 cysts on both ovaries.  My chances for having a third child slimmed significantly and I felt overwhelmed by the sudden fact that I may not have any more children.  I wasn’t even sure at that time if I really wanted a third but it felt as though the decision was taken right out of my hands and I was left wondering what to do now.

My ob/gyn strongly recommended trying for a third since I was leaning towards trying in a year and so I began trying for baby number three.  Now 7 months later, I am still trying and it hasn’t been as easy to get pregnant as the last two times.  

On top of the stress over not conceiving, I am constantly worrying about the long term health risks that are associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS.  These health risks can be heart disease, diabetes, increased chance of miscarrying, sleep apnea and uterine cancer.  All of them terrify me but in many ways, none of them terrify me more than not having a third baby.  I know that I’m blessed with the two children that I have but I would still like one more. 

Since I am trying to conceive, I thought I would share a few points that my ob/gyn shared with me. 

Obviously the first one is to have intercourse.  there is some debate about this but most people feel that starting every other day for 5 days before you ovulate and continuing until 5 days after you ovulate is the best way to conceive. 

Since you need to know when you ovulate, you should purchase a ovulation kit and begin taking your temperature every morning.  Keep the same routine since checking your temperature at different times can throw off your readings. 

Talk to your ob/gyn about treating your infertility with hormones or clomid.  My doctor has expressed the desire to start on hormone treatments at my next appointment but I am kind of nervous about this since I know Murphy’s Law is never really kind to me and with my luck I will have 6 babies plus the two boys that I already have.  I don’t think I could ever be ready for that. 

Lastly, stay healthy and try to maintain a good diet, lots of activity and take those prenatal vitamins.

More importantly than anything else, just stay positive. 

If you would like to share your stories about conceiving, please email me at sirena_vanschaik@yahoo.caor post a comment.  For more information on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome vist Women’s Health Matters.

Tags: conception, Infertility, PCOS, pregnancy, Trying to get pregnant, Women's Health

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