Just like many young couples, Amanda was excited about starting a family with her partner. After years of using birth control to regulate her irregular menstrual cycles, she was ready to stop and see what happened. Amanda was healthy and in her late 20s, so she thought conceiving would be straightforward.
However, after stopping the pill, Amanda only had one regular cycle. The rest varied from 35 to a staggering 75 days apart. She felt something wasn’t right, especially since she had no other symptoms that would typically indicate a health issue.
Being proactive, Amanda and her partner consulted their OB/GYN for preconception planning. After a few months of monitoring and no progress, the doctor suggested using Metformin, a medication often prescribed for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to help manage insulin levels. Frustrated by the lack of results, Amanda felt compelled to seek a specialist.
A friend recommended a fertility clinic, which made Amanda hesitant at first. “I wasn’t sure if I was a candidate for their services,” she recalled. But once she reached out, an appointment was quickly arranged. Before the consultation, she had an emotional conversation with her OB/GYN, expressing her desire to see a specialist. “I think I actually ended up crying,” Amanda joked, but her doctor was incredibly supportive.
To Amanda’s surprise, her hormone levels indicated she did have PCOS, even though she didn’t show any classic symptoms like excessive hair growth. Her OB/GYN hadn’t diagnosed her before since her symptoms didn’t seem severe. “Honestly, I was mostly asymptomatic aside from my irregular cycles,” Amanda explained.
Since the Metformin treatment wasn’t working, the specialist suggested a stimulated cycle with intrauterine insemination (IUI) using Clomid and injectables. Unfortunately, Amanda faced hyperstimulation and they had to cancel the first attempt because her body produced too many eggs.
During the next cycle, they discovered a cyst during the monitoring process. They adjusted the treatment plan, but Amanda still didn’t conceive. Eventually, they identified the cyst as a dermoid type that required surgical removal. With her OB/GYN and the specialist communicating about her treatment, Amanda underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove the cyst and also found some undiagnosed endometriosis.
After a brief break from trying to conceive, Amanda was back for another IUI. This time, it worked, and she was thrilled to share, “I’ve officially graduated from the clinic because I’m pregnant!” Though she felt a bit nauseous, she was overjoyed about her journey toward parenthood. “I’ve learned that if something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out for help,” she advised, reflecting on her experience.
Amanda’s story highlights a common sentiment among many women with PCOS: you may not always experience the classic symptoms, but that doesn’t mean everything is fine. If you’re curious about your own fertility journey, check out our blog on your expected arrival date. It’s a great resource for anyone considering starting a family. For those looking for more information on home insemination, sites like Make A Mom can provide valuable insights as well. Additionally, exploring podcasts on fertility topics, like those from Cleveland Clinic, can be beneficial.
Summary:
Amanda’s journey through PCOS highlights that many women can be asymptomatic, yet still face challenges when trying to conceive. With the right support and proactive measures, she found success in her fertility journey. If you suspect anything might be off, don’t wait to seek help.