When it comes to conceiving with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the path can be challenging yet hopeful. Meet Emma and Jake, a couple who faced a myriad of fertility hurdles, with PCOS being a significant factor in their journey.
Emma and Jake, childhood sweethearts now in their early 30s, tied the knot in 2018 and immediately started their family planning. After several months of trying with no success, Emma sensed that something was off. Having been on birth control for a decade to manage her skin, she wondered if her body was struggling to regulate itself naturally. Coupled with her rigorous weight training routine—where she worked out up to four times a week and reduced her body fat to around 12%—Emma’s health seemed like a double-edged sword.
A visit to their doctor revealed that Emma needed to gain weight for her reproductive health to improve, especially given her irregular menstrual cycles. Despite this, no other issues were identified for either Emma or Jake. “It felt like a step forward, but really just a checkmark,” Emma recalls, noting their frustration when they couldn’t get a specialist referral until they’d been trying for 18 months. Eventually, they were referred to a fertility specialist in their area.
Emma was prescribed Metformin to help manage her insulin levels, which could aid in regulating her periods and support ovulation. Following this, she started on Clomid to stimulate egg release. “Clomid was intense, and every month ended with disappointment. I began to lose hope,” Emma confided.
After a year of treatments, Emma underwent a HyCoSy test—a non-invasive procedure to check for blockages in her fallopian tubes. This test uses dye to reveal issues invisible in regular ultrasounds, and it can sometimes help clear blockages. “After each medication or procedure, we were told to wait and see for a few months, but nothing ever seemed to work,” she lamented.
At the two-year mark, they finally qualified for a round of NHS-funded IVF. They chose TFP Oxford Fertility for their treatment, impressed by the compassionate staff and solid success rates. On New Year’s Day 2022, they submitted their consent form for IVF, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
Upon examination, the consultant diagnosed Emma with PCOS, which clarified many of their struggles. Polycystic ovaries can have fluid-filled cysts on their exterior, while PCOS is a hormonal condition that disrupts regular ovulation. “For me, this means my ovulation is out of sync, and my eggs are released late, making fertilization difficult,” Emma explained.
As the treatment progressed, Emma handled the IVF injections well and had a successful egg retrieval, yielding 14 eggs and six embryos. However, she faced complications from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which caused swelling and discomfort post-transfer. “I ended up in the hospital for a week. It was nerve-wracking, fearing that my chances of pregnancy might be slim,” Emma recounted. Daily blood tests showed promising hCG levels, suggesting she could be pregnant.
Two weeks later, back home and feeling hopeful, Emma took a pregnancy test. “We were so excited to find out we were expecting! Our little embryo, which we named Spark, eventually became our son, Leo.
Eighteen months later, they were ready to try again, this time naming their embryo Flash. “It was so much smoother this time—just five days of injections for the uterine lining and then a frozen transfer,” Emma shared. She soon found herself pregnant again, this time with a daughter named Mia.
Reflecting on their IVF experience, Emma appreciated having a clear plan after years of uncertainty. “We knew exactly what to expect, which made it easier,” she stated. She did find it tough to give up weightlifting, a passion of hers, during treatment, but she looks forward to returning once her family is settled.
Despite the ups and downs, Emma and Jake have no regrets about their journey. “I’d go through it all again to have my kids,” she affirmed.
If you’re interested in exploring your own fertility options, various resources are available. For more insights on pregnancy, check out this excellent resource from the WHO. Also, if you’re looking for tools to aid conception, consider visiting BabyMaker for their artificial insemination kits. And if you’re curious about baby names, take a look at our blog post on the top baby boy names for 2025.
Summary
Emma and Jake’s journey to parenthood was fraught with challenges due to Emma’s PCOS diagnosis, but through perseverance and medical guidance, they successfully welcomed two beautiful children. Their story highlights the importance of understanding fertility issues and the potential pathways to overcoming them.