next step ideas!!

[divine]

I am a pcos sufferer and am having great difficulty in concieving. I suffer from all the symptoms of pcos even the facial hair! (not nice).

I had a laparoscapy in 2002 but dr found no blockage or anything abonrmal apart from the fibroids from the psos. So he then put me on metformin to help control my blood sugar levels, have been on them for 3 years now and have had a few periods - much to my relief. having only had 4 periods in the last 6 years!!

But i've now been refered to an IVF clinic since october and have been taking Clomid for 3 months along side metformin. But i was just wondering does anyone know the next step if taking this combination of tablets fails.

[clairelb]

This kind of thing sometimes depends on your consultant/clinic.   Are you being monitored on the clomid to see if it’s working as it should be?  You may be prescribed a higher dosage of the clomid if the first 3 months don’t produce the desired result.  If your partner’s sperm ‘content’ is good then after clomid you may be offered IUI or IVF.  Are you being seen at a private or NHS clinic, because unfortunately what you are offered by NHS may be limited according to where you live and other personal circumstances, and not forgetting the lengthy waiting lists.  Have a search on the web; there are a few fantastic support forums for people going through infertility treatment and pcos.  Good luck, it’s a long and emotional journey. 

[maxd]

Sorry this isn't an answer to your question but I have PCOS too and I was wondering if Metformin had helped any of the other symptoms, e.g. did you lose weight, get less facial hair, etc.  My GP refuses to prescribe it for me as he says he's never heard of it being used to treat PCOS.

I'm sorry you're having trouble conceiving - I haven't reached that stage yet.

All the best. 

[JinxtheCat]

Metformin is used in diabetes. I don't think it has anything to do with PCOS

[maxd]

PCOS sufferers are more likely to have insulin resistance and there is a higher risk of us becoming diabetic.  Some doctors prescribe Metformin to help alleviate some of the symptoms of PCOS, including unstable insulin and sugar levels. 

[jimmy654]

First thing with PCOS is treat it as if you are a diabetic, Avoid sugar and white flour products and exercise and most likely after a couple months your period will continue to come more frequently. The next round will be something called IUI the first and easiest form of artificial insemination its quick and painless although a bit uncomfortable and you should be home resting in just a couple hours.
http://www.conceivingconcepts.com/learning/art icles/iui.html