It’s nearly October and we’re reaching the end of the first leg of this journey. So far, I’ve broken my fertility story into six stages: you can read Stage 6 here, Stage 5 here, Stage 4 here, Stage 3 here, Stage 2 here and, first, Stage 1. For me, the final stage has been egg…
Tag: pcos
Finding my Fertility (Stage 6)
I’ve been injecting for 11 days. On the 13th, I began injecting a solution containing follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH) every evening to help my ovaries grow follicles (fluid-filled sacs in which eggs grow). And from the 17th, I also started to inject a solution in the morning (between 7am and 9am) to…
Finding my Fertility (Stage 5)
It’s been a frustrating month. The phone lines and computer system at the clinic were completely out of action for three weeks which delayed my (and countless other single women and couples’) treatment. However, things are finally back up and running – we’ve made progress! (Learn what happened in Stage 4 here.) After more blood…
Finding my Fertility (Stage 4)
A lot has happened in the past few months since my last fertility post – Stage 3. I’ve had a pre-treatment scan to check my ovaries (still cystic, but lots of follicles so hopefully that means lots of eggs). My blood results have come back (low Vitamin D, dodgy thyroid levels and I’m not immune…
Finding my Fertility (Stage 3)
This time last year, I had my first fertility consultation. After filling in loads of forms and a very informative appointment, I learnt that I do have a bit of time, despite PCOS and fertility problems. (Find Stage 2 here.) And yet a year later, we’re only just coming out of a lockdown – so…
The Dreaded Smear Test
In the UK, we’re lucky to be offered cervical screening tests (previously called a ‘smear test’) every one to five years and yet, 1 in 3 women don’t take up the invite. Why do 1/3 of women miss their cervical screening tests? The main reasons include fear, embarrassment, not believing the test helps reduce the…
Finding my Fertility (Stage 2)
(Read Stage 1 here) Prior to a video consultation with the fertility doctor, there was a barrage of forms to fill in and a video to watch and understand. Some of the forms included: All these things to consider before even stepping foot in the clinic! After an incredibly informative hour-long appointment, I came away…
Finding my Fertility (Stage 1)
In some ways, the lockdown doesn’t stop life from going on. Yes, we’re working from home, yes, we’re cancelling dentist appointments and haircuts, but in many ways, we’re adapting not stopping. And some things won’t fix themselves. All the time I wait and don’t do anything about it, my ovaries are becoming more cystic which means…
Polycystic Ovaries and Fertility
On deciding to write about PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), I discovered it’s Polycystic Awareness Month. As it comes to the end of the month, it’s a good opportunity to write about my experiences with PCOS. Until a few years ago, I didn’t know I had PCOS. At the age of 25, I had my first…
Still Searching for Prince Charming 