Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Support Group

Polycythemia is a condition in which there is a net increase in the total circulating erythrocyte (red blood cell) mass of the body. Primary polycythemia occurs when excess erythrocytes are produced as a result of a proliferative abnormality of the bone marrow. Secondary polycythemia is caused by increases of erythropoietin that result in an increased production of...

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Women's Health
/ Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Support Group

Scared I can't have kids

BPD23
BPD23

hey, I am new here. I have been diagnosed with pcos since about the age of 17. I am currently 23. I know people with pcos strive to have children everyday and succeed although with it being the leading cause of infertility in women, I am scared I won't be so lucky. I know, I know. I'm young. I have time. Etc. Etc. but what if I don't. I don't even want to go to a fertility specialist due to the simple fact that if I'm not fertile, I will be heartbroken.. 

Acrylix
Acrylix
Welcome BPD23! Thank you for sharing your concern, I know PCOS can be quite scary. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. PCOS may be the one of the leading causes of infertility but it does not means that all women with PCOS are at risk of being infertile. We live in a time where technology plays a good game on our favor. So before you fill your world with worries and " what if" , here are a few advise you can follow to keep your PCOS in check and your eggs healthy.
First, you NEED to go to you OBYGEN. The doctor will run a few blood test and check you up with a sonogram just to make sure your ovaries have no cyst. Is quite normal to have them ( women without PCOS have them and they go away with the period). Nothing to be afraid of. This check up' s are really important because that is how the doctor can tell you how to take care of your self and how to protect your eggs. For example keeping a diet low on sugars and fats and some exercise on the side always help you maintain a healthy regular cycle (ovulating properly) , or if there are any cyst to get rid of to show you the best hormonal treatment ( birth control mostly) that can help.
Unlike the time of our great grandmothers now a days if we keep our self on top of this syndrome we can avoid infertility better than those days. The fertility business, magazines and companies tend to rely on fear of infertility to sell, don't fall on it, It's super costly. Only your doctor can tell you to go to a fertility specialist if need be. Like, literally worse case scenario.
As a fellow woman with PCOS I encourage you to talk about this concern with your OBYGEN. You wont believe how empower you will feel knowing more about your own body and how to help it for you to be in control. When You decide to have babies you and your doctor will make a plan.
Don't be afraid. Your concern is only a gateway to a world of possibilities!
I hope this help,
Acrylix
BLB09
BLB09
Hi there, I was diagnosed at age 17 also. I'm 26 now and I have the same concerns. Yes were both young and maybe not even ready for pregnancy, but the thought lingers in the back of my mind every day not knowing if I'll be able to have a family in the future. You're not alone!
xxEmxx
xxEmxx
Hi BPD23,

Hugs to you, it's hard news to hear. I'm new here as well, and when I found out last year, I was gutted. I'm nearly 31.

People tell you to be positive but that's easier said than done sometimes. I'm starting fertility treatment now. I was like you, I thought my life was over because I can't have kids naturally. It does suck, but there are options out there so I'm trying not to lose hope.

I agree with what Actylix said though, make an appointment with the obgyn and find out what's going on and what you can do to keep as healthy as possible, in preparation for down the track.

Take care
xE