Some basics
Is also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome or Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD).
Affects an estimated 6-10% of all women and most don't even know they have it.
Is treatable, but not curable, by medications, changes in diet and exercise.
Is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.
Has been identified for 75 years and they still aren't sure what causes it.
Affects far more than just reproduction.
IT IS NOT just a cosmetic problem.
When ovaries become polycystic they create a lot of follicles that form like a pearl necklace on the ovaries. No one follicle becomes dominant and ovulation can't occur. For the most part, these multiple ovarian cysts are not dangerous in themselves—unlike larger ovarian cysts that cause pain and can rupture. But they do bring with them a range of uncomfortable side effects. Because a woman with PCOS doesn't ovulate, her natural sequence of hormonal events gets interrupted, her levels of estrogen and androgens (testosterone and DHEA) remain high, and her body reacts with symptoms
What a Polycystic Ovary looks like:
The many cysts in a polycystic ovary are follicles that have matured but, due to abnormal hormone levels, were never released. In a normal ovary, a single egg develops and is released each month. We are scheduled to begin treatment with my next period.Due to my cycles being so out of wack we will have my wait until next Thursday to see if I get AF . If I do not I will begin a round of Provera. Once AF arrives on CD 3 I will go in baseline my blood work done and start clomid. CD 12 I will go in for Ultraounds to determine the follicular growth, I will be given Oridrel or Novarel, the HCG Trigger that same day. On CD 7-11 I will have an HSG done, and an IUI procedure set up, depending on exactly when I am ovulating.
Due to having the Endo and the PCOS we have opted for more agressive treatment, which our insurance will cover. Usually, one has to do 6 months of strict clomid and trying on your own, however women with PCOS and Endo may seek going right into IUI with Trigger. So that is the scoop. We will keep everyone updated....as time goes on...Thanks for all of your well wishes and prayers!
