[prayers4me]

I have been diagnosed with PCO apparently not PCOS, and I still don't understand the difference, when diagnosed my GP said I didn't have the syndrome but rather polycystic ovaries. Though I must admit she wasn't very helpful. I have 20 follicles growing in one ovary and 23 in the other - which I understand is far too many. Does anyone know what kind of treatment they prescribe to reduce the numbers. I'm not overweight and have a regular period every 30 days, when I had my blood test and I did ovulate.

To make things worse, my husband has an extremely low count (21,000) and 1% motility. I'm depressed and the doctor said I have no other option other than IVF. My appointment with Specialist is on Monday and I've had to wait for so long it's driving me insane.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

[mgmsrk]

Basically you have cystic ovaries but none of the other problems that go with PCOS or PCOD. Consider your self lucky, it’s an endocrine disorder that will affect those of us who have it for the rest of our lives, and for one put us at a very high risk for diabetes.

They usually only do something about the cysts if they are interfering with your cycle, but you have a regular cycle and seem to ovulate. Looks like the main reason for your IF is your Husband.

[prayers4me]

Thank you so much for the reply. I really appreciate, I guess I'll find out for sure what the next step of action is on Monday.

[Luvmyfamily]

Prayers - I would be very hesitant about taking medical advice from a fertility blog. While many people are experienced and have a good heart, I would take medical advice from my doctor only.

Good luck to you.

[snookums]

I was diagnosed with PCO last month as well.

On ultrasound exam, both my ovaries have the classic "pearlstrand" cysts.

My bloodwork came back entirely normal, and I am not overweight. I do have acne issues and more hair growth than I would like, so I have many of the PCO symptoms, minus the insulin resistance.

Since insulin resistance is not an issue for me, my doctor did not suggest metformin (an oral hypoglycemic commonly used by diabetics to control high blood glucose levels). Metformin can help regulate your endocrine system and get your hormone levels where they need to be for proper ovulation, and it doesn't sound like that is your issue.

Instead, I am on birth control pills for two months. The bcp can shrink the existing "cysts" (which are actually immature follicles) and the hormones from the bcp can make my ovaries "behave" (as my OB put it).

After those two months, I will take Femara for five days (an ovulation stimulator, like Clomid) on days 5-9 of my third cycle. After the Femara, on day 12, I will go in for a follicle study - the MD will look for a mature follicle, rather than a bunch of little immature follicles.

From there, we can proceed with natural attempts at pregnancy if follicle growth is okay. If growth is not okay, the treatment will follow a new course.

I'm just relieved to have an answer, finally! My new OB diagnosed the PCO (via pelvic ultrasound) ten minutes into the intial exam and I feel hopeful about this first round of treatment with bcp and femara.