We’ve already tackled the subject of PCOS and pregnancy on the blog. This video from the UNSW offer great information on the topic of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and fertility:

I have been checking out a lot of the PCOS videos on YouTube recently and want to share some of the best I have found. This one from Power Over PCOS tackles the mindset aspect of trying to conceive with PCOS:

A video version of my previous blog post on PCOS and Pregnancy:

Many women only learn they have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome when they are trying to get pregnant and are having problems conceiving. Maybe that is why you are here trying to find out more about PCOS and pregnancy?

The reason that women with PCOS sometimes experience problems becoming pregnant is because they don’t always ovulate regularly. If an egg isn’t released it can’t be fertilized.

Can you still get pregnancy with PCOS? Absolutely! Is conceiving going to be a problem for all women with PCOS? No, it will be harder for some than others.

My initial advice would be that if you know you have PCOS and want to try to get pregnant soon, consult your doctor or PCOS specialist who will be able to advise you on any changes you need to make — whether in your medications or your lifestyle.

If you have already been trying to conceive and have only just discovered you have PCOS, your doctor should be able to offer possible solutions (and if they don’t you should seek a referral to an Endocrinologist or Gynecologist).

One of the most common treatments is Clomid (Clomiphene), a fertility drug that encourages ovulation. Tests have also shown that the drug Metformin has a good success rate for PCOS sufferers trying to conceive (and is safe to continue taking after conception).

In terms of lifestyle changes, make sure you are fit and healthy (apart from the PCOS). Specialists agree that your chances of conceiving, and of reducing your PCOS symptoms, are greatly improved if you are at a sensible weight.

Everyday, women with PCOS are getting pregnant – I receive emails from people all the time to tell me their good news. For some it will be easier than for others, but before you start considering the more expensive and radical treatments make sure you have consulted with your health practitioner and pursued all the other options.

Many women who have or believe they have PCOS complain of heavy and painful menstruation. However, this could actually be a symptom of another problem called Endometriosis. But what is Endometriosis and how do you know if you have it?

Endometriosis is a common, but not well-known condition that can occur in women of menstruating age. While symptoms normally start out mild, they can become severe and even lead to infertility. This is why it’s so important for you to understand what this disease is and how to spot it. That way, it can be diagnosed and treated before the damage is too extensive.

Every month, menstruating women develop a layer of endometrial cells inside their uterus. In women with endrometriosis, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, these cells grow up and outside the uterus as well as inside.

When a woman has her period, these endometrial cells leave the body, but if they are not inside the uterus, they have no way to escape. These cells can grow on, into, and between the uterus, ovaries, bowels, and bladder. Very rarely, the growths can spread even further, which is much more serious. The most common location of these growths is on the ovaries.

The problem with endometriosis is that many women don’t have any symptoms, or the symptoms remain so mild that their condition is not detected for many years. Similarly, they may associate some of the symptoms with their PCOS instead. That’s why it’s important to have regular pelvic exams. While pain and infertility are the easiest ways to realize you have endometriosis, your doctor may also be able to catch it during routine examinations.

The most common symptoms are:

* Painful menstrual cramps that worsen with time. While you may have cramps when you first start getting your period, they should worsen with endometriosis due to the growth that usually occurs with each cycle.

* Persistent pain in the back or lower abdomen.

* Pain during sexual intercourse, urination, or bowel movements. These symptoms are more likely during menstruation.

* Heavy periods, short menstrual cycle (less than 27 days), and spotting between cycles. Because this is considered the cause of endometriosis, this should start before any other symptoms appear and often occurs as soon as you start getting your period. Many women with endometriosis also start their period at an early age.

* Infertility. Many women don’t discover they have endometriosis until they see a fertility specialist because they have been unsuccessful at conceiving.

* Fatigue. This may be mild or more severe.

If you have some or all of these symptoms, it’s important for you to talk to a doctor right away. Because the symptoms come on slowly or are nonexistent, it may take some time to recognize there is something wrong and can keep you from being treated. Also, many of these symptoms are associated with other potentially serious problems, such as PCOS. Your doctor can help you receive proper treatment.

Click here for further information on how to shrink fibroids naturally and the lifestyle changes you can make today to help your Endometriosis and restore your periods to normal