How I Overcame My Infertility

After unsuccessfully trying for a baby for over a year, my husband and I turned to a well-established fertility center for help. After a spate of blood tests and imaging, my reproductive endocrinologist (RE) told me that they knew exactly what our problem was - Polycycstic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). She said, "If one is destined to be infertile, PCOS is the most benign evil one can wish for. So you can be very hopeful."

Apparently PCOS affects 6-8% of women. It is closely associated with hormonal imbalances in the body and manifests different symptoms in different women - acne, excess unwanted hair growth, obesity, hair loss and skin pigmentation are typical markers. Clinically, many women with PCOS are known to have glucose tolerance and high leutinizing hormone-to-follicle-stimulating hormone (LH:FSH) ratio. The net effect is women fail to ovulate or the quality of their eggs is poor.

I was lean and did not show the typical physical symptoms of PCOS. But my LH:FSH ratio was high. My glucose tolerance was within normal limits. My RE gave me two options - one was to start taking an ovulation inducing medication called Clomid along with Metformin which regulates glucose metabolism. This had a small risk of resulting in multiple pregnancies. The other was to try by altering my diet and exercising regularly.

I decided to stick with the latter as it was the most natural way to treat the problem. I went with a low-carb diet and increased my fiber intake. Plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and lentils made up my meals. I also exercised at a gym for an hour at least 4-5 times a week. After being on this regimen for three months, I started seeing an accupuncturist who specialized in treating infertility about 3 times a week. I also practised yoga and meditation - this significantly helped me cope up with my day-to-day stresses and infertility related anxiety. And within a couple of months, I got pregnant with our first baby!

Women with PCOS have a higher risk of miscarriage. So I constantly followed up with my RE throughtout the term of my pregnanacy to make sure it progressed normally. And after a full term, we welcomed our son into this world!