Pocs

The PCOS does make conception more difficult, but I know several women that have PCOS and have several children. Weight can also be a huge factor. I have a cousin that was over weight her whole adult life and was never able to conceive. She finally was motivated to get healthy, lost over 100 lbs and bingo, she's pregnant at 37 wtih her first baby due in Oct.

Also, please keep in mind that just becuase your body my not want to have any more children it doesn't mean that there aren't children out there that want to be part of your family. Foster a child and change a life.

M.

PCOS does not cause your eggs to be deformed. Phew, right?!?

The cysts that are lined up on your ovaries like a pearl necklace are just primary follicles that emerged, grew, but could never finish their growth and/or 'escape' from the ovary and ovulate. As a result, they just die near the surface of the ovary.

You probably already know this but here is some information that you can share with your husband. Women develop all the 'eggs' they'll ever have when they are in the womb in the form of primary follicles (think of these as 'pre-eggs'). About 375,000 are present at birth and, once a baby girl is born these primary follicles start to degenerate. By the time a girl hits puberty, only about 10,000 of the follicles remain. Each month, about 8-14 (or so) primary follicles are 'selected' for possible ovulation. The body picks one (or two) and that follicle is lavished with hormones and nutrients so it will get nice and fat. The follicles that were not 'picked' just die. With PCOS, the chosen follicle could possibly get bigger but may not get big enough, may not be given the right hormones to be 'kicked out' of the ovary, or other malfunctions depending on the endocrine issue.

He may have the idea that eggs become 'deformed' because of your age. I'm not trying to be mean; I'm 36 and in the same age boat as you. The older you get, the fewer follicles remain. Remember, as time passes the follicles age and begin to degenerate. For a woman in her mid-20s trying to get pregnant - no problem. For a woman 15 years beyond her ideal reproductive window - well, not as many choices and the eggs are aged, for lack of a better word. This isn't a guarantee that you would give birth to a child with health/learning issues but the chances are greater the older you get.

If your doctor has not referred you to a reproductive endocrinologist, request that he or she do so. At your age, your time is very precious and your needs immediate. You would definitely fit the criteria for needing a RE.

Good luck to you and hope everything turns out your way! I've dealt with PCOS all my life and conceived at 32 and 35, so feel free to PM me with any questions you may have.

Hi,
I, too, have PCOS, and, like you, I had my first child in 2004; we also had a second child in 2007. I have insulin resistance in addition to the PCOS. Under careful and watchful doctor's care, we have two beautiful girls who are everything to us. I have never heard of the eggs going bad, the only issue that PCOS gives you when conceiving is the difficulty in doing just that. Follow your doctor's prescribed treatment and you will be fine. And, for what it's worth, we plan to try for a third probably this coming fall.

Good luck to you.