Discovering Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

     I’ve been married for almost two years now. We intentionally did not want to have a baby yet on our first year because we want to enjoy each company first as husband and wife. It’s pretty much such a good idea to be a wife first to your husband before becoming a mom. We have been preparing physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. For the longest time we’ve been talking to have a baby, now that we were married this dream is getting closer to reality. It’s every woman’s desire to be a wife to her husband and a mom to her child.

     After a year in my married life, we finally decided to have our first baby. The excitement in me is overwhelming that I cannot contain it anymore. Our parents and friends are excitedly expecting my big announcement especially my husband. He is enthusiastically anticipating a two-line pregnancy result. At the back of my mind, I myself is also feeling the same way they do.

     We’ve tried several attempts to conceive a baby but to no avail it is not being granted. I felt frustrated somehow. Especially seeing other woman carrying their own babies, or even encountering a pregnant woman. Then I asked myself, “What is wrong with me?” “Am I not deserving to be a mom?” or maybe “God is still working the best out of me!” I chose not to give up, never ever give up because at the end of the day it’s worth the wait. I am a child of God. I am redeemed. I am blessed. As my father-in-law encourage, “God, the Creator will you a child.”

     My husband and I agreed to seek sound medical advice. We first visited an Obstetrician-Gynecologist. We shared to the doctor our situation and plans to have a baby. After a long discussion and counseling, the doctor wanted to confirm her finding regarding my present situation. She advise me to undergo Trans-vaginal ultrasound and Hysterosonosalpingography. At the same time, my husband has to undergo a Sperm Count and Analysis. Before we left the clinic, she gave us assurance that everything will be fine. As a matter of fact, there are lots of similar cases nowadays among woman.

     According to Dr Monica Pahuja, "Transvaginal ultrasound is an examination of the female pelvis. It helps to see if there is any abnormality in the uterus (womb), cervix (the neck of the womb), endometrium (lining of the womb), fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder or the pelvic cavity. It looks at the pelvic organs from inside the vagina using a special smooth, thin, handheld device called a transducer. This differs from an abdominal ultrasound, which uses a warm water-based clear gel applied to the skin of the abdomen and the transducer is moved gently across the pelvic area." 

Reference: Inside Radiology Australia

HSG result | The finding was there is no blockage in my fallopian tubes.

     According to American Society for Reproductive Medicine, "Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is the radiographic evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes and is used predominantly in the evaluation of infertility. Other indications for HSG include the evaluation of women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions, the postoperative evaluation of women who have undergone tubal ligation or reversal of tubal ligation, and the assessment of patients prior to myomectomy. The primary role of HSG is in the evaluation of the fallopian tubes. Ultrasonography (US) is currently used for evaluation of the endometrium (ie, abnormal uterine bleeding, polyps) and pregnancy, whereas magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is used more in the evaluation of the uterine myometrium (i.e, uterine contour, myomas) and the ovaries. In our practice, however, the number of HSG examinations has increased dramatically over the past few years." 
Reference: RSNA Organization

HSG result | The free fluid is present on the upper ultrasound. 

     We went back to our OB-Gyne with the laboratory result. I was diagnosed to have a PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I have no idea what is PCOS, but merely hearing the words of it – I felt anxious.  The Hysterosonosalpingography result was positive, meaning there was no blockage in my fallopian tubes. PCOS is a condition that is out of scope to OB-Gyne so we were referred to someone specializing in Reproductive Infertility.


     Watch out for my next blog on dealing with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in marriage.