Sanne's story about PCOS and her wish to have a child

When my partner and I were ready for parenthood, I never expected the road there to have so many bumps. I stopped using contraception and waited hopefully. But the months went by without a positive pregnancy test. My cycle was also longer than for many other women; sometimes it took 90 days before I had my period again.

After more than a year, we decided to go to my GP. She listened to our story and referred us for further tests. That led to the diagnosis: PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). For me it explained my irregular cycle and why it was so hard to get pregnant. Even so, it hit hard. I felt insecure, sad and sometimes angry with my own body. Our greatest wish suddenly seemed so far away.

The first steps at Nij Clinics

After the diagnosis, we ended up at Nij Clinics. At our first appointment we immediately felt seen. They really listened, and that gave us confidence. Together with the team, I started making lifestyle changes. With the help of the MijnFerticoach app, I received personal tips on nutrition, exercise and stress management. It gave me something to hold on to and helped me make small, achievable changes. I noticed that I had more energy, felt more balanced and also became emotionally stronger. Still, no pregnancy came.

The disappointments

Then came the first medical steps: we started with ovulation induction (medication to trigger ovulation). After two months we had found the right hormone dose. Unfortunately, it turned out that my partner’s sperm quality was also not as good as it could be. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) was added to the treatment.

In total we went through 12 IUI attempts, but sadly no pregnancy followed. Then came the next step: IVF. By then we were a year and a half further on, and I sometimes felt exhausted by the emotional rollercoaster: waiting, hoping, feeling sad and still starting all over again. Sometimes I avoided friends’ birthdays and baby showers, because it hurt too much to see what wasn’t happening for us.

What helped me through the difficult moments, besides my partner’s support, was the guidance from the Nij Clinics team. The space I was given to share my emotions, and finding a listening ear, meant a great deal to me.  

The turning point

After the first IVF attempt, the unthinkable happened: one morning I did a test, without really expecting anything. Two lines. I can still recall that feeling: disbelief, tears and then pure joy. At the first scan we saw the little heart beating and I knew this was really happening.

Now that I’m holding our baby in my arms, I look back on an intense and emotional journey. It wasn’t easy – far from it. I’m proud of us and grateful that we never gave up hope of having a child. Women with PCOS can get pregnant too.