Infertility:  Kylie and Darren

Kylie and Darren had been married for several years when they decided to start a family. Kylie already knew she might have difficulties becoming pregnant because she suffered from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – a hormonal imbalance that makes ovulation (and periods) irregular. For two years Kylie and Darren tried to conceive naturally, but did not succeed. During this time Kylie often missed periods, and it became increasingly stressful each month to miss another period but discover it was due to PCOS and not because she was pregnant.

Resigned to the fact they would probably need to undergo in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), Kylie and Darren were referred to a fertility clinic. Keen to avoid this invasive treatment, Kylie and Darren were delighted to read about the PCOSMIC trial being undertaken by Nurture’s researchers at The University of Auckland. They signed up for the trial, which meant Kylie would be given either metformin or clomiphene – or a combination of both – to stimulate ovulation so that pregnancy could occur. Kylie was given metformin, but after the first month a blood test showed that she had not ovulated. Disappointment turned to joy, however, when later blood tests showed Kylie had become pregnant through late ovulation. After years of trying to conceive, Kylie and Darren finally became pregnant without needing expensive or invasive fertility treatments, and are now the proud parents of Cooper.

To read more about the PCOSMIC trial, click here