TTC w/ PCOS @Kaiser

I have PCOS (which I did not find out until referred to the reproductive endocrinologist). Getting the actual referral was a pain because you have to tell them you’ve been trying for a year without success (even if it isn’t true, even if you’ve already been diagnosed). The reproductive endocrinologist was fantastic, spent an hour at a virtual appointment explaining everything, the treatment path, and options. He was so kind and knowledgeable at all the appointments (virtual/phone only but this was during Covid so I’m not sure if it would be different). Everyone who worked at the fertility clinic was great. All testing, ultrasounds, visits, and meds were covered under my plan (maybe a copay for visits). Once I became pregnant I had to transfer back to the regular gynecologist and I did not like them much. The regular gynecologists are not the ones who do the delivery at the hospital luckily. The delivery team was respectful and kind.

Hi- I went through secondary infertility for almost five years. It wasn’t caused by PCOS, but probably by endometriosis and a large fibroid. I did rounds of IVF at a private clinic to no avail. 

I have Kaiser, and after 2.5 years at the private clinic (and a lot of money), I got connected to their REs while having a miscarriage. I ended up switching my care to Kaiser and had a very supported experience. It is slow to get into, just like private practices, but I found the REs to be very knowledgeable, and willing to dig deeper into my case than my previous clinics (where I felt like just a statistic- when my case got complicated, they kind of disappeared). Ultimately, I ended up having uterine surgery on the recommendation of my Kaiser OBGYN and RE, and I was pregnant less than 6 months later. I know PCOS is different than endo, but I really appreciated my care. 

I’m also part of a Bay Area slack group that is women with infertility- let me know if you’d like to be added? It’s a great group with a ton of experience and advice. 

Not sure how useful my experience is, but sharing just in case. I have two kids and PCOS and had recurrent miscarriages before having my first son. My PCOS wasn't interfering with my ability to conceive, but i ended up getting a referral to an RE due to my recurrent losses and they diagnosed me with PCOS as a part of the workup. I only ended up needing one appointment with an RE, but he was then quite responsive to messaging and questions i had thereafter. I don't remember paying much of anything except maybe nominal co-pays, but i didn't need to do IUI/IVC and i know my particular flavor of Kaiser insurance is considered one of the good ones. I was using Kaiser in SF at the time, and I found that i was able to get the services I need without significant wait times, though it helps with Kaiser to be a bit of a squeaky wheel and advocate for yourself. I have used Kaiser Oakland's OBGYN for my second child where it seems like they are always pretty booked but that if you need something sooner they find a way to squeeze you in. I had positive experiences with my births at Kaiser Oakland for both kids. Good luck to you!