Gemma Collins has revealed she had a miscarriage during lockdown.
The 39-year-old reality TV star – who suffers from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – has difficulties falling pregnant, and she has opened up on her tragic experience over the past few months.
Appearing on ITV’s ‘Loose Women’ on Thursday (06.08.20), she said: "It was really difficult for me in isolation because, as you know, with my condition of PCOS, it’s not easy to fall pregnant and I did suffer a miscarriage which was really sad during the lockdown period…
"I have suffered with it for the last 10 years. I started to gain weight when I was 28, my periods were all over the place. I’ve suffered miscarriages.
"I did go through a very sad miscarriage in lockdown. Due to PCOS I just thought that I was having an unusually heavy period."
Gemma admitted she "left it 10 days", but she initially thought her body might have "been a bit stressed".
She added: "It went on for 10 days between 9am and midday, I was getting through 10 super sanity towels.
"Then it was my sister-in-law, not to be graphic, but I had to show her. I said, ‘I don’t think this is normal’. I rang my doctor and he said, ‘You need to go straight to the hospital’.
"It was very sad. But it does make me realise that, potentially there is hope there for me for the future."
Gemma – who is still determined to have children one day – went to see a specialist, and has made some changes to her fitness levels to improve her chances.
She added: "He said to me, ‘You’ve got no cysts on your ovaries anymore, that’s cleared up. So, we’re winning. You do suffer from the syndrome so you do get the symptoms that go with it.
"’But your cervix and everything is perfect for when you’re ready. However, you need to get your weight down, you need to get at least another two stone off.’
"And when it comes to it they might be able to give me something called Clomid which could potentially speed the process up."
The ‘Diva Forever’ star is open to using a sperm bank or adopting if it means she can realise her dream of motherhood.
Asked about a sperm bank, she explained: "My lovely gay besties have all put themselves up for the job. But yeah, there’s that option. You know I’ve got my nephews and I treat them like my own.
"But do you know what, if I had to go down that route I will do it. I’ve got no qualms in that. I’m very open and honest. I will have a baby and I do want a baby. And also, every mother will know this, I want to feel motherhood… I’ve not had the physical experience of being a full time mum.
"I don’t want that robbed from me in my life, that would be a travesty. There’s so many good options out there, like adoption. Madonna’s done it, Angelina Jolie, The GC could be next. I do hold onto that dream that I will be able to conceive naturally and be the mum and give all the love I’ve got."