Every woman’s body is different and people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often have different health problems as well. Some women with this condition have difficulty ovulating, while others are infertile. While some women find it difficult to conceive, others have successful pregnancies but later experience birth defects or miscarriages. This article explains everything you need to know about infertility and PCOS.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
PCOS is a condition where an individual’s number of active, functional ovaries is higher than normal. This can occur due to anovulation (i.e. lack of ovulation), the presence of certain medications (e.g. insulin, corticosteroids, certain diet restrictions, etc.), disorders like Turner’s syndrome, or a combination of factors. What’s more, PCOS can occur in women of any age.
How Does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Occur?
PCOS can occur as a result of various factors, including an iodine-deficiency condition (goitre), an overactive thyroid, an environmental chemical exposure, or a diet high in sugar and low in fruits and vegetables. A combination of these factors may also cause polycystic ovaries.
Signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Having too few fertility-stimulating eggs: An ovulation test (i.e. ovulation-inducing medication) can help rule out this problem. Having an underactive sexual desire: This can be a side-effect of medication to treat polycystic ovary syndrome, or it may indicate a need for sexual therapy. Having a small waist: This is often due to weight gain and is one sign of obesity. Having increased hair on the face, body, and nails: This is a common side-effect of medication to treat polycystic ovary syndrome, or it may be a result of another condition (e.g. acne) being undertreated.
Infertility and PCOS
While some women with PCOS have a poor response to oestrogen, others have no problems conceiving or developing a child. Still, many women with PCOS experience problems conceiving. In the most severe cases, this can lead to infertility. If you’re experiencing difficulty conceiving, you should discuss your symptoms and the possibility of PCOS with your doctor. The doctor can perform a pregnancy test and may refer you to a fertility expert.
What Can Cause Infertility in Women with PCOS?
The exact cause of infertility in women with PCOS is unknown. Some theories include: reduced numbers of eggs in the ovaries, low ovarian reserve, disorders of ovulation, hormonal imbalance, and low testosterone levels. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to have intercourse every day to get pregnant. For some women, skipping a day or two won’t affect the chances of conception. However, if you miss more than two days in a row, you temporarily reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Some other ways to increase your fertility and improve your chances of becoming pregnant include: eating a healthy, nutritious diet having regular sexual intercourse taking Finasteride avoiding Excessive Alcohol avoiding Progestogens (e.g. Bend Sta- tionary Pregnancy, Unimed Pregnancy) enjoying moderate exercise not smoking If you’re trying to conceive and you’re also on certain medications, it may be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. Taking a combination of these medications can often reduce fertility.
Conclusion
Hormonal changes, including abnormal periods, excess hair, and weight gain, are prominent features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If you have PCOS, you should discuss your symptoms and the possibility of the condition with your doctor. The doctor may order a pregnancy test, perform a amniocentesis, or request that you submit to a laparoscopy to check your ovarian reserve. If you’re trying to conceive and you’re also on certain medications, it may be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. Taking a combination of these medications can often reduce fertility. This article has provided comprehensive information about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and fertility. It is hoped that this information will be helpful to the reader.