Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Its Treatment

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its treatment – PCOS is a hormonal disorder and it accounts for approximately 40% of female infertility. The hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation associated with PCOS can make it difficult for women to conceive. Symptoms may include irregular periods with very light or very heavy bleeding, excessive bodily hair growth, acne, hair loss from scalp, weight gain and difficulty in losing weight, darkening of skin specially along the neck, in the groin, and underneath breasts and pelvic pain.

Hormonal imbalance in PCOS is a result of increased level of male hormone (usually all women have low levels of male hormones) and this prevents ovaries from releasing eggs, which leads to irregular periods. When insulin in your body is not balanced your body cannot regulate your blood sugar levels. And thus higher levels of insulin can affect ovulation and decrease the chances of getting pregnant. PCOS can be managed through diet changes and exercise after which it is possible for you to conceive naturally. If not there are other options for fertility treatment which can assist you to conceive a baby. Always seek advice from your doctor. However, many women with PCOS can still achieve pregnancy with appropriate treatment.
Here are some common approaches to infertility treatment for women with PCOS:

1. Lifestyle modification: Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can improve ovulation and fertility in women with PCOS. This includes maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, as even some weight loss can improve hormonal balance and increase the likelihood of ovulation. Also quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can improve fertility outcomes in women with PCOS.

2. Medication to induce ovulation: Fertility medications are often used to induce ovulation in women with PCOS. These medications help stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs and increase the chances of conception. Injectable gonadotropins may also be used in some cases.

3. Ovulation monitoring: Women undergoing infertility treatment for PCOS may undergo regular monitoring of their menstrual cycles and ovulation. This may involve undergoing ultrasound scans to monitor follicle development.

4. In vitro fertilization (IVF): In cases where other treatments have not been successful, or if there are additional factors contributing to infertility, IVF may be recommended. IVF involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus.

5. Management of other PCOS symptoms: Treating other symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth, may also be beneficial for fertility. This may involve medications such as oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, or insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin.

It's important if you have PCOS and are struggling with infertility to work closely with your fertility specialist to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. With appropriate medical care and support, here at Vardhan Fertility Centre, many women with PCOS are able to achieve successful pregnancies.