Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also commonly referred to as PCOS is a disorder that afflicts millions of women around the world and is one of the major causes of infertility. We at Medinity Hospital in Lucknow, understand the challenges and concerns that come with a PCOS diagnosis. This is a detailed guide which will assist you to have a concept of what PCOS is, what its effects are in your fertility, and what treatments can be used to make your dream of having a child come true.
Defining PCOS: What It Is?
PCOS is a hormonal condition experienced by women during their fertile years. As the name aptly replies, PCOS does not imply the presence of cysts on the ovaries. Rather, the condition is characterized by several small cysts, which grow in the ovaries, and hormonal disproportions, which impact the whole body.
PCOS is a common disorder among women that is one out of ten women of child bearing age. This has been defined with three main characteristics: irregular menstrual cycle, excess androgen and presence of polycystic ovaries in ultrasound. All three features are not required to be diagnosed with PCOS.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
Women with PCOS can endure numerous symptoms that can highly affect their quality of life. Irregular or absent periods are the most frequent manifestations with some women having less than eight periods annually. Hirsutism that occurs as a result of high levels of male hormones is also manifested by many women as excess facial and body hair growth.
Many PCOS patients experience weight gain and inability to lose weight especially in the abdomen. Hormonal imbalances are also the cause of acne and oily skin. Other common symptoms include a thinning of the hair or male-pattern baldness of the scalp and the darkening of the skin and particularly on the neck, around the groin and under the breasts. Our team of specialisd and experienced doctors at Medinity Hospital, is helpful in identify these symptoms and creating a personalized treatment plan accordingly.
How PCOS Affects Fertility
Infertility caused by absence of ovulation is the most prevalent cause of PCOS. It is essential to learn the effects of PCOS on fertility among women intending to conceive.
Irregular Ovulation
The major mechanism by which PCOS impairs fertility is irregular or no ovulation. During a normal menstrual cycle an egg is discharged into the ovaries each month. Nevertheless, PCOS women do not ovulate regularly or in some cases, the ovulation does not occur at all. In the absence of constant ovulation, fewer chances are available whereby conception will take place naturally.
Hormonal Imbalances
PCOS leads to high concentrations of androgen which are male hormones found in low amounts in every woman. The presence of high androgen levels disrupts the ovulation process and formation of the eggs. Also, PCOS women tend to be insulin-resistant and this may exacerbate hormonal disequilibrium and still affect fertility.
Impact on Egg Quality
Studies indicate that PCOS could have an impact on the quality of eggs, which might decrease the possibility of a successful fertilization process and the formation of healthy embryos. The hormonal condition produced by PCOS may influence the maturation of the eggs thus complicating the conception process even in case of ovulation.
Increased Miscarriage Risk
PCOS women are more susceptible to miscarriage than non-PCOWomen. This is believed to be more risky because of insulin resistance, obesity and hormonal imbalances that have the capacity to influence early pregnancy development.
The Good News: PCOS and Pregnancy are not Impossible
As much as PCOS poses fertility challenges, it is necessary to understand that numerous women with PCOS are in a position to have successful pregnancies. Increased diagnosis, treatment, and medical support give you a high probability of conceiving.
Lifestyle Modifications
Five to ten percent of the body weight loss can greatly enhance fertility in PCOS female patients. Exercise can help in enhancing insulin sensitivity and hormonal balances. The balanced diet with an emphasis on whole foods, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates can be used to control the symptoms and enhance fertility rates.
Medical Treatments Offered at The Medinity Hospital
Our fertility experts in Lucknow can provide a number of treatment means that will be performed according to your needs. Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole are ovulation induction drugs that are typically used as the initial step in treating normal ovulation. Metformin, which is a medication usually taken by diabetes patients, can increase the insulin responsiveness and correct the normal menstrual cycles of PCOS patients.
In women with no response to oral medication, to induce ovulation, injectable gonadotropins can be suggested. Another successful alternative that can be used by women with PCOS who have not been able to conceive after other forms of treatment is through in vitro fertilization (IVF). At Medinity Hospital, Lucknow we have advanced fertility lab which provides state-of-the-art IVF services with experienced specialists.
Surgical Options
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be suggested in particular cases. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to restore normal ovulation by decreasing the quantity of the androgen-producing tissue in the ovaries.
Long-term Health PCOS Management
In addition to fertility issues, the treatment of PCOS has significance to your general well-being. Female PCOS patients are at high risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer. These complications can be prevented by monitoring and proactively managing them.
Our team of specialised doctors at Medinity Hospital, takes a holistic approach to PCOS management, addressing not just fertility concerns but your overall health and wellbeing. As a part of multidisciplinary team, our team consists of gynecologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists and fertility specialists collaborating to deliver holistic care.
Make Your First Step to Parenthood
Don’t give up in case you think you have PCOS, or have been having a time with infertility. Early treatments and diagnosis will go a long way towards helping you to conceive. Our experienced fertility specialists are dedicated to helping you navigate your PCOS journey and achieve your family planning goals.
We provide full-fledged fertility assessment, advanced diagnostic testing, and customized fertility treatment, and prospective assistance in your fertility process. Our empathetic staff realises the emotional aspect of living with PCOS and infertility and we are here to help you through it.
