Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal
disorder that affects up to 20 percent
of
women who are infertile. It is characterized by irregular or absent periods,
excess androgen levels, and multiple small cysts in the ovaries. PCOS can cause
various health problems, including infertility, diabetes, cardiovascular
disease, and depression.
One of the main reasons why PCOS affects fertility is
because it interrupts the normal ovulation process. Ovulation occurs when the
ovary releases an egg, which is necessary for conception.
Women with PCOS may not ovulate regularly or at all, which
reduces their chances of getting pregnant naturally. Additionally, PCOS can
affect the quality of the eggs and the lining of the uterus, making it harder
for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.
However, having PCOS does not mean that you cannot get
pregnant. There are many treatment options available to help you ovulate and
improve your fertility. Here are a few of them.
Lifestyle Changes
Losing weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising
regularly, and managing stress can help improve your hormonal balance and
insulin sensitivity, which can boost your fertility. Losing 5% to 10% of your
body weight can reduce PCOS symptoms significantly, including those that hamper
fertility.
Additionally, you should avoid foods that are high in
sugar, fat, or refined carbohydrates. Foods that are high in simple
carbohydrates can cause a large release of insulin and encourage weight gain.
You should also limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
These substances can negatively affect your hormones and ovulation.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications to stimulate
ovulation, such as clomiphene citrate, letrozole, or gonadotropins. These drugs
work by triggering your pituitary gland to produce more follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH and LH stimulate the growth and
release of an egg from the ovary.
They may also prescribe metformin to help improve the
effectiveness of ovulation-stimulating medicine. Metformin can also improve the
regularity of your cycles.
Keep in mind that you may need to take these medications
for several cycles before you ovulate successfully. Nonetheless, some women
with PCOS become pregnant on their first cycle.
Surgery
If medications do not work, your doctor may recommend
surgery to remove or destroy some of the tissue on your ovaries. This procedure
is called ovarian drilling.
The surgical treatment involves making small holes in the
surface of your ovaries using a laser or an electric current. As a result, the
procedure can lower your levels of male hormones and restore normal ovulation.
The rate of pregnancy success following ovarian drilling is approximately 61
percent.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
If none of the above methods work, you may consider
assisted reproductive technology options, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
or intrauterine insemination (IUI). IVF involves fertilizing your eggs with
your partner's sperm in a laboratory and then transferring the resulting
embryos into your uterus. IUI involves placing your partner's sperm directly
into your uterus around the time of ovulation.
These techniques can bypass some of the ovulatory problems
caused by PCOS. Moreover, they can increase your chances of pregnancy.
You should also monitor your ovulation using an ovulation
predictor kit, a basal body temperature chart, or a cervical mucus chart. By
recording this information, you can better time intercourse for periods when
you are most fertile.
Getting pregnant with PCOS may take longer and require more
interventions than conception for women without the condition. However, it is
not impossible. With proper care and support, you can achieve your dream of
having a baby.
If you have PCOS and want to get pregnant, contact Jack G. Faup M.D.
to schedule a consultation. We can work with you to create a personalized
treatment plan. Our dedicated staff will evaluate your medical history,
perform some tests, and recommend the best options for you based on your age,
health, and preferences.
