Hundreds and millions of women across the globe suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), a condition that often goes undiagnosed. The condition is associated with hormonal imbalance in a female’s body. The disturbance in the female sex hormones can prevent the release or development of mature eggs. Thus, restricting regular ovulation and pregnancy. Moreover, the syndrome can increase the production of testosterone - a male sex hormone in the female body.
Apart from the commonly highlighted PCOS symptoms, including hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, and ovarian cysts, fertility specialist in Ahmedabad say that the condition can significantly influence female fertility. Let us understand the condition briefly and see how it affects female fertility.
What are the Causes of PCOS?
The root cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown; however, several genetic factors might play a significant role. If the girl child’s sister or mother suffers from PCOS, the chances of her developing the disorder increase. Apart from the genetic factors, the presence of excess insulin (the Pancreas produce insulin - a hormone that the body utilizes to convert sugar into food and then energy) the body increases the chances of PCOS. The increase in insulin production can directly increase testosterone production, ultimately leading to PCOS symptoms.
Now that we have mentioned symptoms for quite some time let us look into it.
What are the Symptoms of PCOS?
There is no specific age or time when PCOS symptoms will appear. It can occur during the female’s reproductive years, and the severity can increase or decrease with time. Some of the familiar PCOS symptoms include:
- Acne or skin darkening
- Abnormal hair growth on the chest, back, and face
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Unexplained weight gain
- Thinning of hair
- Infertility
- Depression
- Ovarian cysts
- Increased skin tags
Please know that every woman suffering from PCOS will have different symptoms with varying degrees of severity. Thus, it is wise to visit your doctor at the best fertility hospital in India - Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center to check the condition’s severity.
How does PCOS Affect Fertility?
There are different ways polycystic ovary syndrome can affect female fertility. Often, issues concerning ovulation are the prime cause of infertility in females suffering from PCOS. The high production of testosterone can either disturb regular ovulation or might prevent the process entirely. This is because the ovaries are unable to produce and release mature eggs.
In the case of ovulation, the hormonal imbalance might disturb the development of the uterus lining, thus creating complications for egg implantation. Since menstruation and ovulation become irregular with PCOS, the chances of conceiving significantly decrease.
Overall, this is how PCOS can affect ovulation and menstruation, the two most important aspects of female fertility. However, women with PCOS are also at higher risk of developing certain complications, including heart diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, sleep apnea, weight gain, poor body self-image, anxiety, depression, and endometrial cancer.
When should Women with PCOS Consult a Doctor?
Not all PCOS patients know that they suffer from a certain syndrome/disorder. But, irrespective of whether the disease is diagnosed or not, women who cannot conceive after constantly trying or those who notice some signs of PCOS should immediately seek medical attention. Early diagnosis can help prevent the condition from worsening further.
For pregnant women with PCOS, the chances of complications increase. It can include premature delivery, gestational diabetes, or high blood pressure. Therefore, the diagnosis becomes crucial. Even though there is no specific test to identify PCOS, your doctor may give a positive diagnosis based on medical history, a physical examination, an ultrasound scan, and blood tests to check glucose and hormone levels.
What is the Available Fertility Treatment for Females with PCOS?
The treatment might be a combination of some options. Primarily, the best IVF doctor in India will begin by prescribing medications or oral supplements to regulate periods and ovulation. In case medications fail to work, they might proceed with surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is one such surgical option wherein the doctors will treat the tissue producing testosterone, thus regulating ovulation.
A Note from Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center
A lot of women around the globe suffer from PCOS. At Sunflower Infertility & IVF Center, we aim to provide comprehensive fertility treatments, including ICSI, IUI, IVF for PCOS patient and more, to help women increase their chances of conceiving.
Our fertility experts will also suggest necessary lifestyle modifications and explain the role of nutrition in female fertility to boost fertility naturally. So, don’t panic; visit us in Ahmedabad.
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