PCOS, an acronym for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a medical condition affecting several women worldwide, and many of them suffering from the condition find it difficult to conceive. That is where fertility treatments come into the picture, and out of all the available, IVF treatment in India is the most popular, but the question remains Is IVF an ideal choice for women with PCOS?
Let’s find out and start things off by understanding the PCOS condition.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) refers to the hormonal imbalance in the female’s body, often caused when ovaries produce excessive hormones known as androgens. This imbalance results in irregular periods and can disturb the ovulation cycle.
In this condition, tiny sacs filled with fluid and immature eggs, also known as follicle cysts, might be visible on the ovaries during the ultrasound. It is one of the most common medical conditions contributing to female infertility, and most women are diagnosed with this condition during their 20s or 30s.
Some of the common symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, cysts, unusual hair growth, obesity, acne, darkening of the skin, skin tags, and thinning hair.
How Does PCOS Affect the Ability to Conceive?
PCOS, an endocrine disorder, disturbs the natural process of ovulation. As a result, the process may or may not occur, ultimately affecting a female’s ability to time their fertile period and conceive. Even if females with PCOS conceive, the chances of early miscarriage or abortion increase.
Which Fertility Treatment is Best for Women with PCOS?
IVF, also known as In Vitro Fertilization, is a popular fertility treatment among women with PCOS. PCOS results in ovulatory dysfunction, which is a condition wherein females don’t ovulate or have nine or lower menstrual cycles in a year. Ovarian stimulation, a part of the IVF process wherein hormonal medications are prescribed to females to increase egg production during ovulation, is used to correct the issue of ovulatory dysfunction.
Medications maintain the hormonal balance before the ovulation period or post-embryo transfer during the IVF process, which reduces the risk of pregnancy loss in females with PCOS.
What is the Meaning of IVF Stimulation Protocol?
IVF stimulation protocol refers to the way ovaries stimulate with hormonal injections during the IVF process. This process aims to help ovaries multiply egg production during the menstrual cycle. It enables IVF experts to choose the accurate time to harvest or retrieve eggs and store them safely in the laboratory for the next procedure.
There are different types of IVF protocols, such as duostim protocol, agonist protocol, and more. IVF specialists can choose the best patient protocol according to their medical history to ensure the best outcomes.
What are the Most Important Steps in IVF Treatment for PCOS Patients?
The first step is identifying the pre-IVF treatment or corrections that PCOS patients may require. Those treatments or corrections can be regular exercise, weight loss, controlled diet, controlled blood sugar levels, and rectified metabolic dysfunction such as hypothyroidism.
Next is to prescribe necessary hormonal medications to regulate periods in PCOS patients as they may have delayed or irregular menstrual cycles. Both these steps will help professionals ensure higher success rates. Still, medical professionals need to counsel patients and plan IVF cycles depending on the severity of their condition.
What is the Success Rate of IVF in Women with PCOS?
With the use of relevant IVF stimulation protocols, the chances of IVF success in PCOS patients are similar to those without PCOS. In fact, the chances of conceiving are sometimes higher in women with PCOS as the number of eggs produced, retrieved, and embryos formed are high, which directly increases the chances of conceiving.
Wrapping Up
In case you have any doubt about the condition and its compatibility with IVF, visit experts at the best IVF hospital in India - of course us!
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