Comprehend How PCOS Affect Fertility
You decide to see an expert at a fertility or IVF hospital in Kalyan Nagar when you notice your conventional methods don’t make you conceive. The expert there interacts closely with you to know what you are experiencing and for how much time you are trying to get pregnant.
After that, the expert recommends a few tests and screenings. The results of the recommended tests or screenings reveal that PCOS is obstructing you from getting pregnant. Your doctor will advise you what you should do and effective treatment options to cure the problem. Here have a look at what PCOS is, its symptoms, causes, effects on fertility, and treatment options.
What is PCOS?
PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a reproductive disorder that affects the balance of sex hormones in females. This imbalance can lead a female to have several symptoms and affect her fertility. As per a recent study, it affects 4-12 % of females in the United States of America. It is treatable. Doctors can cure it with medications and surgeries.
Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS symptoms can occur to females at any time during their reproductive years and differ from one female to another. Here are some common symptoms of PCOS:
- Abnormal hair growth on the chest, face, or back
- Weight gain
- Thinning head hair
- A darkening of the skin or acne
- Irregular periods
- Infertility or conception issues
- Ovarian cysts
- Increased skin tags
- Depression
Causes
Till date, experts have no exact ideas what makes a female to have PCOS. However, they associate it with genetic factors. It means a female has a higher chance of having it if her mother or sister has this reproductive health issue. In addition, experts are agree that the following conditions might cause women have it:
- Insulin
- Low-grade inflammation
- Excess androgens
- Heredity
Long-term effects of PCOS
Due to PCOS, a female is at a higher risk of having the following health conditions:
- Insulin resistance
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Heart disease
- Mood disorders
- Poor body self-image
Effect on fertility
Females with PCOS have an effect on their fertility in several different ways. Due to this, you have ovulation disorders. An increase in the production of testosterone hormones and prematurity in follicles cause you not to ovulate. If you ovulate, you have no proper development of the uterus lining due to hormonal imbalances. And no proper uterus lining development prevents the implantation of the mature egg. Further, you can have irregular menstrual cycles that can make you unable to predict ovulation. And knowing when you will ovulate is crucial for being pregnant.
When to see a doctor
You should immediately consult a fertility specialist if you don’t conceive after having frequent timed and unprotected physical intimacy for more than 6-12 months. If you notice any signs like excess weight gain or irregular menstruation, make no delay to see a doctor. Making any delay could lead you to have serious complications and affect your fertility.
Diagnosis for PCOS
During the consultation, the doctor will interact with you to know your problems and conduct a physical examination. After that, the expert can recommend a few tests and screenings that could be:
- Blood tests for hormone levels
- An ultrasound scan
- Blood tests for glucose level
Treatment
At present, there is no effective and proper treatment to cure PCOS. However, your doctor can help you lower the symptoms and increase your pregnancy chances. As PCOS symptoms vary from one female to another, your treatment can be different from others. Some probable treatment options lower the impact of PCOS symptoms are as follows:
- Birth control pills to regulate hormonal imbalances
- Diabetic treatment to control blood sugar levels
- Recommendations on healthy and balanced diet and physical activities to do
- Insulin sensitising drugs to improve the body’s ability for the use of insulin
- Body weight management
Conclusion
PCOS affects a female’s fertility if not managed well at the right time. Having an idea about what PCOS is, its causes, symptoms, effects on health & fertility, and treatment can help you safeguard your reproductive years. And this will facilitate you becoming pregnant when you wish to expand your family.