Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Can I get pregnant?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Can I get pregnant?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of female infertility, as well as the most common endocrine disease.
You probably know a close friend or family member who suffers from it. It is so common that between 5-10% of women of childbearing age suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. While 75% of these women have or will have fertility problems.
It is a metabolic disorder that is accompanied by symptoms such as alterations in ovulation, which is why it is so difficult to achieve pregnancy. But it is not impossible. We tell you how: Keep reading!
Polycystic Ovaries vs. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovaries (PO) should not be confused with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Having PO means that the ovaries have a characteristic or alteration in the arrangement of the follicles (small fluid-filled sacs where the oocytes mature).
It may have no symptoms or be associated with painful ovulations and irregular periods, but polycystic ovaries present no further symptomatology. It is diagnosed by a simple ultrasound scan.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine disorder in which the woman produces more male hormones than usual (androgens).
When there is an imbalance in the female hormones FSH and LH, the egg does not grow big enough to be released from the ovary, resulting in the formation of cysts inside the ovary.
When the woman’s FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) increases, follicular development occurs. When LH (luteinizing hormone) rises, it triggers ovulation or expulsion of the egg into the fallopian tube. Then, the egg meets the sperm and fertilization occurs. If fertilization does not occur, the embryo cannot be implanted and pregnancy cannot begin.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is detected by ultrasound and, unlike OP, requires a hormone analysis to confirm the imbalance in hormone levels.
What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
As we have already mentioned in this article, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects the woman’s hormone level. Who will have a very high level of androgens, which directly influences the chances of getting pregnant.
In addition, this disease is associated with other symptoms such as:
- Irregular cycles.
- Amenorrhea (lack of menstruation).
- Increased body hair.
- Hair loss.
- Development of diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.
- Anovulation (inability to expel the mature egg into the fallopian tube to be fertilized).
What is the treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
It must be said that polycystic ovary syndrome has no cure, nor is there any specific treatment for this pathology.
This does not mean that there is no medication or medical recommendations to improve the chances of achieving pregnancy.
When a woman suffers from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, the treatment is aimed at regulating her menstrual cycles. The specialist may prescribe contraceptives to regulate menstruation for a certain period of time, with the idea of resuming the search for pregnancy once that period of time is over.
Sometimes anti-androgens or diabetes medications are prescribed. In addition, regular exercise or taking care of your diet are healthy lifestyle habits that also help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle.
What if I don’t achieve pregnancy naturally?
There are medications that stimulate the production of oocytes and others that induce ovulation. These are not the most common treatments in a fertility clinic and must be closely monitored by the specialist who prescribed them.
There is a risk of hyperstimulation or multiple pregnancy. The ovarian response of PCOS patients is higher than that of other women, this is due to the large number of follicles contained in their ovaries.
There are fertility treatments such as Artificial Insemination or In Vitro Fertilization that have demonstrated high pregnancy rates for patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
It is possible that, in addition to the lack of ovulation caused by polycystic ovaries, there are other reasons for infertility. That is why we recommend that, if you have been looking for pregnancy for more than 6 months without success, you go to a center specialized in Reproductive Medicine. There you will find the human team with the necessary knowledge and technology to investigate what is really separating you from your desire to be a mother.
Depending on the age of each patient, Vida Fertility will recommend one treatment or the other, always evaluating the probabilities of success in a personalized way. With no other objective than to avoid increasing the emotional and economic wear and tear of the patients.
Vida Fertility: Customized Assisted Reproduction
At Vida Fertility, we place great value on the personalization of each treatment. Our clinic has been specially designed to dedicate the necessary time to each infertility situation and offer effective and individual solutions. Our professionals will listen to you and accompany you in all stages of your treatment.
If you have more questions or want to talk directly with a fertility specialist: your first visit is free. Without obligation, contact us and we will be happy to help you start your family.