Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a condition where ovaries produce abnormal amounts of androgen. As a result, many small cysts filled with fluid appear inside the ovaries, causing numerous symptoms, including irregular periods, weight gain, and, in a few cases, infertility.
It is common for women to wonder about the connection between PCOS and infertility as it forces them to make some significant decisions in regard to their family planning. The good thing is that the condition can be treated, and for those concerned, this article will provide a deeper insight into what causes PCOS and its treatment options at Endoworld.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
Firstly, you need to understand what causes PCOS to get familiar with the condition. It usually occurs when the ovaries cannot release an egg at the end of a menstrual cycle due to a hormonal imbalance. In most cases, it might lead to difficulty conceiving or infertility.
On that note, keep in mind that PCOS and PCO (Poly Cystic Ovaries) are two different topics. The latter is not classified as a disorder but is usually associated with structurally different ovaries.
If you are having difficulty conceiving, make sure to connect with our excellent doctors at Endoworld to get all the required help regarding PCOS and infertility.
What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
If you are facing any of the following PCOS symptoms, get yourself diagnosed:
- Irregular Periods
- Growth in facial and body hair
- Signs of balding and receding hairlines
- Rapid weight gain and difficulty losing it
- Acne and oily skin
- Difficulty conceiving and infertility
The most common symptoms among them are irregular periods. You might experience different timing between the beginning and end of a menstrual cycle.
That said, the symptoms may vary between women, and some are likely to experience mild effects.
What are the causes of PCOS?
While the exact causes of PCOS are still unknown, the symptoms are mostly associated with hormonal changes.
- In essence, those who have PCOS have higher testosterone levels; hence, the growth of facial hair is a common indicator of the condition.
- Moreover, your body will be resistant to insulin, causing the glucose level in your system to skyrocket. It leads to weight gain and other problems tied to fertility. In addition, you are at high risk of developing diabetes.
PCOS and Fertility
PCOS is not uncommon in women, and the symptoms are much easier to detect. Without proper help from Endoworld you might find it difficult to become pregnant. Although there have been instances where women managed to conceive naturally, in most cases, medicines are necessary to trigger normal ovulation.
There are chances for the treatment to fail, and in that case, your doctor might recommend a minor surgery. A general anesthetic will be applied before making a small incision in the lower abdomen. A laser is then used to remove the abnormal tissue responsible for producing the male hormones that prevent fertility.
What is the treatment for PCOS to help you conceive?
There is no proper cure for PCOS as it is basically a symptom of hormonal imbalance. However, there are treatments that will enable ovulation and help you conceive.
Listed below are the medicines usually recommended by our doctors at Endoworld:
- Clomifene citrate stimulates the ovary to release eggs.
- Metformin helps your body absorb insulin as the glucose level significantly rises inside your body in presence of PCOS.
You might be recommended a combination of both medicines, if required. In the case of clomifene citrate, you might have to undergo the following procedure:
- A tranvaginal scan in the first treatment cycle to determine if the dose is working for you.
- The treatment will be stopped after six months to avoid the risk of ovarian cancer.
Despite the clomifene citrate medicines, it can be difficult to break the connection between PCOS. When that happens, you will be provided with the following options:
- A drug containing gonadotrophins will be administered to stimulate the ovaries to release an egg.
- The specified Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling surgery destroys the tissue that produces testosterone.
- IVF procedures will be used to retrieve and fertilize the egg in a lab. The embryo will be later transferred to the uterus to enable pregnancy.
By now, you should have some idea about what causes PCOS and its treatment if you are trying to conceive. Reach out to us at Endoworld if you are planning to go up the IVF route. Our team of experts will assist you in the best way to create your success story.
