Many women in their childbearing age experience challenges with fertility due to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). While some women with PCOS may not encounter difficulties conceiving, approximately 70% do face challenges.
For those struggling to conceive, it is crucial to explore fertility options promptly. PCOS/PCOD presents various symptoms, with hormonal imbalances being the most common culprits leading to infertility.
At Cambridge Hospital, we provide guidance and support for managing the implications of PCOS/PCOD, directing individuals towards appropriate medical care and fertility support.
Living with PCOS poses challenges for pregnancy due to irregular production of hormones necessary for ovulation. Without consistent hormone levels, eggs in the ovaries may not mature fully. Instead, follicles containing the eggs continue to grow and fill with fluid, forming cysts since there's no mature egg available for ovulation.
Additionally, PCOS often involves elevated levels of androgens, which can inhibit ovulation. Without the release of a mature egg, ovulation fails, and the production of progesterone is disrupted. Consequently, irregular menstrual cycles or the absence may occur.
If you've been diagnosed with PCOS and starting a family is your priority, there are fertility treatments which may increase your chances of conceiving. These include:
You can consult a specialist who will prescribe fertility medications to alleviate PCOS symptoms and promote ovulation. These medications help create a balanced physiological environment conducive to follicular development. However, it's important to note that these treatments typically only work for one menstrual cycle.
This minimally invasive surgery involves puncturing the ovary using a needle with an electric current, which destroys a portion of the ovary. While this procedure can help induce ovulation and reduce male hormones, its effects may last only a few months. Risks include scar development in the fallopian tubes
Metformin, also known as Glucophage, can be prescribed alongside other medications to aid in infertility treatment for women diagnosed with PCOS, particularly those with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus to achieve pregnancy. IVF is often used when other fertility treatments have been unsuccessful.This is one of the options available for women experiencing infertility due to various medical conditions such as PCOS. The success rate of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) with PCOS is generally quite high.
If you are eager to conceive but have been diagnosed with PCOS, don't hesitate to reach out to our experts at Belle Vue's Cambridge Hospital. Our specialists will provide personalized care and guide you towards the best treatment options, which may include fertility-boosting medications and state-of-the-art medical procedures if necessary.
