PCOS - Can You Still Get Pregnant?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder of the endocrine system in women. It has been found that women suffering from PCOS have enlarged ovaries. These bigger ovaries contain fluids called follicles. During an ultrasound examination, these follicles are seen. If you are suffering from irregular or prolonged menstrual periods, acne, obesity and uncontrolled hair growth, you can get yourself tested for PCOS. However, doctors have failed to determine the exact cause of PCOS. This condition can have dangerous consequences and affect the overall health of the patient. If left untreated, it can cause type 2 diabetes or heart diseases.
What happens in PCOS?
Women suffering from this disorder experience a hormonal imbalance in their body. The hormone changes trigger multiple issues in the body. Sometimes, the body produces an excess of sex hormone. Women may develop masculine features due to over-production of male hormones or androgens. There might be an imbalance in insulin levels, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.
What causes PCOS?
Surprisingly, the exact cause of PCOS is not known. Researchers have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of developing PCOS. However, some believe that the cause has hereditary links.
Symptoms of PCOS
The symptoms of PCOS are usually mild in nature during the initial stage. In the beginning, only a few symptoms are detectable. These include acne, obesity, extra hair growth on face, thinning of hair on the scalp and irregular periods. The symptoms often get unnoticed by the patient first or they relate those of the pregnancy.
Conceiving with PCOS
In case, you have been detected with PCOS and it is the reason behind your infertility, you must not get dishearten. You have the possibility to induce ovulation. One can opt for fertility medications. These drugs have shown success in ovulation and pregnancy. Some of these are as follows:
- Metformin. It helps to regulate the amount of insulin in the blood. It also helps to resolve fertility issues.
- Clomiphene citrate. It stimulates ovulation.
- Gonadotropins. These are known to be hormone shots, which cause ovulation.
- Letrozole. This drug is known to block estrogen production. Instead, it increases the production of follicle-stimulating hormone.
- Ovarian drilling. If fertility medications fail, the doctor may try doing a surgery known as “ovarian drilling.” In this method, a surgeon inserts a needle through the abdomen of the patient to destroy a smaller portion of the ovaries. This lowers the androgens produced by the ovary.
If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult with Gynaecologist in Gurgaon easily and get your queries resolved.