Many women tend to wonder, “does PCOS cause infertility”. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, affecting up to 10% of women. One of the significant symptoms of PCOS is anovulation, meaning the ovaries do not release an egg every menstrual cycle. This can lead to irregular periods and infertility.
PCOS and infertility have a direct relationship where the former is known to come in the way of easy conception. Women with PCOS trying to conceive may require medical intervention, such as ovulation induction medication or assisted reproductive technology. However, lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss and exercise, can also improve fertility outcomes in women with PCOS.PCOS and infertility have an extremely strong correlation. It is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age and is one of the leading causes of infertility in women due to its impact on fertility. Here are some ways in which PCOS affects fertility:
Women tend to think, “does PCOS cause infertility”. Irregular ovulation is one of the most significant impacts of PCOS on fertility. PCOS can cause infrequent or absent ovulation, meaning the woman may not release an egg every month.
This makes it difficult to conceive because fertilisation can only occur if an egg is available for the sperm to fertilise. In some cases, a woman may only ovulate a few times a year, reducing her chances of getting pregnant.
PCOS disrupts the normal hormonal balance in a woman’s body, leading to imbalances in oestrogen, progesterone, and luteinising hormone (LH). These hormones are necessary for ovulation and pregnancy.
High levels of LH can lead to the formation of ovarian cysts, which can interfere with ovulation. Imbalances in oestrogen and progesterone can also impact the menstrual cycle, making it difficult to predict ovulation and conception.
Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
As a result, the body produces more insulin, which can lead to the overproduction of androgens. High levels of androgens can interfere with ovulation, making it difficult to conceive.
PCOS can also cause changes in the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant and grow. Women with PCOS may have a thinner endometrial lining, which reduces the chances of successful implantation. This can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage.
Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, which can further exacerbate hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. Obesity can also impact ovulation and the menstrual cycle, reducing the chances of conception.
Women with PCOS may have a reduced ovarian reserve, which means they may run out of eggs earlier than women without the condition. This can make it more challenging to conceive as the woman gets older.
Women with PCOS trying to conceive should consult a healthcare professional to explore appropriate treatment options and improve their chances of getting pregnant.
The signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to look out for. These include:
Irregular menstrual cycles are one of the characteristic symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This means that a woman’s periods may occur infrequently or become completely absent. This is due to the hormonal imbalances that occur in women with PCOS. These imbalances can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg during each menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods.
Another common symptom of PCOS is hirsutism, which is the development of excess hair growth on a woman’s face, chest, stomach, or back. This occurs due to the overproduction of androgens, which are male hormones usually present in women in small amounts.
When there is an excess of androgens in the body, it can cause unwanted hair growth, which is a common scenario when dealing with PCOS and infertility.
Women with PCOS may experience persistent acne, especially around the jawline. This occurs due to the overproduction of androgens, which can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than necessary, leading to the formation of acne.
Women with PCOS may gain weight, especially around their midsection. This is due to the insulin resistance that can occur in women with PCOS. When the body becomes insulin resistant, it can cause the body to store more fat, particularly in the abdominal area.
Women with PCOS may experience hair thinning or hair loss on their scalp. This can occur due to hormonal imbalances in women with PCOS. The excess androgens in the body can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to hair thinning or hair loss.
If one wonders, “does PCOS cause infertility,” it is essential to know about the signs of PCOS. Women with PCOS may notice a darkening of their skin, especially around their neck, underarms, or groyne. This occurs due to insulin resistance, which can cause the skin to produce more pigment.
Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain multiple small cysts. These cysts are not harmful, but they can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to PCOS symptoms.
It is important to note that not all women with PCOS will experience all of these symptoms. In fact, some women with PCOS may not have any outward signs or symptoms. If you suspect that you may have PCOS, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.
Treatments for improving PCOS in women depend on the severity of one’s condition. These procedures tend to take time before conception becomes easy for a woman. However, there are several fertility treatments available for women with PCOS. Here are some of the most common treatments:
Women with PCOS and infertility often have irregular ovulation or don’t ovulate at all. Medications like letrozole can help regulate ovulation and increase the chances of pregnancy.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that can be used to help women with PCOS conceive. IUI involves placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus using a thin catheter. Here’s how IUI can help treat PCOS:
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is another fertility treatment option for women with PCOS who have not achieved pregnancy with other treatments or who have more severe PCOS symptoms.
IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory dish. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus.
IVF can be particularly effective for women with PCOS because it allows for precise control of ovulation and can increase the chances of fertilisation and implantation. Additionally, IVF can help bypass any issues with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, which can be a concern for women with PCOS.
Surgery may be recommended for PCOS in rare cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful or if the patient has a specific underlying condition that needs to be addressed.
The most common type of surgery for PCOS is ovarian drilling, which involves making tiny punctures in the ovaries using a laser or heat probe.
Ovarian drilling aims to reduce the production of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries, often elevated in women with PCOS and infertility. By reducing androgen production, ovarian drilling can help regulate ovulation and improve fertility. Ovarian drilling is usually performed as a laparoscopic procedure, which involves making a small incision in the abdomen and inserting a laparoscope to view the ovaries.
Another type of surgery that may be recommended for PCOS is a hysterectomy or removal of the uterus. This is only recommended in cases with a significant risk of cancer or other severe conditions affecting the uterus.
It is important to note that surgery is not typically the first line of treatment for PCOS and is usually reserved for cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful or if there is a specific underlying condition that needs to be addressed.
Additionally, like any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with ovarian drilling and other surgeries for PCOS. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the best course of action for their individual needs.
Regular exercise can be a beneficial treatment option for women with PCOS. Exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, aid weight loss, reduce inflammation, improve mood, and increase fertility.
One of the most significant benefits of exercise for women with PCOS is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity. By improving insulin sensitivity, regular exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are more common in women with PCOS. In addition, regular exercise can help regulate menstrual cycles and increase fertility in women with PCOS and infertility.
To see benefits, it is recommended that women with PCOS engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or strength training can be included in the exercise regimen. It is always important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
Dietary modifications can play a crucial role in managing PCOS and improving fertility outcomes. Here are some ways a healthy diet can help treat PCOS:
It’s important to note that each woman’s experience with PCOS and fertility is unique, and the best treatment approach will depend on individual circumstances.
Women with PCOS who are struggling with fertility should consult with a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.
When dealing with PCOS and infertility, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can diagnose PCOS and assess the possible causes of infertility, recommending lifestyle changes, medication, and fertility treatments such as IVF.
Seeking medical advice is crucial as PCOS may have long-term health implications, including increased risks of diabetes and heart disease. Early treatment can help manage these risks effectively.
PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to infertility in women. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, women with PCOS can increase their chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy. Fertility treatments, such as medications, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and IUI, can be effective in helping women with PCOS achieve pregnancy.
Additionally, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management can improve fertility in women with PCOS. It is important for women to seek medical advice and follow a personalised treatment plan to manage PCOS and achieve their fertility goals. This is where we at HexaHealth can help you better manage your reproductive health and conceive easily.
Get in touch with our professionals today and take your first step towards a growing family!
Last Updated on: 2 July 2024
MBBS, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diploma In Cosmetic Gynaecology
9 Years Experience
Dr Arti Sharma is a well-known Obstetrician and Cosmetic Gynaecologist currently associated with Aesthetica Veda in Bengaluru. She has 9 years of experience in Obstetrics and Cosmetic Gynaecology and worked as an expert Obstetrician...View More
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