Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS for short, is a medical condition affecting women around the world, often leading to unpleasant symptoms such as pain, prolonged/infrequent menstrual periods, excessive growth of hair, and even obesity.
Some women with the condition may even suffer from infertility.
In fact, in many cases it is difficulty conceiving that leads many women to seek consultation with a doctor, who may first diagnose the condition.
It is one of the most common causes of infertility among women, and most who have it do not know they have it.
The ovaries may appear larger and with small cysts on their outer edges in women with PCOS, although not all women experience these cysts.
The excessive production of male hormones associated with the condition may lead to the excessive hair growth experienced by many women, as well as the problems getting pregnant.
The higher levels of male hormones negatively affects production of female hormones; this could affect egg production as well as the thickness of the uterine lining.
Doctors are unsure of the cause of the condition, although women with a close relative with the condition may be at a higher risk of the disease.
Fortunately, women wanting to become pregnant have found success through certain fertility drugs and treatments despite the presence of PCOS.
Some doctors may recommend losing weight as an initial treatment with hopes of the weight loss improving any imbalances of hormones affecting fertility.
Some might recommend controlling insulin levels through the use of medication, while others recommend procedures like in vitro fertilization or IVF to get pregnant through artificial means.
The use of infertility drugs like Clomid may be effective, too.
Clomid works by blocking estrogen receptors.
As the body believing that estrogen levels are low, FSH and LH will be produced; these stimulate ovulation.
Some drugs involve injections of FSH and LH directly to stimulate ovulation.
Fertility medication is not for everybody, though, and it's important to discuss their potential side effects with your fertility doctor before proceeding.
Generally, injections of FSH and LH require added attention from your doctor than Clomid.
Not all women, or couples, who try to get pregnant with the help of fertility medications and procedures are successful, and understanding your chances of success is essential before beginning treatment.
Realistic expectations can help put you at ease in some cases, and reducing stress is often helpful for those wanting to become pregnant.
Some women with the condition may even suffer from infertility.
In fact, in many cases it is difficulty conceiving that leads many women to seek consultation with a doctor, who may first diagnose the condition.
It is one of the most common causes of infertility among women, and most who have it do not know they have it.
The ovaries may appear larger and with small cysts on their outer edges in women with PCOS, although not all women experience these cysts.
The excessive production of male hormones associated with the condition may lead to the excessive hair growth experienced by many women, as well as the problems getting pregnant.
The higher levels of male hormones negatively affects production of female hormones; this could affect egg production as well as the thickness of the uterine lining.
Doctors are unsure of the cause of the condition, although women with a close relative with the condition may be at a higher risk of the disease.
Fortunately, women wanting to become pregnant have found success through certain fertility drugs and treatments despite the presence of PCOS.
Some doctors may recommend losing weight as an initial treatment with hopes of the weight loss improving any imbalances of hormones affecting fertility.
Some might recommend controlling insulin levels through the use of medication, while others recommend procedures like in vitro fertilization or IVF to get pregnant through artificial means.
The use of infertility drugs like Clomid may be effective, too.
Clomid works by blocking estrogen receptors.
As the body believing that estrogen levels are low, FSH and LH will be produced; these stimulate ovulation.
Some drugs involve injections of FSH and LH directly to stimulate ovulation.
Fertility medication is not for everybody, though, and it's important to discuss their potential side effects with your fertility doctor before proceeding.
Generally, injections of FSH and LH require added attention from your doctor than Clomid.
Not all women, or couples, who try to get pregnant with the help of fertility medications and procedures are successful, and understanding your chances of success is essential before beginning treatment.
Realistic expectations can help put you at ease in some cases, and reducing stress is often helpful for those wanting to become pregnant.