With many questions in mind, you may be wondering, does PCOS lead to infertility? Do you know Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a disorder that indicates a hormonal imbalance? The imbalance can cause a woman’s ovaries to not always release an egg, which further leads to complications in getting pregnant naturally.
Long in short, PCOS may cause difficulties in natural pregnancy and may require medical attention. However, if you are conscious of does it leads to infertility or not, you have to read this blog. We have curated this blog after a detailed consultation with the famous sexologist for females in Mumbai, Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital. This is done to make every woman know how PCOS is affecting their life in the long term. But before we proceed further, let’s start understanding PCOS.
What Do You Mean By PCOS?
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder among women where the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens (male sex hormone), which are usually present in a woman’s body in small amounts. However, PCOS describes numerous small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) forming in the ovaries. It is a fact that some women with this disorder do not have cysts, while some women without getting affected by PCOS develop cysts.
Women with PCOS have higher androgen levels, which can cause problems with the normal menstrual cycle. Though medical treatments are available to combat PCOS, no treatment can cure PCOS fully. It can only aid in reducing symptoms and finding ways to prevent infertility in women.
PCOS Causes & Symptoms
The exact cause of PCOS is still not clear. Many women diagnosed with PCOS have insulin resistance. It means that the body fails to use insulin well. Hence, insulin levels build up in the body, leading to higher androgen levels. Not only that, obesity also boosts insulin levels and makes your PCOS symptoms worse. PCOS may also run in families. It is common to know that a sister, mother, and daughter are all diagnosed with PCOS.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of PCOS may include:
- Missed, irregular, or very light periods
- Acne or oily skin
- Unexpected weight gain (especially around the belly)
- Excess body hair, including the back, chest, and stomach
- Large ovaries with many cysts
- Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness
- Thick or dark skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts.
How is PCOS Diagnosed?
The following methods can diagnose PCOS:
- Blood Tests: These tests will determine increased androgen levels and other hormones. Your blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels will also be checked.
- Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and other organs. This test monitors the ovary’s size to know if they are suffering from cysts and the thickness of the uterus lining.
What are Surgical Treatments to Manage Infertility in Women?
The doctor suggested surgical treatments to manage infertility in women:
- Laparoscopy Surgery: Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery to treat anovulation (lack of ovulation) in women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian syndrome). Tiny punctures in the ovaries are produced to ensure the ovulation procedure can come on track.
- Hysteroscopy Surgery: A hysteroscopy is a procedure doctors use to diagnose and treat conditions involving the uterus and cervix. During this surgery, a doctor inserts a thin tube with a light on the end into your vagina through your cervix and into your uterus to remove abnormal tissue that may cause infertility.
When to Connect with a Gynaecologist
PCOS is a condition that cannot be cured on its own and can only be controlled through medications. If you believe you are suffering from PCOS by noticing its symptoms and trying to get pregnant, then it is time to consult the best gynecologist in Mumbai.
One such gynecologist offering her services at Nanavati Superspeciality Hospital is Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi. With her 25 years of experience, she suggests the best suitable treatment options for an individual. If you are looking forward to planning your baby and facing any challenges, schedule an appointment with her today!
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