PCOS and Fertility: Options for Women Who Want to Conceive
Did you know according to a survey conducted by Statista, around 16% of Indian women respondents between the age of 20-29 struggled with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS due to increased incidents of atrocious lifestyle habits like lethargy and unhealthy eating habits?
In PCOS, the ovaries produce higher-than-normal amounts of androgens, interfering with ovulation and causing irregular menstrual cycles. PCOS is a widespread concern across India and the world, and for those who struggle with PCOS, conceiving can be a grotesque concern. Undoubtedly PCOS treatment can help, but understanding the treatment option is vital for those who want to conceive.
So, without further ado, let’s discuss the options available to women with PCOS to incline towards a healthier side of living.
Lifestyle changes
One of the first steps to take when trying to conceive with PCOS is to make lifestyle changes. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of obesity, which can further worsen the symptoms. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help improve insulin resistance, regulate menstrual cycles, and promote weight loss.
Medications
Medications are often prescribed to women with PCOS to help regulate their menstrual cycles and improve ovulation. Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) is a commonly prescribed medication that helps stimulate ovulation. Another medication, letrozole (Femara), is also used to stimulate ovulation and is equally as effective as Clomid. Metformin, commonly used to treat diabetes, can also be effective in treating PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving ovulation. However, before you consume any of these medications, discuss your medical history and dosage with a trusted healthcare provider.
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART)
Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can be a viable option for women with PCOS, struggling to conceive. IVF involves extracting eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them in a laboratory before transferring them to the uterus. This method has a high success rate, with up to 40% of women with PCOS achieving pregnancy with IVF.
Surgery
Surgery may be an option for women with PCOS who have not responded to other treatments. Ovarian drilling is a surgical procedure that involves making small holes in the ovaries to reduce the production of androgens and promote ovulation. The procedure can be done laparoscopically, which is minimally invasive and has a low risk of complications.
The bottom line
Understand that each of these treatments should be prescribed or performed by specialized healthcare providers. Irrespective of the PCOS treatment option you pick, ensure to consult a seasoned doctor to help you with your condition. Also, with conditions like PCOS, the change needs to start one step at a time. You cannot rush to the results, but you must also keep making healthy choices all along. Incorporate lifestyle changes like eating healthy food, working out every once in a while and following a proper sleep cycle to reduce stress. Healthcare practitioners can help you with the treatment, but you also need to play your part to get results soon.
