Polycystic ovary syndrome is very common in today’s scenario. Irregular or absence of periods is a sign of having PCOS. It accounts for 25 – 30% of infertility in women. And about 80% of women with PCOS have infertility issues. According to WHO, 116 million women are affected by PCOS world-wide.

One has to understand the functioning of the inner system to know PCOS comprehensively. The female biological system releases one egg on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. An egg is a mature follicle in the ovary ready to ovulate, but when these follicles do not mature or ovulate, they appear like a string of pearls in ultrasound. These are nothing but cysts, therefore, the condition is known as polycystic ovary syndrome or disorder (PCOS/PCOD)

Is it a hormonal imbalance? 

Yes, indeed. The menstrual cycle is maintained by sex hormones released from different glands, in specific intervals in appropriate proportions. FSH and LH are sex hormones. The follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) helps in the maturation of follicles and luteinizing hormone (LH) helps in ovulation. In the PCOD condition, as it’s said excess of everything is bad, an extra amount of LH is produced which in turn produces more of the total testosterone than present in the normal female. This extra testosterone now inhibits ovulation and maturation of follicles by interfering with sex hormone functioning, causing women to struggle with infertility. Miscarriages are also common in women with PCOS which can be due to sex hormone imbalance or higher secretion of insulin in the blood.

Getting pregnant is possible with PCOS

After knowing the cause, it’s important to know its cure. It’s possible of having PCOS and getting pregnant, although it may be a little more difficult for some women. While this can be a challenge, but there are some treatments available, from lifestyle modification to seeking the assistance of fertility experts or reproductive endocrinologist.

Lifestyle modification

A big difference can be brought by lifestyle changes to regulate hormone balance and preparing the body for pregnancy. In daily routine, one must add physical exercise. Various studies have shown that regular physical activity, for that matter daily 30 minutes walking, can improve ovulation and insulin resistance. A healthy diet rich in antioxidant which includes fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and grains such as quinoa and oats, fats from unsaturated sources is recommended to bring down the level of insulin and inflammation. Along with all these improving sleeping patterns is a must, as quality sleep is very important.

Assisted Reproductive Technology

Science turns out to be a boon to mankind in cases like these. Methods like IUI ( Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) can help in getting pregnant.

In Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), semen specimen from the partner or from the donor is obtained. Semen is washed and the sperms are separated from the rest of the semen such that they are now more concentrated. Coinciding with ovulation the concentrated specimen is inserted into the female’s body.

In In-vitro Fertilization (IVF), both eggs from the female’s body and sperms from the male body are extracted and fertilized in a petri dish and then inserted into the female body. Later after a few days, the doctor asks you to take the pregnancy test.

Way Ahead

During all these processes and treatment one must take care of their mental health as these processes involve various ups and downs in emotions. These troubles are very hard for a woman and the couple. One should not shy away from joining any infertility support group or consulting mental health professionals nearby. If you are still in doubt about the treatment process and what steps to take ahead when dealing with PCOS and infertility issues, feel free to connect with our expert counselors. They will help educate you about Nutrigenomics – a new field of science that works by bringing change in eating habits on the basis of your genetic profile. The counselors will guide you on how bringing positive lifestyle changes can influence your health efficiently.