Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility
1 in 10 women. As we enter PCOS Awareness Month, our NYC fertility clinic wants to bring awareness to the struggles, implications, and benefits (yes, benefits!) of PCOS.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common hormone disorder in women and one of the leading causes of female infertility.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS is a vague diagnosis. Many people are misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. The common telltale signs of PCOS are one or a combination of: irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen (male) hormones, hirsutism (unwanted facial and body hair), acne, cystic ovaries, insulin resistance. However, having these symptoms does not always mean you may have PCOS, which is why it is always best to consult with a doctor.
Can I become pregnant with PCOS?
Let’s first attack the all-too-common misconception “people with PCOS cannot become pregnant”. That is FALSE, in fact they have a greater chance of becoming pregnant as cystic ovaries lead to more follicles, which lead to more eggs, ultimately leading to more chances! Not all cysts are completely bad!
Well known celebrities Victoria Beckham and Lea Michele (if you haven’t seen Glee yet, you definitely should) have struggled with PCOS and have had children of their own.
The primary concern with PCOS is typically anovulation (no ovulation). No ovulation means no pregnancy. And for those who do ovulate, often the ovulation window is missed due to irregular cycles.
What are the treatments for PCOS?
Oral ovulation induction drugs, such as clomiphene citrate and letrozole are typically the first line of treatment for PCOS patients. Provided there are no other infertility factors, if ovulation can be induced and captured at the right time, the chance of becoming pregnant is increased by 25% (age-dependent). So, for some people, just by taking a simple pill and having intercourse, you CAN get pregnant!
There is no significant scientific evidence proving diet affects PCOS however a healthier diet can surely help us all! A healthier diet may result in weight loss which in turn reduces insulin resistance and lowers androgen hormone levels like testosterone. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 40 to 60% of PCOS patients are overweight or obese resulting in increased risk for comorbidities like diabetes and heart disease.
Is there a specialist for PCOS-related infertility?
There is no cure for PCOS but with some education and the right medication protocol, you can be well on your way to creating/expanding your family!
Think PCOS may be the cause of your infertility? Think you might be misdiagnosed and there might be something else preventing you from having a child? Our fertility doctors specialize in PCOS and other hormone-related disorders that are often attributed to infertility. Call us today to schedule a consultation at (212) 641-0906