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Background
One of the biggest infertility issues in women is PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. While researchers still haven't got a full grasp on this condition, it is believed it's closely related to excessive production of insulin. As in important aside, those who are insensitive to insulin can end up with diabetes. There are times when the insulin excess in women causes them to produce unusually high levels of male hormones or androgens. All these are reasons why you should understand the connection between PCOS and infertility.
When women suffer from PCOS, often times they can't create a sufficient amount of female hormones needed for the ovulation process. In the end it means the follicles don't create the expected eggs. Unfortunately some of the follicles that are stunted end up turning into cysts. This is a serious issue, and eventually you could see numerous cysts on the outside of the ovaries.
You need to keep an eye out for the symptoms that involve PCOS and infertility so you can catch it at the earliest stages. An early sign will be an irregular or absent period. When this occurs, there isn't any progesterone created which means the uterus thickens in anticipation of a fertilized egg.
PCOS can be present more as a woman ages. In fact, it's one of the main reasons why women in their late 30s and early 40s have a difficult time. Over the years experts have estimated that PCOS affects 5%-10% of women during their most productive child-bearing years. The worst part is you may not even know there is an issue, unless of course you're trying to start or build a family.
Hair growth is another sign that PCOS may be present. The specific spots these will be increasingly noticeable are the face, chest and back. It can be just the opposite as well, so keep in mind your hair can thin as well. Then of course you might gain weight for no particular reason at all. Last but not least you might experience pelvic pain. However, the irregular period could be your first clue. Regardless, we recommend you see a doctor.
Solutions
Since it is the lack of ovulation that eventually disrupts the ability for a woman to conceive, you need a defensive step. One way of combating the situation can be as easy as adjusting your diet and adding a little exercise. It will give the body the opportunity to balance the hormones significantly. If you can lose weight, it's just one of the many ways to allow the body proper hormone chemistry. Also, if you see a doctor they may prescribe Metformin. This drug enhances the body to process insulin better.
Clomid is also a common drug. It affects the estrogen receptors in the brain, which blocks the sensitivity to that hormone. When you can trick the brain into believing your estrogen levels are too low, there is an increase of FSH and LH. These help trigger ovulation. It is said that Clomid can do wonders for inducing ovulation. In fact, of all the individuals who use it, 35-40% who it helps ovulate become successful in getting pregnant.
IVM or in-vitro maturation is another treatment that can be successful. This action is where the eggs are harvested before actually becoming mature. Labs grow them, and then use them as fertilization when the time is right. Keep in mind this is a little different then in-vitro fertilization, because the eggs used are ones that have matured inside another woman. Either way these are implanted back into the uterus. In order to help the eggs develop, medications are used.
No matter what you option you choose, just make sure you understand the issues and potential solutions that come along with PCOS and infertility. Keep an eye out for the clues mentioned above, especially if you have been trying to get pregnant for a number of months without success.
Michael Key has written extensively for 30 years on a wide variety of technical issues. For more information on PCOS and infertility look for his new book "Secrets of Infertility Relief" available only at InfertilityRelief.com.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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