PCOS prevalence is high as 23%. In India, 1 out of every 5 women in reproductive age is PCOS. PCOS is an endocrine disorder where excess of male hormones (Androgen) are released in a body. There is a direct relationship between infertility and PCOS in women. Women who are suffering from this disorder are at a higher risk of low fertility. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Jyoti Bali, Founder and Medical Director of BabySoon IVF and Fertility Center, about ways to boost fertility in women with PCOS.
The main symptoms of PCOS are acne, facial hair growth, male pattern baldness, weight gain, irregular periods (cycle of 40-60 days), inability to conceive, acanthosis nigricans (dark velvety patches on the skin of the neck, elbows and inner thighs). It can vary from no symptoms to acne, facial hair growth, and irregular periods to difficulty in conceiving. The diagnosis of this condition can be done by checking medical history, physical examination, blood tests ans ultrasounds. Read further to know about infertility and PCOS in women.
PCOS and Infertility
Dr. Jyoti said, "Women with PCOS are resistant to insulin. Increase level of insulin in blood can cause ovaries to stimulate male hormone (testosterone) which may lead to PCOS. Women with PCOS do not ovulate on time; therefore don’t release egg every month which affects fertility. Infertility in these patients can be treated by losing weight, taking birth control pills (for few months) which helps to regularize periods and taking anti androgen pills."
Also read: What is PCOS? Know How It Hampers Pregnancy In Women, Risk Factors & Tips To Manage PCOS
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Ways to boost fertility in women suffering from PCOS
You can discuss with your doctor about the moderations in lifestyle to boost fertility. Various medical ways can also help with PCOS and Infertility. There are both medical treatments and lifestyle modifications that women suffering from PCOS can try to boost fertility. According to Dr. Jyoti, they are:
1. Ovulation Induction
During ovulation induction, medicines and injections are used to mature and release the egg. Simultaneously, we call the patient for ultrasound to monitor the follicle (which holds the egg) and its rupture. After the follicle has ruptured, we advise the patient to have natural intercourse for two to three days.
2. IUI (Intrauterine insemination)
A sperm sample from a husband is washed in a lab. An ultrasound is used to determine the size of the egg. When the egg is released, the husband's semen (washed sample) is transferred into the wife's uterus. A urine pregnancy test is performed to confirm the pregnancy after two weeks. The success rate is between 10-15%.
3. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
In this process, sperm and eggs are fertilized outside the body to form an embryo. After that, the embryos are implanted in the uterus. The success rate is between 50 and 60 percent per IVF cycle. Due to the possibility of ovarian hyper stimulation (abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and fluid collection in the abdomen), a fresh transfer is not possible in PCO patients, so the embryos are frozen.
Also read: Explained! The Difference Between PCOD and PCOS
4. Lifestyle Modification
- Exercise: It helps to improve insulin resistance in the body
- Weight loss: Reduction of 5% body weight helps in the improvement of menstrual cycle and fertility.
- Yoga and meditation: PCOS may cause stress and stress management can be done by yoga and meditation
5. Diet Management
- Avoid junk and processed food
- Take high fiber Diet and protein diet
- Avoid carbs: white bread, sweet snacks and beverages