Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a prevalent cause of infertility. PCOS is characterized by irregular periods, hirsutism (for example, hair on the upper lip), and "polycystic" ovaries on ultrasound.
Understanding PCOS-related Infertility
Women with PCOS often don't ovulate (or at least do not ovulate regularly), which makes it
difficult for them to have children. Their cycles aren't regular, which indicates that they aren't ovulating. Women with PCOS sometimes have regular periods but still don't ovulate. Women with PCOS who get a positive "OPK," or ovulation predictor kit, may think they are ovulating. But these kits are known to be wrong for people with PCOS. This is because women with PCOS often have high levels of a hormone called LH, which is what an OPK checks for.
When a person with PCOS has hirsutism, their testosterone levels are too high. This could cover up a common sign of PCOS. Many women with PCOS have been taking birth control pills for most of their lives to control their periods, which can lower their testosterone levels.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Based on clinical criteria, PCOS is diagnosed. Patients can be diagnosed with PCOS if they meet two out of the following three requirements:
1. hirsutism;
2. irregular menstrual cycles; and
3. polycystic ovaries on ultrasonography.
Blood tests for AMH, or anti-mullerian hormone, are frequently carried out as part of the evaluation process for infertility. Patients with PCOS frequently have increased levels of this hormone.
For one-third of PCOS patients, insulin resistance or prediabetes are also present. The 2-hour glucose tolerance test is more sensitive than the hemoglobin A1C blood test for detecting this.
Treatment Options
Weight loss alone can be pretty successful in a woman with PCOS and may result in spontaneous ovulation. Metformin lowers insulin levels in PCOS patients with insulin resistance, which can help restore regular ovulation.
On the other hand, patients with PCOS may require ovulation induction drugs such as clomiphene or letrozole to ovulate. IUI (intrauterine insemination) can be used with ovulation induction drugs if a couple suffers male factor infertility.
IVF is another possible treatment option with a greater success rate if ovulation induction fails. The success rates of various treatment options differ between patients and depend on various circumstances, including the woman's age. Patients should consult a reproductive endocrinologist to learn more about their chances of success.
Conclusion
Women with PCOS must be recognized and treated as soon as possible to maximize their fertility and fertility treatment success. Age is the most critical factor in a woman's fertility and treatment success. As a result, postponing diagnosis and treatment might have a negative impact on a woman's fertility and treatment.
If you are looking for the right treatment plan to overcome PCOS-related infertility, you can get in touch with Audubon Fertility. Comprised of trained and kind-hearted professionals, the Audubon Fertility team can help you accomplish your dreams of having a family.
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