The Basics
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common ovulatory disorder for women. The good news is that PCOS is highly treatable. In most cases change in lifestyle, some weight loss and basic infertility treatments with medication can help you get pregnant. It might be useful for you to know that despite the name, you do not have cysts if you have PCOS.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work.
The three main features of PCOS are:
- Irregular periods – which means ovulation does not occur properly and an egg is not released
- Excess androgen – hormone imbalance in your body, which may cause physical signs such as excess facial or body hair and affect fertility if left untreated
- Polycystic ovaries – your ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs
What are PCOS symptoms?
The symptoms vary from person to person and it is also possible that you have PCOS but don’t show any visible symptoms. Here are common symptoms in women:
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Excess facial and body hair
- Infertility or recurrent miscarriage
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Weight gain or obesity
- Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
- Acne
Treatment
PCOS Treatment
Most symptoms of PCOS are result of hormonal imbalances. So, the best way to diagnose PCOS is using blood test to check hormones.
At Genova IVF Lahore, our goal is to use minimum amount of medication to treat PCOS. We believe many women can get pregnant by improving their lifestyle, watching what they eat and exercise. Research has shown that even 10% decrease in weight can result in a healthy pregnancy.
1. Health and nutrition counselling: first line of treatment will be for you to meet our qualified health and nutrition counselor. She will work with you to ensure that your diet and lifestyle is healthy and balanced to give you the best chance for pregnancy.
2. Medications: your Genova fertility consultant will work with you to determine a tailored treatment plan:
- Give you fertility medications to help with regular ovulation
- Give you diabetic medication to make your body more receptive to insulin and regulate ovulation
3. IVF Procedure: your Genova fertility consultant will determine if IVF is the most suitable way for you to become pregnant.
4. Surgical Procedure: if fertility medication and lifestyle changes are not effective, a simple surgical procedure known as Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) may be recommended.
