Polycystic ovaries: Tips to help a woman become a mother
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects various aspects of a woman’s life, including her health, menstrual cycle, appearance, and overall daily routine. In some cases, it can also have an impact on a woman’s fertility.
What are polycystic ovaries?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition among women of reproductive age that affects how their ovaries function. The main features of the syndrome are menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism (excess hair growth, acne, oily skin), and polycystic ovaries. A woman needs to have at least two of these three characteristics to be diagnosed with PCOS.
Many other conditions may accompany the syndrome, such as weight gain, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and endometrial cancer.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
More specifically, it’s worth noting that polycystic ovaries are not “silent,” as they present symptoms that can be easily detected.
If a woman suspects she has polycystic ovaries, it is essential to visit a specialist—such as a gynecologist—promptly for advice and appropriate actions to manage her life normally without hormonal issues, etc. Besides the symptoms, the diagnosis is confirmed through a series of simple blood tests and an ultrasound—clinical examination to identify signs of hyperandrogenism. Essentially, it requires hormonal assessment via blood tests and an ultrasound of the internal reproductive organs to evaluate the ovaries’ volume and texture.
The common symptoms of polycystic ovaries include:
- Irregular menstruation
- Anovulatory cycles (cycles without ovulation)
- Infertility
- Increased risk of miscarriage
- Hirsutism
- Acne
- Alopecia
- Weight gain
- Obesity
- Hair loss
What are the causes of polycystic ovaries?
How can a woman with polycystic ovaries get pregnant?
A woman with polycystic ovaries does not mean she cannot conceive. However, conception may take longer as she does not ovulate every month. The appropriate treatment for polycystic ovaries is ovulation induction, even in combination with in vitro fertilization. There is a possibility of inducing ovulation with medication.
4+1 Tips for a Woman to Become a Mother
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If a woman stops taking the contraceptive pill, it is possible to try for pregnancy starting from the first month.
- Remember that every woman has her own unique “fertility fingerprint.”
- Try to maintain a healthy weight, as this helps in having regular ovulation. On the other hand, when weight increases, ovulation can be negatively affected.
- A sperm analysis is essential to rule out any potential factors that might be preventing you from getting pregnant.
- Don’t delay seeking the help of a specialist. Even if you’ve been trying for less than a year, you should confirm that your ovulation is occurring regularly, or, if not, follow a treatment plan tailored to your situation.
