Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects the menstrual cycle and the ability to ovulate. Because of this women, with PCOS may face challenges with fertility.
Women with PCOS may be able to conceive without the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some are even able to conceive without any professional assistance. For women who are unable to conceive after attempting to do so for some time, it is recommended they undergo an evaluation of their fertility to determine the possible causes of their infertility.
How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?
PCOS can affect fertility in a couple of ways. First, irregular ovulation occurs with PCOS, and, as a result, there may be difficulties in identifying the window of fertility.
Women with PCOS may have other symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, and obesity. Women may also experience irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles. These symptoms may occur in the absence of the inability to ovulate and infertility.
PCOS is a diagnosis that is relatively common. Because of this, many women may experience symptoms of the syndrome, but not all women will experience the inability to conceive.
When Should You Consult an IVF Specialist in Jalgaon?
When PCOS is not responding to treatment and ovulation remains irregular and if there are ongoing challenges with getting pregnant it may be a good idea to consider consulting an IVF specialist in Jalgaon. Sometimes the right specialist can make a difference when trying to conceive.
In general, if a woman is younger than 35, an evaluation for infertility is not undertaken until the couple has attempted to conceive for at least one year with regular, uninterrupted (no birth control) intercourse. A woman aged 35 and older is evaluated for infertility if the couple has not conceived within 6 months of attempting intercourse as described above. A woman aged 40 and older is evaluated for infertility if the couple has not conceived within 3 months of attempting intercourse as described above.
Women who have already been diagnosed with a condition that is likely to cause them to be infertile, such as a woman with ovulation problems, may need to be evaluated for infertility sooner than later.
Is PCOS an IVF Case?
No, PCOS alone is not an indication for IVF.
The latest international guidelines state that in cases of PCOS where there is anovulation and, therefore, infertility, less invasive methods of inducing ovulation should be attempted first. Letrozole should be attempted first if the couple does not have any other reasons for which infertility is required to be addressed. IVF should be attempted if the couple has a clear indication for IVF or if first and/or second attempts at Letrozole have been unsuccessful.
The rationale behind this approach is that a fertility specialist should be able to determine the cause for infertility, before suggesting more advanced treatments for infertility.
Fertility Evaluation Process
An IVF Specialist in Jalgaon will ask questions regarding your periods, kids, if any, other medical conditions, medications, jobs, and when and how you try to get pregnant.
Depending on your situation, your IVF specialist may order blood tests, USGs, and other investigations to assess your fertility. Male factor infertility should also be evaluated.
A complete assessment should be done keeping in mind both the partners as male factor infertility may also contribute in not being able to get pregnant.
Treatments for PCOS Infertility
Treatments to address infertility associated with PCOS may include loose birth control pills, other drugs to stimulate ovulation, fertility awareness and/or timed intercourse, IUI, and/or other advanced reproductive technologies.
The 2023 international PCOS guideline states that in women with PCOS and anovulatory infertility, letrozole be prescribed as first line of treatment. Other treatments may be prescribed based on the situation and the first treatment given.
In case infertility persists, other treatments may be prescribed, or IUI may be performed. IVF may also be performed.
The Importance of Individual Case Assessment For PCOS
PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) is a disorder that’s expressed in many different ways, and can be expressed in combination with other conditions affecting the female reproductive system and male fertility. Women with PCOS can also have abnormalities of their fallopian tubes and may have low ovarian reserve.
Due to the many ways PCOS can be expressed, an evaluation for PCOS alone is not enough to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
It’s not uncommon for women seeking fertility treatment to find information about the best IVF clinics in Jalgaon. Women considering IVF should first undergo a complete medical assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment, and not choose the most advanced treatment option that’s widely available.
Preparing for your Fertility Appointment
Bring all your previous menstrual flow records, and any other relevant information such as blood and urine tests, ultrasound reports, prescriptions, and any other information pertaining to your fertility.
You should also be prepared to ask the following;
- Am I able to ovulate?
- Should I undergo an evaluation to determine my fertility?
- What other factors are restricting my ability to conceive?
- What treatment options are available?
- When is IVF going to be an option for me?
When Should You Not Delay Evaluation?
In some cases, it is advised that women do not wait to see a healthcare practitioner if they have concerns about fertility and are experiencing very irregular or no periods at all. It is also suggested that women between the ages of 35-40 see a practitioner in a timely manner if they have been unsuccessful in getting pregnant within 6-12 months. Women 40 and over should also see a practitioner if they are planning to get pregnant.
Many factors associated with female fertility will be evaluated during the initial appointment, and if necessary, treatment will be offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are women with PCOS able to have children?
Yes. Women with PCOS are able to have children either naturally or by assistance of medical intervention.
2. Is it always the case that women with PCOS require IVF?
No, IVF is not always the first line of treatment for women with PCOS.
3. When is it necessary to have fertility evaluated?
Generally women under 35 should wait to have a fertility evaluation until they have been trying to get pregnant for a year. Women 35 and over should have an evaluation after 6 months of trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant.
Conclusion
PCOS and pregnancy can be connected, but a diagnosis of PCOS does not mean that you will need to undergo IVF. If you wish to have children, you should have an evaluation and treatment geared to helping you achieve this goal.
If a woman in Jalgaon wants to see a IVF specialist to discuss her options, the first step would be to find the cause of her inability to conceive. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can include the use of medications, other types of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) or IVF.
Pratibha Hospital offers a full service fertility clinic. Other fertility clinics and services may also be located in Jalgaon. Women seeking care should consult a qualified physician to review their options. Book Your Appointment Now!