- January 5, 2025
Nearly one in five women in India suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It causes delayed and missed periods, weight gain, acne, and hormonal imbalance and largely affects women of childbearing age. Naturally, many women suffering from PCOS and trying to conceive speculate if and how it will affect their fertility.
As your trusted gynaecologist and fertility treatment expert in Mumbai, I have tried to answer these questions in this blog. We will also discuss how you can manage the symptoms of PCOS and have a healthy pregnancy.
A] Does PCOS Affect Female Fertility?
Even if you are diagnosed with PCOS, you can naturally conceive without much problem. However, PCOS does affect female fertility and every patient experiences it in their own way. The imbalance of female hormones may cause ovulation to be delayed or be missed completely. In case ovulation still occurs, hormonal imbalances will prevent the formation of the uterus lining, making it impossible for the mature egg to implant itself.
Other symptoms of PCOS like heart problems and diabetes can also affect fertility. Nevertheless, there is no need to stress as PCOS is an easily manageable condition. If you are diagnosed with PCOS or notice its symptoms, visit our fertility clinic in Andheri, Mumbai for comprehensive diagnosis and management.
B] How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
PCOS can be diagnosed by looking for the following conditions in patients:
- High Androgens: Excess in female hormones, androgens, is one of the main causes of PCOS. Signs of high androgens include excessive facial or bodily hair, male-patterned baldness, acne, and an elevated testosterone level in the blood.
- Irregular Menstruation: The hormonal imbalance can delay or prevent the release of eggs every month, leading to delayed or missed periods.
- Cysts On The Ovaries: If the patient shows signs of PCOS, we conduct a pelvic ultrasound exam to look for multiple small cysts on the ovaries.
Any two of the above signs are enough to diagnose PCOS. A blood test is the most effective method for testing androgen and testosterone levels, ovulation hormones like FSH and LH, and thyroid hormone.
C] How To Manage PCOS Symptoms?
While there is no permanent cure for PCOS, its symptoms can be managed through various interventions, including:
- Diet: A balanced PCOS diet is critical for managing the symptoms and reducing compilations during conceiving. Focus on eating more lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Reduce refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sugar from your diet. Most Indian home cooked meals are healthy; however, portion control is also an important factor to consider for weight loss.
- Exercise: Regular exercise including cardio, yoga, and weight training helps to build muscle and lose fat. This is essential for improving insulin resistance and heart problems. You could join a gym or perform callisthenics at home. Aerobics is also a viable alternative.
- Weight Management: Getting to a healthy weight and maintaining it can be very effective for treating the symptoms of PCOS. Our comprehensive treatment approach helps you get rid of unwanted weight. In the meantime, you can use methods like cycling, jogging, or walking an hour a day. Losing even 5-10% of total body fat can significantly improve fertility and menstrual cycle.
- Stress Management: Stress can worsen symptoms like high blood pressure, cortisol levels, and insulin resistance. Incorporate stress management techniques like meditation and yoga and prioritise your mental health.
- Medication: Medications for hormonal control, insulin resistance, and diabetes are often prescribed to manage the symptoms. Our clinic considers your medical history, health conditions, and allergies to tailor the prescription according to your health needs.
D] How Can Our Fertility Treatment Help?
PCOS is one of the common causes of female infertility; however, several fertility treatment options are available at our clinic for women who wish to conceive. Our first plan is always to bring PCOS symptoms under control and help you conceive naturally. We also provide couples’ fertility counselling to evaluate both partners’ reproductive health and tailor the treatment accordingly.
We also offer options like follicular monitoring, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI). Our personalised and patient-centric fertility treatments have proved effective for several patients. Our staff also offer necessary psychological and emotional support during your journey.
Conclusion
PCOS can cause a number of health and fertility problems in women. However, with timely diagnosis and management, patients can conceive without any issues. An imbalance of female hormones can cause delayed ovulation and prevent the formation of the uterus lining. These symptoms of PCOS can be managed through medication, diet, and exercise.
Our fertility treatment options like follicular monitoring, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI) can also help if natural pregnancy is not possible. If you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS or wish for an expert opinion before pregnancy, book a consultation with Nurturing Petals at the earliest.
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