Does PCOS/PCOD Impact Fertility?

What is PCOD/PCOS?

PCOD and PCOS are two separate disorders, though they are often confused as the same thing. PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in which the body releases excess amount of male hormones, also known as androgens due to malfunction of the endocrine system. This leads to a hormonal imbalance and eggs released by the ovaries turn into cysts. These cysts do not get released and with time they build up to form a mass inside the ovaries.

PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease and here, the ovaries fail to release mature eggs. The eggs released are immature and this causes severe hormonal imbalance and swelling in the ovaries.

While it is difficult getting pregnant with PCOS and PCOD, with proper treatment it is possible.

How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?

The chances of getting pregnant with PCOS are very limited as you need to ovulate and release mature eggs in order to get pregnant. However, when you have PCOS, there is a hormonal imbalance due to which the eggs aren’t matured and released at a right time. In fact, PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility among women of childbearing age.

What is the treatment for PCOS?

PCOS causes infertility, but this type of infertility is reversible. Most women don't realise they have PCOS unless they face issues to conceive. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS, your doctor will treat you accordingly so as to improve your chances of getting pregnant with PCOS. There are several ways in which PCOS is treated.

1. Diet

Modifying your diet can help reverse PCOS effects as what you eat has an impact on your body to a large extent. Include lot of greens, leafy vegetables in your diet, cut down on processed foods, increase your protein intake, and drink more water and other fluids.

2. Exercise

Being overweight may interfere with your menstrual cycle and also lead to hormonal imbalances, which can aggravate your PCOS symptoms. Hence, exercising and staying fit helps a lot.

3. Medication

After carrying out all the necessary tests and ruling out other medical conditions, your doctor may put you on specialised medication to treat PCOS and regularize your menstrual cycles.

4. Surgery

Laproscopic surgery is done in cases where there is a large cyst in the ovary. This procedure helps in cleaning the ovaries and helps them to function normally.

What are my chances of conceiving with PCOS?

You have a fair chance of getting pregnant with PCOS, provided you and your partner don't have any other fertility-related issues. The key is to get PCOS detected and treated. Once that is done and you start ovulating properly, you will have a high chance of getting pregnant and delivering a healthy baby.

Conclusion

PCOS causes infertility in women but the condition is reversible and you can get pregnant even if you have PCOS. The key is to have a proper and timely diagnosis.

Sources:

https://www.unicef.org/india/stories/do-pcod-and-pcos-mean-same-thing-or-are-they-different#:~:text=In%20PCOD%20the%20ovaries%20start,eggs%20prone%20to%20becoming%20cysts.

https://www.angelsfertility.com/how-does-pcod-affect-fertility/

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on November 15, 2022