Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately one in 10 women of childbearing age according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, and is the most common cause of female infertility. However, just because she is diagnosed with PCOS does not mean that she cannot get pregnant. There are many options available to you if you find yourself in this situation. The first thing you need to do is start learning about PCOS and find out how you can get pregnant while you have PCOS. To start your information journey, here is a brief overview of PCOS.
Every woman has two ovaries on each side of her uterus. These ovaries contain follicles which are essentially small sacs that contain fluid and these sacs are also called cysts. Inside these little bags are the eggs that need to be released. Each month about twenty eggs prepare to mature into fully developed eggs, but usually only one reaches full maturity. When this happens, the follicle ruptures and the egg is released. This egg travels through the fallopian tube and into the uterus for fertilization. This process is called ovulation.
The problem is that the eggs fully mature. If the woman has PCOS, she does not make enough hormones for the egg to fully develop. Once this happens, the follicles may fill with fluid but not release the egg. If the egg is not released, the woman cannot produce the hormone progesterone and without progesterone the woman’s cycle becomes irregular or even non-existent. Also, the follicles can remain as cysts and these cysts produce male hormones that make ovulation even more difficult.
Although there is no cure, it can be controlled and women can get pregnant despite having PCOS. You and your partner should discuss these options with your doctor, but in order for you to start gathering information, here are some options to familiarize yourself with:
Fertility drugs generally stimulate ovulation, and clomiphene, metformin, and gonadotropin are very common methods of treating infertility. In fact, the Office on Women’s Health states that for most patients, clomiphene is usually tried first. Then things can get a bit invasive as PCOS can also be treated through surgery. “Ovarian drilling” is a procedure intended to cause ovulation. A doctor will cut a small hole above or below the woman’s belly button and use a specialized tool to look into the abdomen.
This is called “laparoscopy.” The doctor will then prick the ovary with a needle that carries an electrical current. This destroys a small portion of the ovary. The idea behind this procedure is that it will reduce the amount of male hormone in the woman’s body, which will stimulate ovulation. However, there is a risk of scar tissue remaining on the ovary that may prevent ovulation, and the effects of this procedure may only last a few months.
Again, there are many fertility treatment options for you if you have PCOS and want to get pregnant. There is nothing wrong with doing this, but being informed is the best way to help yourself and control your emotions.