In this article:
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Although each individual with PCOS has a unique experience, there are a few characteristics that clinicians regularly look for when diagnosing this disorder. The criteria for diagnosing PCOS include:- Irregular menstrual periods
- Increased amounts of androgynous hormones, such as testosterone, which may lead to acne and facial hair
- Ultrasound reveals polycystic ovaries, which have a high number of follicles (small fluid sacs containing developing eggs)
PCOS and Fertility
For women with PCOS, the is not a dearth of eggs, but rather an inability to release mature eggs on a regular basis, which is what causes irregular periods. If you only have three periods per year, your body only produces three mature eggs, so you have a lower chance of becoming pregnant naturally.Many individuals aren't diagnosed with PCOS until they try to conceive. Fortunately, there are therapeutic options available for those with PCOS who are attempting to conceive.Conceiving with PCOS
There are many therapeutic options available for people with PCOS who are attempting to conceive. Doctors first try to restore ovulation with lifestyle changes like weight loss and medication for other PCOS-related conditions, like prediabetes.The next step is to utilise an ovulation-inducing medicine. These kinds of medications are taken once a month to try to reset your cycle so that it can develop and release eggs regularly. Patients on this treatment plan will normally take the medicine for five days before being carefully monitored by their clinician to ensure that their body is reacting properly. is another treatment option for patients with PCOS who are attempting to conceive. This is a technique in which mature eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a lab to develop embryos, which are then utilised to establish a pregnancy. People with PCOS make excellent candidates for IVF because they have an excellent supply of eggs. IVF offers advantages over ovulation-inducing medications, such as quicker conception and reduced risk of multiple births.Preparing for the Appointment
PCOS may be treated by a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist, or an infertility specialist. Prepare for your appointment by making a list of the following:- Please include information about your symptoms and period frequency, duration, and intensity
- All medications, vitamins, herbs, and other supplements you use, including their quantity
- Important personal and medical information, including other health issues, recent life changes, and stressors
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
Some simple questions to ask are:- Which tests do you recommend?
- How can PCOS affect my chances of becoming pregnant?
- Are there any medications that might help improve my symptoms or chances of becoming pregnant?
- What lifestyle adjustments might help alleviate symptoms?
- How will PCOS influence my health in the long run?
- I have additional medical issues. How can I best handle them together?
The Right Time to See a Specialist
Overall, the appropriate time to consult with a reproductive professional for PCOS varies from person to person. A fertility expert can explain your treatment choices and help you make the right decision for you and your family.FAQs on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility: When to Consult a Doctor?
- When should I consult a fertility expert for PCOS?If you have PCOS and are still unable to conceive after six or seven months of trying, or if you are not getting your period, you should consult a fertility expert.
- Should I see a gynaecologist for PCOS?PCOS may be treated by a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist, or an infertility specialist.