PCOS and Infertility-The Terrible Twosome
Infertility in women is derived from a physical disorder known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Women suffering from this condition are unaware they are producing excessive insulin and as a result, high levels of male hormones or androgen secretion is the immediate reaction to their bodies. Women become insulin resistant making them prone to acquire diabetes. Such is the case of women who endure the delicate syndrome of PCSO.
A normal menstrual cycle in women prepares the development of follicles with in the ovaries. It ignites a bio-chemical spontaneous reaction initiating the maturation of follicles to ova or egg cells. A single follicle during ovulation process the ovum and upon its maturity a rush of LH split the egg from the follicle. Lacking the required female hormones, women with PCOS condition do not have the capacity to generate ovulation and these follicles develop into cysts. The cysts appear like “string of pearls” as seen through a monitor when a woman undergoes an ultra sound procedure. It is normal to have the presence of small cysts covering ovaries’ outer membrane. With the absence of progesterone due to non-ovulation, the lining of the uterus thickens.
An irregular menstrual cycle depicts the presence of PCOS which worst and common among older women. These women may sometime ovulate or do not at all. There is a five to ten percentage among childbearing age women agonizing from this syndrome and totally unmindful of it. Miracles do happen to women with irregular ovulation period who luckily get pregnant. A seemingly increase of hair growth in a woman’s body, on the chest, back or face is considered as symptoms for PCOS. In addition, thinning hair, obesity, high insulin levels or the type II diabetes, acne and pelvic soreness are passable PCOS indicators. The characteristics of the syndrome differ in every woman, whether one maybe of childbearing age or in her golden years.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a deterrent for a woman to ovulate and the chances to conceive is less than nil. There are certain measures set into place to alter or remedy the problem. Proper diet and good eating habits, coupled with regular exercise, could eliminate unwanted fat and weight, eventually correcting hormonal imbalances. The drug Metformin enhances the absorption of insulin in the body. Only women not afflicted by diabetes could safely use a dosage affecting insulin levels. However, it never actually lowers the amount of blood sugar in the body. Clomid, a fertility drug among others, is often administered to treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in women. A prescribed dosage of Clomid influence the brain by blocking its estrogen receptors, spontaneously identifying the stimulus as low estrogen levels and instinctively the brain responds by urging the body to produce additional FSH and LH inducing ovulation. Only 30 to 40 percent of women under such treatment are positively responsive and do get pregnant.
In Vitro Maturation (IVM) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are alternative procedures available to women with the syndrome. These two distinct procedures are similar in nature but differ in methodology. In the In Vitro Maturation procedure, the ova (egg cells) are gathered prematurely in a woman’s ovulation period and are incubated in a sterilized laboratory and upon maturity; the eggs are ready for fertilization. While on the other procedure of In Vitro Fertilization method, only when the eggs are fully aged that they are harvested then fertilized for ready implantation in a woman’s uterus. This method covers the much needed requisite medications to ensure the healthy and normal development of the ova. For women who are not very responsive to the prescribed drug therapy, the IVM procedure is recommended.
