Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Fertility Treatment
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common fertility disorders among women. According to research conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, approximately five million American women suffer from this condition. Women with this condition develop small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, on their ovaries. These growths can create unpleasant symptoms and interfere with female reproductive health. At the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, our doctors offer a wide range of fertility treatments to help our patients achieve their family goals. Read on to learn more about polycystic ovarian syndrome and fertility treatment at our convenient Omaha practice.
What Causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
Cysts develop on the ovaries as a response to an overproduction of androgens, which are male reproductive hormones. There is no clear cause for this hormonal imbalance and the resulting growths, but the following factors appear to raise patients’ risks for this condition:
- Chronic inflammation. Low-grade swelling or mild infection may increase your chances for polycystic ovarian syndrome.
- A family history of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Congenital factors appear to make patients more prone to cyst growth. If any of your female family members suffer from this condition, you should be especially vigilant about your symptoms and undergo regular reproductive exams.
- Abnormal insulin production. Irregular insulin generation can lead to unhealthy blood glucose levels or trigger the production of androgens, potentially causing polycystic ovarian syndrome.
- Obesity. Some research suggests that overweight women are more likely to develop polycystic ovarian syndrome, although the link between these conditions is relatively unclear.
Do You Suffer from this Condition?
You may suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Inexplicable weight gain
- Irregular menstruation
- Dermatological issues such as oily skin, acne, or the development of rough, textured patches on the body
- Thinning scalp hair and dandruff
- Abnormal, excess hair growth
- Difficulty becoming pregnant (having considered other female and male infertility factors)
- Anxiety or depression
- Pelvic discomfort
Contact our fertility clinic for treatment if you suffer from any of the above.
Fertility Treatments for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
If you suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome and have been struggling to become pregnant, our doctors can offer several treatment options to improve your chances of conception. We may prescribe certain medications to encourage proper ovulation. These drugs encourage your ovaries to produce healthy eggs so they can be fertilized and lead to conception. If this treatment course is ineffective, we may recommend IVF, or in vitro fertilization, to help you and your partner become pregnant. During this treatment, we will prescribe fertility drugs, perform a procedure to harvest your eggs, fertilize them with a sperm sample, and place them within your uterus, where they will hopefully implant.
Contact the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine
Our fertility specialists can help you overcome polycystic ovarian syndrome and increase your chances for healthy conception. To find out more about this condition or learn about your treatment options, contact our practice today for a consultation.
