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Can I still get pregnant if I have polycystic ovaries?

19 Jun, 2014

Learn about polycystic ovaries and how having them can affect your chances of having a baby.

Can I still get pregnant even if I have polycystic ovaries?

Can I still get pregnant even if I have polycystic ovaries?

One of the reasons for difficulty in conceiving is having the reproductive condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can be diagnosed by the appearance of polycystic ovaries, which are enlarged ovaries that contain numerous small cysts. But the truth is, it’s still possible for women with PCOS to conceive.

Go to the next page for more important facts that you should know about PCOS...

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age

Five to 10 percent of women have PCOS. However, the exact cause of PCOS is not yet known.

What doctors know is that certain factors such as excessive insulin, low grade inflammation (such as when eating certain food triggers your white blood cells to product substances that lead to insulin resistance and accumulation of cholesterol in blood vessels), heredity and abnormal fetal development can contribute to the disorder.

Signs and symptoms of PCOS can be detected as early as the teenage years

Signs and symptoms of PCOS can be detected as early as the teenage years

The signs and symptoms of PCOS begin soon after the woman starts having her period. These vary from person to person, both in type and severity.

For a woman to be diagnosed with PCOS, her doctor has to find at least two of the following: menstrual abnormality (the most common characteristic), excess androgen (male hormone that can result in excessive facial and body hair, adult acne or male-pattern baldness), or polycystic ovaries (which can be detected via ultrasound).

Dr. Leonor Manio-Leonardo, MD, FPOGS, Active Consultant from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, clarifies menstrual abnormality to mean either amenorrhea (absence of menstrual period) or oligomenorrhea (light or infrequent periods). She also lists infertility as a common sign.

Having polycystic ovaries alone does not confirm the diagnosis

Having polycystic ovaries alone does not confirm the diagnosis

Despite the name of the disorder, having polycystic ovaries does not automatically mean that one has PCOS.

To be diagnosed with PCOS, you must also be either experiencing menstrual abnormalities or showing signs excessive androgen.

Apparently, there are some women with polycystic ovaries that do not have PCOS. There are also others with PCOS who have ovaries that appear to be normal.

PCOS can be treated but can lead to long-term conditions if not treated early

PCOS can be treated but can lead to long-term conditions if not treated early

If left untreated, PCOS can cause Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (in cases of pregnancy).

These conditions are even more likely to happen if obesity is also a factor. To avoid this, early diagnosis and treatment is essential.

Dr. Leonardo says that "PCOS treatments are mainly medical but also includes dietary and lifestyle changes (regular exercise). For those women not ready to conceive, we give low dose combined oral contraceptive pills.”

Women with PCOS can still conceive

Women with PCOS can still conceive

To help women with PCOS get pregnant, medicines that induce ovulation are prescribed. If this doesn’t help, a surgery called laparoscopic ovarian drilling can also be an option. However, you should also consider making changes to your lifestyle. Be more active by exercising, watching your weight and switching to a low-carbohydrate diet.

If you think you might have polycystic ovaries or if you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of PCOS, get tested as soon as possible, especially if you’re trying to get pregnant.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: JANICE LIM

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

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Janice Lim

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