Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Infertility During the Holidays
The holidays can be emotional, especially if you’ve been struggling with infertility. Here are some ways you can prioritize your well-being.
Does PCOS Impact Fertility?
PCOS is a common issue facing many women today. It’s estimated that around 10% of women have some level of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes infertility in many women who have the condition. Therefore, if you have PCOS, there’s a high chance that it can be impacting your fertility.
At University Reproductive Associates, with offices in Hasbrouck Heights, Wayne, and Hoboken, New Jersey, our fertility experts offer solutions for PCOS-related fertility problems, so you can build the family of your dreams.
Understanding PCOS
If you have PCOS, your body is overproducing hormones and causing your ovaries to enlarge. Cysts start to form around immature eggs, and as the eggs mature, they stay trapped in sacs of fluid and aren’t released. Since conception occurs when sperm meets egg, women who have PCOS can have difficulty getting pregnant because their eggs don’t release.
Many people with PCOS have irregular periods, skipped periods, abnormally heavy periods, cramping, and other menstrual cycle issues. Other symptoms of PCOS include unexplained weight gain, excessive hair growth (often on the face), and acne. Insulin resistance is also associated with PCOS.
Treating PCOS-related infertility
If you have PCOS and experience trouble getting pregnant, the first step is to evaluate for additional risks for infertility that are related to side effects of the condition.
For example, being overweight can also impact fertility. Since two out of three women with PCOS experience weight challenges due to insulin resistance, our team may work with you to implement lifestyle changes and help you lose weight effectively and safely.
If you have lean PCOS or lose weight and still have issues getting pregnant, we can recommend medications that improve ovulation. In many cases, women who manage to ovulate a mature egg can successfully get pregnant.
If your PCOS is preventing you from becoming pregnant despite these steps, we can recommend in-vitro fertilization (IVF). That can be done either with a mature and viable egg of your own, or (if your eggs are not viable) with a donor egg. The egg is fertilized with sperm from your partner or a donor and implanted in your uterus to improve the chances of conception.
If you know or suspect you have PCOS and want to become pregnant, we can help. Learn more by speaking with the physicians at University Reproductive Associates. To book a consultation, call 201-288-6330 or visit the contact page for more information. We look forward to hearing from you and warmly welcome you to our offices.
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