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If you have discovered this article on the web, chances are you have been probably introduced to the word ‘PCOS’ and are eager to find out its impact on you or your partner getting pregnant. Before we move ahead, first let us assure you that PCOS occurs more frequently than you think & our IVF clinic in Dubai does witness cases where the woman patient suffers from PCOS. In fact, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility, and it affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. So, relax as we take you through what PCOS exactly is & why an IVF treatment has become a preferred method of conceiving by women who suffer from it.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common hormone abnormality of reproductive-aged women, occurring in up to 10% of such individuals. It is characterized by overproduction of the androgen testosterone, menstrual abnormalities when ovulation does not occur and enlarged ovaries containing multiple small follicles (polycystic ovaries).

How does PCOS exactly occur?

The exact cause of PCOS is not clear. Though genes contribute to it to a major extent. It is common for sisters or a mother and daughter to have PCOS.

 Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can't use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse.

In case you are diagnosed with PCOS, your fertility specialist, basis the diagnosis might suggest medication as the first step to encourage ovulation & overcome the infertility caused by PCOS.

 Oral medication may include medicines such as clomiphene citrate or Letrozole that helps help regulate ovulation. If these were to prove unsuccessful, the next step would be fertility medications delivered by injection. These are gonadotrophins that are used to stimulate the growth of an egg. However, very careful medical supervision is required with these medications to make sure that the response is not too strong, as it could cause the production of several eggs at once. This needs to be avoided as it would increase the risk of multiple births.

In case the patient suffers from high blood sugar, a medical course might also be suggested to lower it by improving the way your body uses insulin, such as metformin. The improvement in insulin use can improve ovulation for some women with PCOS and could also reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

PCOS and getting pregnant

PCOS not only impacts the chances of getting pregnant in women, but also women with PCOS are three times more likely to have a miscarriage, as compared to women who don’t have PCOS. They are also more likely to develop preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and have a larger baby and premature delivery. This could lead to difficulty during delivery or a cesarean delivery.

PCOS & In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

When it comes to overcoming PCOS for a successful pregnancy, In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most effective fertility treatment available for PCOS patients.  IVF treatment offers the highest success rates and quickest time to pregnancy of any Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).  As a matter of fact, with IVF, live birth rates for PCOS patients and women tend to match with those women who ovulate normally without PCOS. So, IVF does give you a fighting chance against PCOS to complete your family.

The IVF procedure involves a multi-week/month process in which eggs are removed from a female’s ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a petri dish, grown inside a lab for several days (usually 3-5), then transferred into the female’s uterus to develop for the remainder of gestation.  IVF is used in conjunction with a multitude of medication protocols for PCOS patients to induce ovulation and produce more and higher quality eggs, embryos, and a receptive uterine lining.

Before attempting to conceive, it is important to recognize that PCOS women are at increased risk of diabetes, hypertension and other complications of pregnancy. Therefore, medical consultation is advised for any PCOS woman wishing to conceive to optimize her chance of having a normal pregnancy.

MMC IVF is a leading fertility clinic in Dubai helping couples across the world complete their family with world-class fertility specialists. Apart from providing the right infrastructure & access to world renowned fertility specialists, our team also lays emphasis on the right guidance & mental health. We also offer medical concierge services so everything from your travel to stay to treatment is taken care of by us in case you are traveling from abroad. All you have to do is make an appointment with us +971 56 136 2512 or write to us at info@mmcivf.com. We will get back to you promptly. The best part is that you can stay at home and talk to our specialists online before you make the decision. In addition, you can request for a second opinion on the diagnosis and treatment you already are on. Reach out to MMC IVF and we will fix an appointment for it.