Here are 5 facts you should know about this disease
Couples struggling with infertility make up one in eight of the couples in the population. There are many different diagnoses that a person struggling with infertility can have and many couples have more than one. One of the most common issues plaguing women with infertility is PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS is an ovulatory disorder. September is PCOS awareness month and we recognize and understand the struggles many women with this disorder experience — especially when trying to conceive.
In honor of PCOS Awareness Month, we’ve gathered some important information everyone should know about this disorder.
1. About 5 MILLION WOMEN IN THE U.S. ARE AFFECTED BY PCOS.
PCOS affects 5-10% of the female population in the US and because of these numbers it is the leading cause of infertility in the United States.
2. PCOS Causes an IMBALANCE IN REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES.
In PCOS, an imbalance of hormones may cause a woman’s eggs to not develop properly or not be released during ovulation as they should be. Without regular ovulation or proper ovulation, it’s difficult to get pregnant naturally. One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is an irregular period, which makes natural conception difficult. Despite the disorder’s name, not all women with PCOS will develop cysts; the symptoms of PCOS will vary from woman to woman.
3. PCOS DOES NOT MEAN A WOMAN Won’t get pregnant.
PCOS does affect fertility hormones, but the disorder does not always render a woman infertile. PCOS is one of the most treatable causes of female infertility, and one of our female specialist doctors can talk to you about ways to improve your own ovulation and increase your chances of achieving pregnancy. There are increased risks during pregnancy in women suffering from PCOS like miscarriage, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
4. PCOS CAN INCREASE THE RATE OF DEVELOPING OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS.
Unfortunately, women who have PCOS are also at an increased risk of developing the following:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Unhealthy cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Depression and anxiety
- Endometrial cancer
5. PCOS DIAGNOSIS CAN BE TRICKY.
The symptoms of PCOS can vary widely, making proper diagnosis of this condition sometimes difficult. Less than 50% of women with PCOS are properly diagnosed. Without present cysts or obvious ovulation and hormone disruptions, many women think their symptoms are just intense side effects of their menstrual cycle. If you feel something is off with your PCOS like symptoms, talk to your doctor about next steps.
PCOS can be a difficult disorder to live with and to conceive children — but keep in mind many women who suffer with PCOS have gone on to build families in many different ways. Working closely with a women’s health physician to help treat your symptoms and work on your family planning goals is a great step. To find a women’s health specialist in Rutherford County, TN go to our directory at Rutherfordsbestdoctors.com
Recent Comments