Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a Common Syndrome Linked with Infertility...

First, what Is PCOS? Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome³ (PCOS) is one of the main causes of infertility in women¹. It affects anywhere from 5-10% of women who are within childbearing age, and another 30% of women may have symptoms associated with PCOS, though not diagnosed with the syndrome making it one of the most under-diagnosed reproductive syndromes in women^1,2. Although PCOS has been recognized as a common infertility syndrome, no one is sure exactly what causes it. Some experts suggest that it is hereditary, while others suspect a link between PCOS and diabetes^{1, 2}.

Women who suffer from PCOS have fluid-filled sacs called cysts on their ovaries that prevent normal ovarian performance. PCOS affects regular reproductive functions like the menstrual cycle and fertility. Ovaries of PCOS sufferers tend to be larger than normal ovaries. Although cysts are the most common symptom, some doctors will diagnose a woman based on the presence of other symptoms or hormonal irregularities such as no or infrequent periods, irregular bleeding, infrequent or no ovulation, increased male hormone levels, outright infertility, lengthy chronic pelvic pain, increase weight or obesity, diabetes, cholesterol and triglyceride issues, high blood pressure, excess facial and body hair, male-pattern baldness or thinning hair, acne, oily skin or dandruff, dark-colored patches of thick skin, or skin tags in the armpits or neck^1,2. Because these symptoms often seem unrelated, doctors may try to treat each problem separately rather than evaluating them as a group^{1, 2}.

During a pelvic exam, a doctor will be able to feel any cysts that might be on the ovaries. Once these have been identified, a vaginal ultrasound will help better view the cysts, blood tests may be ordered to evaluate hormone and insulin levels, and other tests may be ordered to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels^{1, 2}. Unfortunately, there is no standard for diagnosing PCOS. Some doctors may diagnose a woman showing a minimum of three PCOS symptoms, while others may use exclusion to narrow it down to PCOS. Regardless, it is important to receive a proper diagnosis in order to receive treatment. Left untreated, PCOS can lead to many other health problems. Traditionally, doctors have only been able to treat the symptoms of PCOS since the cause is unknown, and there is currently no cure^{1, 2}.

For example, the birth control pill is often prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce the levels of hormones, and minimize the appearance of acne. Other medications may be prescribed to address blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone levels or cosmetic problems. Insulin medications are commonly prescribed to many women with PCOS because they have high insulin levels or their body inefficiently uses insulin. "Normalizing insulin levels has been found helpful in regulating periods and promoting ovulation." ¹ Women may ease the symptoms of PCOS more naturally through diet and exercise. "Maintaining a healthy weight has been shown to help insulin and glucose levels as well as promote fertility." ¹

Although studies show women with PCOS tend to suffer a much higher rate of miscarriages, it is very possible to become pregnant and participating in unprotected sex is not suggested if you are not planning a family. Fertility problems in women with PCOS may be related to the elevated hormone, insulin, or glucose levels. Additionally, abnormal insulin levels may contribute to poor egg quality, making conception more difficult^{1, 2}. However, stabilizing hormone levels increases fertility and promotes ovulation. Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly will also help to promote fertility^{1, 2}. Although getting pregnant can be problematical for women with PCOS, many have found it easier to get pregnant the second time around. Additionally, some women have found that their menstrual cycles regulate themselves after a pregnancy.

Here is where the literature stops and my commentary begins. This is directed to all of the young women from the ages of 12 - 23 who believe that having PCOS will stop you from having the possibility of becoming pregnant. Participating in unprotected sexual activity, even with PCOS, elevates the risk of becoming pregnant. Here are a couple of examples.

First, my friend has this syndrome and has two beautiful babies (ages 7 and 1.5) and also suffered a few miscarriages. She is a successful, educated married woman who makes her own way in this world and provides for those children without need. My friend went to school and college, graduated and had been diagnosed with PCOS while in college. Although she knew the risks of miscarriages, she also listened to her doctor, decided when it was best to become pregnant and took care of things once she got her life in order and was ready for children.

Someone else I know didn't listen completely and carefully to the doctor or her parents during her discussion of this syndrome. After days, even weeks, of trying to convince this girl that she could still have children in her future, she had already made up her own mind that is was just not possible. This girl is six months pregnant - became pregnant in high school - just graduated, and is still a teenager. She doesn't live on her own, can't support herself, and is relying on the system. Tell me, how is this child who did not take care of herself (protect herself during sex and participated in risky behavior) and who did not realize (or was in denial) that she was pregnant going to be able to take care of an infant who needs everything done for them. This innocent newborn is coming into an environment as an underdog. Dear girl, if you cannot even realize that you are six months pregnant (things happen to your body even with PCOS), how will you take care of this infant and how will you know when baby is sick, hungry, wet, just wants held? How will you go to school so that you can provide for this child?

Kids, don't have babies if you cannot support them yourself. Please, as Shakespeare once said, "To thine own self be true." Be true to yourself, give yourself the best opportunity for the most success by graduating high school without a child (or one on the way), go to college, trade school, join the military, or at least get a job paying more than minimum wage. Set yourself up for success. Jumping on trampolines after sex will not make the sperm fall back out - once it is in there...it is in there. Practicing unprotected sex sets you up for so many bad things with endless disease possibilities, without adding pregnancy. Having unprotected sex is dangerous and selfish. You aren't impacting only yourself when you become pregnant as a teen - it goes so much further than just you.

For more information on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS, please talk with your doctor. For looking into more information on the web for PCOS, please search for yourself. You will find a great deal of information that tells you that it is difficult to become pregnant, but NO WHERE that I have found to this day has shown a 100% absolute that you cannot become pregnant with this syndrome. As a matter of fact, I have proof that it can happen. I have only referenced a couple of resources for information on PCOS. I'm not a doctor, but go to your OB/GYN, get the facts, ask all the questions and remember this story. It can happen to you. You are not Superwoman.

¹Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. http://www.pregnancy-info.net/infertility_PCOS.html, accessed 10/03/07.

²Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) FAQ. http://www.inciid.org/faq.php?cat=infertility101&id=2#120, accessed 10/03/07.

³Wikipedia Definition. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovarian_syndrome, accessed 10/03/07.