By Samuel Jose
When trying to understand the difference between PCOS and PCOD, many women mistake one for the other. In fact, most of us use the terms interchangeably. However, the reality is that despite the similarities, including both being disorders of the ovaries and producing hormonal disruptions, these ailments are distinct from one another. In Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), the ovaries frequently release immature or partially mature eggs, which eventually develop into cysts. The ovaries of women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) create more androgen than normal, which prevents the eggs from developing and being released normally. Here too, some eggs may turn into cysts, which are tiny sacs filled with fluids.
Even if you have PCOS, you can still become pregnant. You might need extra assistance because it might be a little difficult. There are many things you can do at home and with medical care to reduce the symptoms and increase your likelihood of having a safe pregnancy. Here’s a look.
1. Check Your Weight
Many women discover that even 10% weight loss can enhance hormone production and ovulation. A woman’s menstrual cycle, insulin resistance and general fertility can all be enhanced with even a 5% weight loss. According to one study, women who exercised frequently had a 5% reduced chance of infertility than those who never worked out. However, excessive exercise might increase inflammation levels in the body, which is bad for fertility too. So, maintain a healthy weight and ensure moderate exercise to improve your chances of pregnancy.
2. Try Ovulation Medicines
If you wish to become pregnant but have PCOS, you should work with a physician who specializes in reproductive medicine. A specialist in fertility will ensure that you receive the proper dosage of medications, assist with any issues you may be experiencing, and arrange for routine examinations and ultrasounds to determine how you are doing.
Ovulation is stimulated with an anti-estrogen medication called clomiphene at the start of your cycle. You might be given the diabetes medication, metformin, to increase the effectiveness of clomiphene. Your doctor might recommend a medicine containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to enhance the chances of healthy ovulation. Letrozole is another medication that aids in ovulation. When other drugs are ineffective, it may be utilized.
3. Fertility Procedures
IVF is probably something you’ve heard of. The ovaries are stimulated using injectable fertility medicines so that several mature eggs are produced. A process called egg retrieval is used to remove the eggs from the ovaries. After that, sperm and eggs are added to petri dishes, where the sperms will fertilize some of the eggs, if everything goes well. One or two fertilized eggs will then be placed in the uterus after three to five days of fertilization. Following this embryo transfer, your doctor will prescribe a pregnancy test two weeks later.
There also certain foods that you can consume to enhance fertility. However, ask your doctor which foods and fruits to avoid in pregnancy just as a heads-up, to ensure that you and your baby remain healthy through the gestation period.
