PCOS - the hormone disorder can make getting pregnant difficult

About one in 10 women of childbearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to the US Health Department of Health and Human Services. However, most women in their 20s or 30s discover about their PCOS condition only when they are trying to get pregnant and are unsuccessful.

PCOS is one of the most common reasons of female infertility. Dr Najla Al Tamimi, specialist obstetrics and gynaecology at Medcare Hospital says, ‘Women with PCOS often fail to ovulate or infrequently ovulate. It means they have irregular or absent periods and find it difficult to get pregnant.’

Moreover, women with PCOS are at increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes, she adds. They are also prone to depression and mood swings as the symptoms of PCOS can affect their confidence. High blood pressure and cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke, and overweight women can develop sleep apnoea, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep.

The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, but it is thought to be related to abnormal hormone levels. ‘With treatment, most women with PCOS can get pregnant. The majority of women are successfully treated with a short course of tablets taken at the beginning of each cycle for several cycles. If these are not successful, injections or IVF treatment is advised. There’s an increased risk of multiple pregnancy (rarely more than twins) with these treatments, she adds.