Causes of Poylcystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

The exact cause of PCOS is not known but a hormonal imbalance is the basic problem encountered in a woman suffering from this disease. This can lead to anovulation (lack of ovulation) or irregular ovulation, scanty or irregular periods, and cysts within the ovaries.

Infertility resulting from ovulation problems can occur due to :

• Abnormally high levels of androgen (male hormone).
• Low follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
• Insulin resistance.

Falling Pregnant with PCOS

Infertility is a common problem in women with PCOS but pregnancy is still a possibility and women should not lose hope. Many women with PCOS do not know they have this condition until they undergo investigations for infertility. There are various treatment options for infertility and this must be with a gynecologist. Failure of one therapeutic measure to achieve the desired result does not mean that a woman will not fall pregnant.

Fertility medications such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotropin injections may help to stimulate ovulation and increase chances of pregnancy. Clomiphene citrate can achieve ovulation in a large number of cases and can result in a successful pregnancy within a few months. However, one of the main side effects of this drug is having a multiple pregnancy. If positive results are not achieved within 6 months, gonadotropin injections to stimulate the ovaries may be tried.

Other options

• An alternative to ovarian stimulation is ovarian drilling or laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (LOD). Small holes are drilled into the ovary by means of a hot diathermy probe or laser.
• Drugs used to treat diabetes, such as metformin, may help to increase the response to fertility drugs.
• IVF may be tried to achieve pregnancy.
• Losing excess weight with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may be helpful.

Causes of Endometriosis

Just as with PCOS, the cause of endometriosis is not clearly understood. Tissues from the endometrial lining of the uterus get implanted in some site other than the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, abdomen or other abnormal sites and give rise to various symptoms.

Although a many women with endometriosis have no problems with conceiving, the chances of endometriosis causing infertility are relatively high. Infertility may be caused by anatomic factors such as adhesions and scarring caused by endometrial tissues in the pelvis, or hormonal factors which hinder ovulation, fertilization or implantation of the fertilized ovum. Pain during intercourse caused by endometriosis may restrict the act and be a factor in reducing chances of pregnancy.

Falling Pregnant with Endometriosis

Women with mild or moderate endometriosis have a fairly good chance of conceiving, even without any specific treatment. Infertility is more likely to occur in women who have severe endometriosis.

There are various treatment options available for endometriosis which may increase chances of conception. Surgical treatment often gives better results than hormonal or other medical treatments when the aim of treatment is to achieve pregnancy. Assisted reproduction techniques such as intrauterine insemination or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may provide better results when combined with surgical treatment. Surgery aims to remove any endometrial tissue or adhesions, as well as repair any damage done to organs. Laparoscopic surgery is the method of choice in most cases.

]]> http://www.phaa.com/chances-of-pregnancy-with-pcos-and-endometriosis.htm/feed 0 http://www.phaa.com/endometriosis.htm http://www.phaa.com/endometriosis.htm#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:46:21 +0000 Dr. Peter http://www.phaa.com/?p=41 Women’s health & fitness guide

Endometriosis is a very painful condition which is found in women of childbearing age, endometriosis occurs when the tissue which lines the uterus starts to grow outside of the uterus. This tissue will usually grow on the fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, the bowels and very occasionally it can develop onto other organs in the body.

These growths are called implants and they will continue to grow, bleed and break down just as the tissue does inside the uterus, which causes the woman’s monthly period.

What problems can endometriosis cause?

The implants can cause a great deal of pain and make it extremely difficult for the women if she is trying to conceive, the implants can sometimes cause scar tissue which can interfere with the normal functioning of organs. The exact cause of endometriosis is not known but it is thought that the female hormone oestrogen makes the condition worse; it is thought that women between the ages of 20 and 40 are more likely to suffer the condition and the condition goes away after her periods stop.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

While some women suffer a great deal from the condition others have been known to show very little symptoms, however the more common symptoms are:

• Pain – the exact location of the pain will depend on where the implants are growing in the body, areas of pain could vary from low in the stomach, the lower back, the rectum or the vagina itself.
• Abnormal bleeding – this will vary from very heavy bleeding, spotting, bleeding between periods or bleeding during or after sex.
• Infertility problems – this can sometimes be the only symptom that a women will have and unless they seek help for infertility the condition can be there without them realising anything is wrong.

How is the condition diagnosed?

As there are many reasons for problem periods your doctor will need to ask you about your periods, any symptoms that you have, your health in the past and if there is a history of endometriosis in the family. The doctor will also probably perform a pelvic examination which will include checking both the vagina and rectum.

If the doctor thinks that you might have endometriosis then they might suggest that you take medication, if the symptoms improve while you are taking this medication then you will almost certainly have it. The only way your doctor can be absolutely positive however is to have surgery, which is called a laparoscopy.

How is the condition treated?

There are several methods of treating the condition though there is no cure, your doctor will probably suggest that you try several to see which is more effective for you. The choice of treatment will also depend on if you just want to relieve pain or if you are trying to conceive, if you are trying to conceive then surgery might be the better option, if you just need to relieve symptoms of pain then medication might be a better choice.