Can polycystic ovary syndrome get pregnant?

Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) suffer from endocrine disorders, which prevent follicles from developing and maturing, leading to anovulation or rare ovulation, and consequently, amenorrhea and infertility. Although it is much more difficult for patients with PCOS to become pregnant compared to the average person, there is still a great hope for natural conception through a series of targeted treatments. For patients with reproductive needs, ovulation induction treatment can be chosen based on improved lifestyle habits. Under the guidance of a doctor, medications can be used to adjust menstrual cycles and stimulate ovulation. Then, by having intercourse around the time of ovulation, the chances of pregnancy can be increased. However, it is important to emphasize that all these should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor. The female endocrine system is like a precise instrument, and improper use of medication on one's own can potentially lead to endocrine disorders and result in infertility.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 8sec home-news-image

The difference between polycystic ovary syndrome and polycystic ovaries

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovaries are different. Firstly, polycystic ovaries are diagnosed through ultrasound, wherein more than 12 small follicles are found in both ovaries simultaneously under ultrasound guidance. This condition can occur in some normal women as well as women who have been taking short-acting birth control pills for a long time. In subsequent check-ups, this condition might not be detected. On the other hand, polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease represented by a cluster of clinical symptoms. For instance, women may experience infrequent ovulation, longer menstrual cycles, and it can also lead to infertility. There are also manifestations of increased androgen levels, such as increased body hair and facial acne. Polycystic ovary syndrome primarily affects a woman's normal fertility functions and thus requires treatment; whereas, polycystic ovaries usually just require observation.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to regulate amenorrhea in polycystic ovary syndrome?

When a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome experiences amenorrhea, the first step is to observe her body type. If she is relatively obese, it is advisable to suggest controlling diet and engaging in moderate activity to reduce her weight, that is, to lower her body mass index. After doing so, some women may regain their normal menstrual cycles. For those with a normal body type or those who still have irregular menstrual cycles after losing weight, considering oral contraceptives might be suitable. These can reduce the level of androgens in the body. For women of childbearing age who still have reproductive needs, after regulating the menstrual cycle, if normal ovulation is not resumed, ovulation induction treatments can be considered to help the woman conceive normally.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome often begins in adolescence, with primary clinical manifestations including menstrual disorders, excess androgens, and obesity. First, menstrual disorders are the most prominent symptoms, often characterized by infrequent menstruation, with cycles ranging from 35 days to 6 months, or amenorrhea. Before amenorrhea, there may be scanty menses or infrequent menstruation. It can also present as irregular uterine bleeding with no regular pattern in menstrual cycle, period, or flow. Second, infertility. Women of childbearing age may experience infertility due to ovulatory disorders. Third, hirsutism is the most common manifestation of high androgen levels. It appears in varying degrees, primarily affecting sexual hair, with dense pubic hair showing a male pattern tendency, extending around the anus, groin, or midline of the abdomen. There may also be fine mustache hair on the upper lip or hair around the nipple. Oily skin is also common, related to the accumulation of androgens stimulating vigorous secretion from the sebaceous glands. Fourth, obesity. Over 50% of patients are obese, commonly exhibiting abdominal obesity. Fifth, acanthosis nigricans. Occurs in areas such as the labia, the back of the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and the groin, where skin folds are present. This is characterized by symmetric grey-brown pigmentation, thickened skin, and a soft texture.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 27sec home-news-image

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is what matter?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a type of gynecological endocrine disorder. Its clinical manifestations include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. A key characteristic of the disease is anovulation which affects fertility. Therefore, the general diagnostic procedure for patients with suspected PCOS begins with an ultrasound at a hospital. If the ultrasound suggests PCOS, it is necessary to have a blood test for sex hormone levels on an empty stomach during the 2nd to 5th day of the menstrual cycle. Diagnosis is generally determined through a combination of sex hormone tests and ultrasound examinations, which can confirm whether one has PCOS. The causes of PCOS are generally attributed to staying up late, dieting, high stress, irregular lifestyle, indiscriminate use of contraceptives and diet pills, obesity, and patients with other endocrine disorders. Since PCOS affects fertility and is difficult to treat, patients diagnosed with this condition must seek treatment in hospital endocrinology departments or specialized gynecology departments.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to regulate polycystic ovary syndrome?

Firstly, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome should appropriately control their diet and engage in physical exercise to reduce or control their weight and reduce their waistline. Secondly, develop good eating habits with balanced nutrition, paying attention to the control of calories and fats. Those who are obese should control their diet appropriately, eat less fatty and rich foods, and avoid overeating. Consume more vegetables, fruits, and high-quality protein. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Thirdly, women who are trying to lose weight should not blindly use weight loss drugs and should avoid excessive dieting and rapid weight loss in a short period. Fourthly, exercise regularly, such as walking, jogging, playing sports, swimming, martial arts, practicing Wuxinqi (Five-Animal Exercises), and various forms of dance. However, avoid intense exercises and maintain a balance between work and rest. Fifth, maintain emotional stability and a positive mindset. Avoid extreme anger, depression, excessive tension, and long-term anxiety. Sixth, obese women with menstrual irregularities should take note: if the menstrual cycle is significantly prolonged, or if it occurs every few months or not at all, and if acne develops on the face, they should seek medical attention promptly. Seventh, reduce stress and maintain a good psychological state. Build confidence in treatment and be patient with the treatment process. Young female patients who are not treated have a very high probability of developing Type 2 diabetes in middle and old age, which can lead to infertility. Therefore, once this disease appears, behavior modification, dietary restriction, and exercise therapy should be combined, and, under the guidance of a professional doctor, coordinated with medication therapy. Eighth, doctors, family members, and spouses should actively encourage and support the patient in losing weight, providing psychological understanding and assistance.