Are you one of those recently wed but unsure of why starting a family seems somewhat harder than expected? —You are not alone, because many women get roadblocked by PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) after their marriage. What may have seemed minor hormonal problems before suddenly blow up into major problems when trying to conceive.
Well, this blog is here to guide you in the understanding of PCOD, its effect on fertility, and the steps you can take to beat it. Our thorough coverage of symptoms to treatments, including IUI and IVF, will help you to make the right call and walk down the road toward motherhood with confidence.
What is PCOD and How Does It Affect Fertility?
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common hormone-endocrine imbalance disorder in women located mostly around reproductive age. It is characterised by enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts and clinical and biochemical signs of excess androgen, such as irregular menstrual cycles. Probably one of the major concerns for many women in terms of PCOD and its effect is infertility.
PCOD interferes with hormonal balance and ovulation, thus making it difficult for a woman to conceive naturally. However, this condition is not limited to the realm of reproduction; rather, it can meddle with physical health, for instance, metabolic function, weight, and mental integrity.
How PCOD Affects Women After Marriage
After marriage, some women begin focusing on family planning when PCOD commonly becomes a big issue. Stress due to trying to conceive, combined with hormonal disturbances of PCOD, may worsen the situation. Weight gain as a symptom, along with irregular menstrual cycles and difficulties in ovulation, add up to emotional stressors and, in some cases, even strain personal relationships and bruise the self-esteem of women.
In addition, lifestyle changes after marriage, including diet, stress levels, and correlation to physical activity, may also improve or worsen the symptoms of PCOD.
Common Symptoms of PCOD
Symptoms may differ in women suffering from PCOD. Common symptoms include:
- Menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea
- Hirsutism (Excess hair growth) on the face or body
- Acne and oily skin
- Obesity or the inability to lose weight
- Thinning or loss of hair
- Exhaustion
- Mood swings and/or depression
- Infertility due to irregular ovulation
PCOD's Impact on Conception and Pregnancy
PCOD can considerably thwart conception in women. It creates hormonal disturbances that interfere with the normal release of the ovum from the ovary (ovulation). Pregnancy cannot occur without ovulation. Even if occasional ovulation occurs, the quality of the egg and thickness of the uterine lining may not be conducive to implantation.Â
Complications in pregnancy are more prevalent in the case of women with PCOD:
- Miscarriage
- Gestational diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Premature birthÂ
However, many women with PCOD have healthy pregnancies owing to appropriate medical care and lifestyle changes.
When Should You Seek Fertility Treatment for PCOD?
Many women would try managing PCOD by diet, exercise, and home remedies, which is truly good. But if you have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months (or over 6 months as an overage of 35), get ready to see a professional for help.Â
See a gynaecologist/fertility specialist if:
- You have irregular periods or no periods at all
- You’ve been trying to conceive for more than a year without success.
- You have signs of hormonal imbalances (acne, facial hair, weight gain).
- You have recurrent miscarriages.
What Are the Treatment Options for PCOD?
Luckily, PCOD is nowhere near a treatable disease; with the right treatment approach, many women successfully have healthy pregnancies. Some of the treatment options for them include:
- Changes in Lifestyle: Weight loss, exercise, and a diet low in sugars are effective in improving ovulation.
- Medicines: Hormonal pills, ovulation-inducing drugs like Clomid, or Metformin for insulin resistance.
- Supplements: Hormonal balance can be maintained using Inositol, Vitamin D, and Omega-3 for fertility.
- Fertility Treatments: Intrauterine Insemination and In Vitro Fertilisation are fertility treatments that greatly increase the chances of conception in PCOD cases.
How IVF and IUI Can Help Women with PCOD?
IUI and IVF come into play when the natural methods and medicines fail.
IUI:Â
Best for situations in which ovulation is not at all.
The sperm is injected into the uterus during ovulation, so that chances are multiplied.
Less invasive and less expensive.
IVF:
This is likely to work for those patients diagnosed with very severe PCOD and those who have had multiple failed attempts at IUI. The process involves fertilising the egg outside the human body and implanting the embryo. Better chances of success, particularly if monitored carefully.Â
The success rates associated with IVF for patients suffering from PCOD can be anywhere between 30 per cent and 60 per cent per cycle, depending on age and general health.
Success Stories of IVF and IUI for PCOD
32-year-old Anjali had been trying to conceive for 3 years following her marriage. With PCOD and irregular cycles, she lost all hope — until one day, she slapped herself and underwent IVF. This miracle worked on the second cycle; today, she is the proud mother of a baby girl.Â
Rina, who is 29 years old, had undergone IUI after her unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant by other natural means. She became pregnant on the first cycle of IUI, and eventually, she gave birth to twin boys.Â
Such success stories remind us that while PCOD can delay your journey, it certainly does not end it.
Steps to Take Before Considering Fertility Treatments
If you are planning to consider IUI or IVF, preparation is the key. Here are some of the steps you can take before considering fertility treatments.
- Consult a fertility specialist to test your hormone levels and ovarian health.
- Observe your cycles and track your ovulation patterns.
- Adopt a PCOD-friendly lifestyle such as a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management.
- Get your partner tested, as it is a shared responsibility.
- Be mentally prepared, as these treatments can be emotionally and physically demanding.
Conclusion
PCOD after marriage can feel like a silent struggle when the dreams of motherhood seem like a star too far. Nevertheless, intervention, support, and awareness can banish your struggles with PCOD with a baby on your wish list.Â
Whether you are merely exploring options for fertility or thinking about advanced treatments such as IVF, please know that you are not alone, and solutions are available. Take that first step today. Consult a fertility expert and get back in control of your reproductive health.
FAQs
Yes, many women do. After 6-12 months of unsuccessful attempts, consult a fertility expert.
Not exactly. The two are different, although PCOD is milder and more common, while PCOS is a more serious hormonal disorder with more severe symptoms.
It depends. IUI is a simple first step. And IVF would be necessary if it is not successful or complicating factors arise.
