- UK Fertility Information, Support & Fertility Blog - http://uk-fertility.co.uk -
What is PCOS and how can it affect my fertility ?
Posted By admin On 08/12/2009 @ 01:51 pm In PCOS & pregnancy, pcos syndrome, PCOS symptoms, Verity, PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome | 3 Comments
What is PCOS ?
PCOS stands for Polycystic ovarian syndrome. The condition was first medically identified in 1935 by 2 doctors named Dr Stein & Dr Leventhal, and the condition is also know as the Stein-Levanthal syndrome.
The name describes a condition in which women of childbearing age have a hormonal imbalance, that results in polycystic ovaries associated with a variety of other symptoms. The ovaries in PCOS contain many small follicular cysts that do not develop properly.
How common is PCOS ?
The condition is very common affecting about 5-10% of women. PCOS tends to run in families so there may be a family history, but this is not always the case.
What other symptoms & signs are there in PCOS ?
Most of the syptoms & signs of PCOS are attributable to the hormone imbalance. The symptoms & signs vary from women to women and also vary in severity with some women having milder symptoms than others.
Common symptoms in PCOS are:
What should I do if i think I have PCOS ?
If you think that you may have PCOS it is important to make an appointment & talk to you doctor particularly if you are trying to conceive as PCOS is a leading cause of fertility problems.
The condition does have long term health affects, as women with PCOS have an increased risk of diabetes and ischaemic heart disease, so early diagnosis can also have long term health benefits.
Although the condition is not curable there is much that can be done to manage the symptoms & signs, and to improve your chances of conceiving onec the condition has been identified.
Diet & lifestyle changes can also have beneficial affects on the severity of PCOS symptoms.
Useful resources for PCOS information in UK
3 Comments To "What is PCOS and how can it affect my fertility ?"
#1 Comment By Dee On 03/02/2010 @ 03/02/2010
Just read this fertility blog and realised I have quite a few of these symptoms. We have been trying to conceive now for 9 months without success. It is quite difficult as my periods are not regular. After reading this i think I may have Poly Cystic ovarian Syndrome. I am going to make an apppointment & see my doctor asap. Thankyou
#2 Comment By ultrasonic liposuction guide On 21/01/2011 @ 21/01/2011
Unfortunately, many doctors are not aware of the proper treatment. The underlying cause of PCOS is insulin resistance. The best treatment for PCOS is going on an insulin sensitizing drug such as metformin combined with a low carb diet and exercise.
Article printed from UK Fertility Information, Support & Fertility Blog: http://uk-fertility.co.uk
URL to article: http://uk-fertility.co.uk/index.php/2009/12/08/what-is-pcos-and-how-can-it-affect-my-fertility/
URLs in this post:
[1] Verity is a UK charity for women whose lives are affected by PCOS: http://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/home
[2] NHS Choices PCOS information & video: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx
?url=Pages/what-is-it.aspx
Click here to print.