Tiffany 03/30/2010
Question:
I feel like my body is so abnormal — I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) two years ago and I really want a child, but the medications don’t seem to be working … is there any chance I’ll be able to conceive?
Answer:
RN Aubrey Wade responds:
You’re not abnormal! Lots of women suffer from PCOS, and thousands of women overcome it each year with the help of fertility specialists.
Usually the primary problem resulting from PCOS is an inability to ovulate or unpredictable, painful ovulation. Several hormonal therapies can help; a skilled reproductive endocrinologists can treat the condition by assessing and clearing the Fallopian tubes and finding the right combinations of hormonal and gonadotropin therapies.
First, though, doctors recommend diet changes and weight loss for anyone overweight. This often solves the problem, but not always. And if you live near an academic medical hospital, there are often researchers and reproductive medicine doctors whose practices are dedicated to helping women with stubborn PCOS get pregnant.