All about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Just some info I have picked up about PCOS. It is important to know this information when having trouble getting pregnant, because it is a leading cause of infertility in women. Also, learning about PCOS helps you support friends that have this disease, and spreads the awareness to women who might have it and don’t even know it exists.
How many women are affected by PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects an estimated 5-10 percent of women of childbearing age and it is a leading cause of infertility.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
You don’t have to show all the symptoms to have PCOS. If you have a few of these you might want to talk to a doctor about testing.
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Irregular periods
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Lack of Ovulation
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Cysts on ovaries
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Enlarged ovaries
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Hormone imbalance
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Insulin resistance or diabetes
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Chronic pelvic pain
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Obesity or weight gain
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High triglycerides or cholesterol
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High blood pressure
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Excess hair on body and face
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Acne, oily skin, dandruff
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Dark patches of skin
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Thinning hair or baldness
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Skin tags on neck or body
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Depression or anxiety
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Infertility
How can I be tested for PCOS?
There are a few ways that you can check to see if you have PCOS. The most common tests are very simple and include a blood test to check your hormone levels, an ultrasound to check the size of your ovaries and check for cysts, and looking at what symptoms your body shows compared to the results that are found. Because each person can show different signs and symptoms, sometimes getting a diagnosis can be difficult, so don’t be afraid to seek a second or even a third opinion if you suspect PCOS.
What is the cause of PCOS, and what is the cure?
Unfortunately at this time, there is no known cause for PCOS. There are many theories being tested, but as of right now, there just aren’t many answers. Some suspect that it may be hereditary, because in many cases there is more than one woman in a family with PCOS. Because there’s so little information known on PCOS, they have not been able to find a cure. There are medicines and procedures out there that can help with the symptoms caused by PCOS, though. Pills and injections can be given to make a woman ovulate, and help them get pregnant. Also, diet mixed with medicines such as Metformin have been shown to help with the insulin resistance and help regulate the body, decreasing the symptoms caused by a woman’s PCOS.
What are the long-term health risks associated with PCOS?
PCOS is associated with increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Even if a woman is not trying to get pregnant she should be sure to have her blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides checked once per year. Hormone treatments, such as birth control, may also be given to keep the hormones in order to prevent other issues from forming.
Please note, I am not a doctor, and all this information I believe to be correct. If you see something incorrect in this blog PLEASE don’t hesitate to correct me.
Low Sperm Count
Low Sperm Count – What can we do?
So maybe you are suspecting that you might have a sperm count issue, or have already been told by a doctor that you do. It can be very upsetting and you may feel upset about it, but remember, you only need ONE sperm, so try not to be too discouraged.
If you have not had a semen analysis, you can get kits to test his sperm in the privacy of your own home. ( http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/mafepr.html ) Remember that the results may give you an idea if there is a problem or not, but the tests are not 100% accurate, so if you are able to, try to back up your findings with a semen analysis. A semen analysis will confirm if there is a problem with the sperm, and there are more issues than just count that need to be considered. A doctor can get you an order at most labs to get a semen analysis, and most insurance companies will cover it. If it is not covered, it is not too expensive out of pocket (perhaps about $50).
Unfortunately with low sperm count, your BEST bet is with IUI or IVF. Most insurance companies will not cover either of them, and most will have to pay out of pocket. Here in Shreveport, LA, an IUI will cost you about $750. But with IUI, you have to have AT LEAST 5 million sperm for them to even do the procedure. IVF can be quite costly, and requires quite a bit of monitoring and medicines before the actual procedure. Personally, I have chosen to go overseas if we must move on to IVF. It’s cheaper over there, and more successful than in the states. ( http://www.myivfalternative.com/ )
If the count is the problem with the sperm, then there are a few things he can do. No smoking or drinking, give up caffeine, take a multivitamin or even fertility supplements for men ( http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/mafepr.html ) . GNC also has a fertility blend for men that is proven to raise sperm count & motility within 90 days…it’s kind of expensive at $40.00 for 30 pills, but it comes highly recommended. Also, try to stay cool, no hot baths or hot tubs, and switch to boxers if he wears briefs. Also water is the sperm’s best friend, so he needs to drink as much water as he can.
If you have to pay out of pocket, you can try to get a CareCredit credit card, they work out payments and are usually no interest if you make the payments that they set. I use mine for dental and for my pets, but I also plan to use it if/when I move to IUI to help with the cost. ( http://carecredit.com/ )
You can also try using instead cups. they help to pool the sperm around the cervix and can help with a lower count. ( http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/softcup.html ) not guaranteed or anything, but better than nothing if you’re still trying without the IUI/IVF. I have been told that you can get them at Walmart, but I’ve never checked. You can also get theConception Kit, which works the same as the instead cups, by pooling the sperm around the cervix. The kit does have a lot of success stories, but it is a little pricey. Check with your insurance, because some do cover it. ( http://www.conceptionkit.com )
Please note, I am not a doctor, and all this information I believe to be correct. If you see something incorrect in this blog PLEASE don’t hesitate to correct me.
