Will I be able to conceive while suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Q: I am a 26 years old woman. I had a miscarriage at 3 months of pregnancy following which I took birth control pill (Crisanta) for a year. Now I am planning to conceive. After trying for 3 months despite being on medicines Foline and Oviphene, I still haven’t conceived. The doctor advised the following tests - prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulpahe (DHESO4), insulin and thyroid hormones for me and semen analysis for my husband. I am diagnosed asPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Due to the rise in insulin level, the doctor gave me a dose of Glyciphage 500 tab and Oviphene. Will I be able to conceive? How long will it take? I have heard that women with PCOS cannot give birth. Please advise.
A:Please note that women with PCOS do conceive and have healthy babies (sometimes without medication!). You must have patience - because the drugs are gradually increased so that you do not have side effects of drugs. However, please note the following tests are important before being put on ovulation induction:
- Hysterosalpingogram to ensure your tubes are open (a special X-Ray).
- A postcoital test (PCT) around the time of ovulation. If this shows very less immotile sperms or no sperms, you will require IUI.
- Also, the endometrial thickness should be noted when you are being monitored for ovulation by ultrasound.