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Will I be able to conceive while suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

Dr B Shakuntala Baliga MD (AIIMS), FICOG
Professor and Senior Consultant Gynecologist & Colposcopist
Mazumdar-Shaw Center for Cancer Research & Narayana Hrudayalaya Multispecialty Hospital, Bangalore

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:

  1. Hysterosalpingogram to ensure your tubes are open (a special X-Ray).
  2. A postcoital test (PCT) around the time of ovulation. If this shows very less immotile sperms or no sperms, you will require IUI.
  3. Also, the endometrial thickness should be noted when you are being monitored for ovulation by ultrasound.