PCOD - A BEGINNER’S GUIDE - INDIRA IVF

by Indira IVF Indira IVF Center For IVF, IUI, ICSI Treatment

PCOD, a common term that we would have all heard the mention of, especially in today’s generation. So, what exactly is PCOD?

The polycystic ovarian disorder is an increasingly common condition in women which disrupts the perfect hormonal and physiologic balance in individuals. In this condition, the woman has increased levels of male hormones, particularly testosterone. Consequentially, the female hormone levels are lower. The entire sequence of events that leads to ovulation is disrupted and the woman experiences an irregular menstrual cycle.

When there is an increase in testosterone, the maturation of the eggs within the follicles is delayed. The ovaries also begin to develop multiple cysts causing a polycystic ovary. The egg does not get released and eventually the woman would have a missed or irregular period.

Another key feature is the increased resistance to insulin. This increases the blood glucose levels and predisposes the individual to type 2 diabetes.

What are the PCOD symptoms?

The most important factor for the PCOD is the early recognition of the condition. There are some characteristic symptoms which may suggest for a doctor’s consultation:

Irregular or missed periods: Since there is an increased amount of testosterone, the eggs are not mature enough to be released from the follicle. This would cause a delay in the release of the egg from the follicle. This also causes severe pain and discomfort during menstrual cramps.
Infertility: Since the release of eggs are not in regular intervals, the chances of conception are very low. When a couple tries to conceive for over a year with unprotected sex and is still not able to, it is considered as a case of infertility. One of the causes of female infertility is PCOD.
Male sexual characters: The increase in testosterone eventually leads to an increase in secondary sexual characters like increased pubic hair, denser facial hair, male pattern baldness etc. The increased hair growth is called hirsutism.
Insulin resistance: The body has an increased tendency to resist insulin. This eventually leads to many health issues like increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose levels, weight gain and a tendency to develop type two diabetes.

What are the PCOD treatment options available?

There are two main aspects to the treatment of PCOD. The first is to reduce the symptoms and manage PCOD in everyday life. The second is to make oneself capable of conceiving a baby when pregnancy is desired.

Managing the PCOD symptoms:

Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptive pills can be taken in a regular cycle can help regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain the hormonal level for a regular period. This reduces the chances for endometrial hyperplasia and also uterine cancer. Alternately, progestin can also be given intermittently.
Spironolactone: This is a specific tablet that has the capacity to dilute the effect of high testosterone levels. They are diuretic pills which increase the amount of water excreted in urine, thus reducing the concentration of testosterone in the body.
Finasteride: Another drug that reduces the effect of testosterone in facial hair growth by limiting the amount of hair growth.
Metformin: This is a standard drug used in diabetic patients. It acts on the effect of insulin.

Aiding pregnancy:

Clomiphene: is a type of drug which is said to induce ovulation and thereby decrease the infertility of the woman. It can be taken when the couple is trying for a baby.
Assisted reproductive technologies: These are a series of methods which aid the easy fusion of the male and female gamete. Some of the therapies that fall under assisted reproductive technology are invitro fertilisation, intra cytoplasmic sperm injection, gamete intrafallopian transfer, zygote intrafallopian transfer etc.

Surgical options:

Sometimes, medical procedures are not sufficient for the treatment of PCOD. In such conditions, the surgical procedures, although rare, are used. Laparoscopic surgery to perform a wedge resection or ovarian drilling may be performed.

Self-maintenance:

This is probably one of the most important aspects of managing PCOD. The patient is required to follow a healthy diet, free of junk food and processed food. Everyday lifestyle needs to include minimum exercise in order to maintain one’s health.