Understanding PCOD: A Major Cause of Female Infertility
March 19, 2025PCOD, or polycystic ovarian disease, is a common hormonal condition that affects women and changes the reproductive system's normal functioning. According to studies, approximately 5–15% of women may have PCOD, which is one of the causes of female infertility. It is frequently confused with PCOS, an endocrine system condition in which immature eggs are released. These eggs develop into cysts, which are fluid sacs.
On the other hand, PCOD is brought on by a hormonal imbalance, which causes the released eggs to aggregate and form cysts. Untreated PCOD causes women to develop unfavourable, chronic health conditions, thereby delaying pregnancy. Fortunately, there are numerous options available for fertility treatments. Let's look at how PCOD affects fertility and how to treat it effectively.
PCOD and its Effect on Fertility
PCOD, also known as polycystic ovarian disease, is a hormonal imbalance that interferes with a woman's regular cycle of fertility. It occurs due to an abnormal situation when one of the ovaries begins to overproduce the immature eggs that accumulate in the ovary.
A woman's ovaries are responsible for producing and releasing mature eggs each menstrual cycle. When these ovaries begin to produce and release immature or underdeveloped eggs, over time, they can accumulate into ovarian cysts. This can cause the ovaries to swell.
The ovaries generally produce a certain amount of the male sex hormone androgens, and due to the presence of these cysts and swellings, they begin to produce more of this hormone. Excess androgens in the body lead to various problems, including impaired fertility.
Many women with PCOD have irregular periods or may even miss an entire cycle. Therefore, it can be very difficult to track the timing of ovulation or plan a pregnancy.
Enhancing Fertility with PCOD
PCOD negatively impacts fertility, but that doesn't mean a woman with PCOD can't get pregnant. However, women with this condition can become pregnant with the help of medical interventions such as assisted reproductive technology and lifestyle changes.
Medications
If a healthy egg is not released at the time of ovulation, conception will not occur. The reason for this is the increased androgen levels, which affect ovulation. Doctors or fertility specialists are recommended for taking ovulation medications. The drugs help a woman ovulate and conceive.
Weight Management
Obese people are prone to PCOD disorders, which negatively affect their fertility health. It was observed that women who lost just 10% of their body weight experienced improved ovulation and hormones. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you get rid of polycystic ovarian disease. To achieve effective results of improved fertility, you need to control your weight and indulge in exercise three to five days a week.
Stress Management
Stress can lead to obesity and many other conditions that affect a woman's fertility and reproductive health. Women suffering from infertility should work on stress management, as stress can negatively impact a woman's hormones and fertility health. Excessive stress can lead to a significant increase in insulin levels and higher cortisol hormone levels. Women struggling with infertility are advised to practice meditation, counselling, exercise, etc., regularly.
Fertility Treatments
In cases where ovulation-promoting medications do not work, assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures are recommended for women diagnosed with PCOD or infertility problems.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be a successful treatment for polycystic ovarian disease. IUI is a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting sperm into the uterus. It can be a good first step for women with PCOD who are looking for a less invasive and less expensive option. However, if a woman has undergone two to three cycles of IUI treatment and still has not become pregnant, it may be time to consider alternative fertility treatments. In many cases where IUI is not successful for PCOD, in vitro fertilization or IVF is recommended.
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who want to have children. Several research studies have shown that women with PCOD disorders have improved their chances of becoming pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
In IVF, eggs are removed from the ovaries, fertilized outside the body, and then placed back into the uterus. With IVF, the chances of getting pregnant are higher with lower risks. Fertility doctors can also reduce the risk of multiple births by transferring only a single embryo into your uterus.
Egg Freezing
Egg freezing may be a treatment option for women with PCOD who want to preserve their fertility. Women with PCOD often produce more eggs during the ovarian stimulation phase than women without PCOD. The ovaries are stimulated to produce eggs, these are removed and frozen for later use. This means you may need to freeze more eggs, increasing your chances of success in the future.
Bottom Line
PCOD is a common disorder among many women of childbearing age. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce side effects. However, there are various medical and non-medical ways to deal with PCOD and related problems. Understanding the symptoms and causes of PCOD in women and getting timely treatment for your condition can improve your chances of getting pregnant.
At Apollo Fertility, we have a team of experienced fertility experts who can help you conceive a child even with PCOD. For more information, contact our fertility doctors today.
Partial Plagiarism due to technical terms about PCOD
