September is PCOS Awareness Month, so we’re sharing the facts you need to know
Every fall, our Las Vegas fertility doctors focus on fighting misinformation with facts during PCOS Awareness Month. Also known as polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS is a common condition that can cause infertility among women of reproductive age. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with this condition, read on to learn more about it.
Just the facts during PCOS Awareness Month
To provide an overview of polycystic ovary syndrome, our Las Vegas fertility doctors are here to share some fast facts about PCOS.
- Everyone likely knows someone with PCOS because 1 in 10 women of childbearing age have this condition.
- This condition can affect more than just reproduction, as it affects hormones and metabolism. Some of the common symptoms include irregular periods, ovarian cysts, weight gain, thinning hair and acne.
- PCOS can lead to other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. However, it’s possible to prevent these issues through diet, exercise and medical management.
There is good news during PCOS Awareness Month. While polycystic ovary syndrome isn’t curable, it is treatable. There are options available to treat the symptoms, including infertility, and many women go on to become mothers.
How does the FCLV team help women with polycystic ovary syndrome conceive?
If you have irregular periods and other symptoms of PCOS, our Las Vegas fertility doctors may test you for this condition using bloodwork and a transvaginal ultrasound. They will likely make a PCOS diagnosis if you have at least two of the following symptoms.
- Irregular or absent periods
- Elevated levels of androgens (a hormone that typically appears in higher amounts in men)
- Multiple, small ovarian cysts
Each patient is different, so your treatment plan will be unique. Fertility medications may help you ovulate so that you can conceive using timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI). If that treatment doesn’t work, then your doctor may suggest the advanced option of in vitro fertilization (IVF). No matter what your family-building needs and goals are, our team will help you make your dream become a reality.
If you’d like to learn more about PCOS Awareness Month or begin treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome, please contact us to schedule an appointment and get started.
