A Consultation With A Fertility Expert

We had a 40 minute session with a fertility expert and asked him a few questions about PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, and secondary infertility. Continue reading to find out his answers on these common fertility questions.

PCOS

How long does it usually take women with PCOS to conceive?

Several factors may affect the chances of conceiving/fertility other than prevailing PCOS. Most women who are actively trying (unprotected sex at least twice a week) usually conceive within 12 months. But depending on other factors like age, the trial period averagely stretched to 3 years.

What are some conception tips for women with PCOS?

Have sex frequently (at least twice a week) and utilize the missionary position.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle (cut out alcohol, smoking)
Physical fitness, do exercise regularly.
Eat food rich in folate like whole grains and avocado.
Undertake hormonal therapy under medical supervision.

Are there any diet or lifestyle changes that a woman with PCOS can make in order to improve her chances to conceive?

Yes, as above.

Is there any medication (such as Clomid) that women with PCOS can take to improve their chances to conceive?

Yes, we usually prescribe clomid and metformin.

Clomid is a drug that induces ovulation. PCOS causes anovulation, this has a 50% success rate for women at reproductive age.
Metformin restores ovulation, reduces weight, reduces risk of miscarriages, and reduces risk of gestational diabetes. All which are caused by insulin spikes in people with PCOS.

Is it true that pregnancy cures PCOS?

No, pregnancy doesn’t cure PCOS. There is no cure for PCOS, you just manage the symptoms. If you adapt to unhealthy lifestyles after pregnancy its effect will recur.

What should I use to regulate my period with PCOS?

Exercise regularly.
Boost vitamin intake especially vitamin D
Progesterone prescription under a doctor’s supervision
Hormone therapy under doctor’s supervision

What causes false positive HCG blood tests with PCOS?

Fertility treatments and other drugs prescribed to PCOS patients at times cause positive HCG tests like diuretics, anti-anxiety medications.

How can you shrink cysts and boost ovulation when you have PCOS?

To shrink cysts:

Boost vitamin c intake (beetroot, ginger, etc).
Birth control pills can help under a doctor’s prescription.

Boost ovulation:

Drugs like clomid and metformin.
Folate rich foods.
Cut down on carbohydrates.

What is ovarian drilling, will it help with PCOS?

PCOS causes a thick outer layer around the ovaries which produces more testosterone thus affecting fertility. Ovarian drilling just breaks that thick outer layer to reduce the amount of testosterone thus restoring a woman’s fertility.

In Uganda you can do this from Bethany, Lifesure and Neogenesis. However, people avoid it because of the cost.

SECONDARY INFERTILITY

What often leads to secondary infertility?

Secondary infertility is as common as primary infertility. The same causes of primary infertility can be shifted to the secondary level. However, in secondary infertility we see the male counterparts falling prey to the struggle unlike primary infertility where it is commonly the women.

Causes include:

Poor egg quality.
Blocked fallopian tubes.
Scarred uterus.
Endometriosis.
Weight gain(excessive).

In men, the leading cause is reduced testosterone levels from infections.

From your experience, do women who experience secondary infertility eventually conceive? After how long?

Yes, they do, it’s about 70% success rate. Some experience miscarriages after conceiving.

For women below 35 years of age they usually conceive within 12 months of active trying and treatment.
For women above 35 years of age, it can take up to 3 years and more.

BLOCKED FALLOPIAN TUBES.

What causes blocked fallopian tubes?