| Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the | | | | time in the cycle. When used as the trigger shot |
| most common ovulation-related infertility problems in | | | | instead of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone |
| women. This condition is characterized by the follicles' | | | | (hCG), Lupron can also prevent a condition called |
| inability to release a mature egg, which turns the | | | | ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS). When |
| follicles into cysts or fluid-filled sacs that enlarge the | | | | you take your first shot of Lupron, the drug causes |
| ovaries. Although doctors do not know what causes | | | | a surge in the LH, which can trigger the release of |
| these problematic follicles, IVF can help you get | | | | the mature follicles. It also leaves the body much |
| pregnant despite the setbacks of PCOS. IVF | | | | faster than the hCG, which means it doesn't stick |
| bypasses your natural need to ovulate by stimulating | | | | around to stimulate your ovaries longer than it should, |
| egg production with fertility drugs and retrieving the | | | | thereby reducing the risk of OHSS. |
| eggs through a minor surgical procedure. While IVF | | | | High insulin levels |
| has helped a number of women with PCOS achieve | | | | OHSS is not the only complication involved; the insulin |
| their dreams of motherhood, the procedure also | | | | resistance that comes with PCOS may interfere with |
| carries some risks that you need to be aware of. | | | | the IVF procedure. One of the causes of PCOS is |
| There are, however, new methods that are coming | | | | abnormally high levels of the male hormone androgen, |
| out that make these risks easier to overcome. Let's | | | | which is thought to be aggravated by insulin |
| explore that further. | | | | resistance. High amounts of testosterone, DHEAS, |
| Injectible fertility drugs | | | | and other androgens are known to interfere with |
| Although other fertility problems beyond PCOS can | | | | normal egg production. Excess insulin can also increase |
| interfere with a woman's ability to get pregnant, the | | | | problems with blood clotting, which can interfere with |
| main problem with PCOS in women is usually the | | | | the blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. However, |
| inability to ovulate. During an IVF, you will receive a | | | | this problem can be bypassed if insulin lowering |
| drug regimen of injectible gonadotropins (man-made | | | | medications like Metformin are given during the IVF |
| follicle stimulating hormones or luteinizing hormones) | | | | cycle. The use of insulin lowering medications is a |
| and Clomid to stimulate the production of several | | | | fairly new development, and not many doctors have |
| mature eggs for retrieval. At the same time, you will | | | | experience managing PCOS with these drugs. Still, this |
| receive a suppressant called Lupron. Lupron puts your | | | | option can improve the chances of successful egg |
| ovaries to sleep while the follicles are being stimulated | | | | retrieval, assuming that PCOS is your only fertility |
| so that you do not ovulate during an inconvenient | | | | problem. |