Lifestyle biggest triggers of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

The Chief Executive Officer, Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, has said that lifestyle is one of the biggest triggers of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which can provide an extra barrier for women trying to conceive.

Speaking on PCOS at a media engagement on the topic: ‘PCOS and Fertility: Navigating Treatment Options’, Ajayi stated that millions of women worldwide suffer from PCOS, noting that in addition to its hormonal abnormalities and physical symptoms, it can provide an extra barrier for women trying to conceive.

“PCOS is a hormonal disorder that disrupts the ovaries, causing an imbalance in reproductive hormones that leads to irregular or absent ovulation and menstruation. This can increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar levels is crucial to reducing the risk.”

He noted that PCOS is often misdiagnosed as some medical personnel just write that a patient has PCOS based on a scan report without critical evaluation, stating that two or three symptoms are needed to diagnose PCOS.

“Coping with infertility while dealing with PCOS may be both emotionally and physically taxing, but with the correct support, education, and perspective, it is possible to negotiate this difficult road with optimism and resilience.

“It is critical to understand PCOS and infertility. It is a complicated hormonal condition that affects the ovaries, resulting in irregular menstrual periods, elevated testosterone levels, and cyst development. If you have PCOS, these variables may make it difficult for you to conceive naturally.”

Ajayi said that while infertility is a prevalent issue among women with PCOS, it does not imply lifelong infertility, as women with PCOS can conceive successfully with adequate medication assistance and lifestyle adjustments.

According to him, evolution induction with drugs women can conceive and it has 80 per cent success rate if PCOS is the only problem causing the infertility.

“When it comes to managing PCOS and infertility, education is essential. Take the time to learn about your disease, its influence on fertility, and the treatment choices available. Consult a reproductive specialist who specialises in infertility issues caused by PCOS.