Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 24 Jun 2023
Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in many women. The disorder tends to arise at their reproductive age by causing several health complications such as irregular menstrual cycle, infertility, and so on. The condition causes the ovaries to overproduce immature eggs. These eggs accumulate in the ovaries and form into cysts gradually. This makes the ovaries swell and leads to the production of the male hormone androgen.
The PCOD condition may affect women’s regular life, specifically after marriage. Recent studies show that around 9.2% of women have the disorder worldwide. Many without even knowing of its existence. With the PCOD condition, women may potentially struggle to maintain their overall well-being. The pcod problem after marriage may get worsened.
PCOD conditions can significantly affect fertility after marriage because of several disruptions. The disruptions may include the absence or irregular ovulation, male hormone production and more. All these disruptions may potentially have a negative impact on women’s ability to conceive. Even if become pregnant, these disruptions can enhance the chances of complications during pregnancy.
Listed below are some of the factors that PCOD can affect fertility after marriage.
As we all know the PCOD condition can have a negative impact on a woman’s ability to ovulate. When the ovulation is improper, it leads to the development of an irregular menstrual cycle and missing out on the chances of a fertile window. Fertile window is nothing but the days around the ovulation period, which is typically considered as the most fertile period to get pregnant. This aspect is most likely to disrupt the fertility in women after marriage.
Women tend to gain more weight after marriage. There is no certain explanation by the experts for its causes. However, many believe that the fluctuations in weight after marriage can be caused by diet and lifestyle changes. The sudden fluctuations in the body weight might lead to the development of insulin resistance, irregular menstrual cycle, and the overproduction of estrogen hormones. All these factors are the contributors to infertility in women.
Many women experience the complication of insulin resistance, which is associated with the PCOD medical condition. The complication can lead to the production of increased male hormones, androgens. This hormonal imbalance, again, disrupts the regular functioning of the menstrual cycle, often causing missed or irregular periods. As a result, it becomes a contributing factor to infertility in women.
Another key factor that affects fertility in women is low-grade inflammation. The complication is often associated with the PCOD condition. Experts believe that low-grade inflammation plays a crucial role in the increased production of male hormones, and androgens. This hormonal imbalance, in turn, disrupts the normal ovarian function. The hormonal fluctuations also lead to the development of blood vessels and heart conditions. All these factors are the contributors to infertility in women.
The swollen ovaries, due to the accumulation of numerous immature follicles are the contributing factor of producing androgens, which is the male hormone. This hormonal imbalance disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries and affects the egg quality. The imbalance can also affect the endometrium thickness. As a result, it becomes the reason for infertility in women after marriage.
Following are some of the complications that come along with the PCOD condition in a woman’s life.
Normal ovarian and hormone functions are the essential factors for achieving a successful pregnancy. PCOD is a medical condition that significantly impacts these two functions. This obviously makes it difficult for the woman to get pregnant without any medical interventions.
Even though pregnancy is possible with PCOD, it comes with an increased risk of developing complications during pregnancy, specifically gestational diabetes. The complication requires careful management to protect the health of both the unborn baby and the mother. When it comes to the mother, poor health management may cause high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or the requirement for a C-section delivery. Whereas for the unborn baby, poor health management may cause breathing difficulties, birth injuries, large birth size (macrosomia), and chronic obesity.
Women with the PCOD condition have an increased risk of experiencing premature births and miscarriages than women without PCOD. Several complications such as insulin resistance and hormonal fluctuations are the contributing factors for the risk. With proper medical care and attention, the complications can be diminished and help with achieving a successful and healthy pregnancy.
Untreated PCOD medical conditions may have the potential to develop numerous long-term health complications. The complications may include infertility, metabolic syndrome, and endometrial (uterine lining) cancer. It may also have an enhanced risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Early diagnosis and medical interventions can significantly help to minimize these complications.
While PCOD can be associated with developing numerous health conditions, it is generally considered less serious when compared to the PCOS condition. With the effective modifications in the lifestyle and regular medical monitoring can significantly reduce complications and exhibits better health outcomes.
Listed below are some of the ways to manage the PCOD medical condition.
Even though pregnancy is quite possible with the condition, it disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries and hormones. This makes the woman’s natural ability to get pregnant difficult. Many women who experience PCOD conditions may potentially achieve pregnancy with the help of certain medical interventions. Your healthcare professional may diagnose your overall reproductive health to provide the appropriate fertility treatment.
The treatment options may include stimulating the ovulation, procedures to treat the cysts, medications to balance the hormones, and recommendations for lifestyle modifications. All these options provide significant possibilities for achieving a successful pregnancy. Some women may find it difficult to conceive even with those options. In such cases, your healthcare provider may suggest trying assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) like IUI and IVF fertility treatments. No matter what option you choose, having open communication with your partner can help with navigate the fertility journey smoothly.
PCOD is the contributor to developing several symptoms such as acne, obesity, abnormal hair growth, irregular menstrual cycle, fatigue and more. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular workouts, managing stress through meditation and yoga, and of course medications can all be the game changers in treating the symptoms.
When it comes to medications to manage the symptoms, anti-androgens, oral contraceptives, and insulin sensitizers are generally prescribed. However, the medications are suggested to be taken only if they are prescribed by your healthcare provider. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.
PCOD, being the contributing factor of hormone fluctuations, especially androgens (male hormones) can cause the symptoms of libido in women. This can potentially disturb the sexual life of women after marriage. Having open communication with your partner regarding your desires and symptoms can help with choosing the best way to manage the condition. This can not only help with managing the symptoms but also strengthen the bond between the couples.
Life with PCOD can significantly drain your emotional and mental health. The pressure of adjusting to the new family, life, place, and stress from relatives to conceive soon can all contribute to the symptoms. Engaging yourself in stress management options such as yoga, meditation, walking, and journaling can help with managing the symptoms. Looking for support from your loved ones can also enhance your overall well-being.
If you start to experience any of the two following symptoms, it is highly suggested to have a consultation with your physician as soon as possible. This will help to determine the exact cause of the symptom. If the symptoms are associated with infertility, it is strongly recommended to start addressing the issue to have better health outcomes.
Understanding the challenges of PCOD condition after marriage and the ways to manage it can significantly help with overcoming the obstacle and leading a healthy and happy married life.
1. Can I get pregnant with PCOD condition?
The answer to the question is yes. It is definitely possible to get pregnant with PCOD condition. The condition may delay and affect fertility, but it doesn’t completely prevent it. With the appropriate fertility treatment from experts like A4 Fertility Centre, you can achieve a successful and healthy pregnancy.
2. What are the differences between PCOD and PCOS?
Even though PCOD and PCOS are related to hormonal disorders and ovarian cysts, they do have some crucial differences. PCOD is generally considered a mild condition, whereas PCOS is considered a severe condition due to its broader implications on fertility. Furthermore, PCOD often doesn’t require any medical interventions and can easily be managed with certain lifestyle modifications. Whereas PCOS requires medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes fertility treatments.
3. Can PCOD be cured after childbirth?
The answer to the question is no. The PCOD condition cannot be cured after childbirth. However, the improvements in symptoms can be noticed through lifestyle modifications.
4. Can I get pregnant with PCOD without surgery?
The answer to the question is yes. Women often do not require surgical intervention when it comes to dealing with PCOD conditions. Certain fertility medications and lifestyle modifications can indeed help with achieving a successful pregnancy as the condition involves irregular ovulation and hormonal imbalance.
5. How long will it take to cure PCOD?
There is no certain permanent cure for the condition PCOD. Yet, the symptoms can be managed effectively and help women lead a regular and happy life.
