Relating PCOS with Infertility
PCOS, otherwise known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, has a great potential in causing infertility among women. In this particular case, women are producing extreme levels of male hormones or androgens which is caused by the enormous production of insulin in their bodies. Another problem caused by PCOS is being resistant to insulin which makes women more prone to diabetes.
In the regular menstrual cycle of a woman, ovaries develop several follicles. An egg is contained in each follicle. After some time, only a single follicle is spared to produce the egg needed for the ovulation. In the egg’s maturity, it is bursted out of the follicle through the surge of LH levels which signals the start of ovulation. Due to PCOS, women who have this kind of problem are incapable of producing sufficient amounts of female hormones that are necessary for the follicles to reach their maturity. In some cases undeveloped follicles potentially become into cysts. They are often seen as a string of pearls through the aid of an ultra sound technology. These so called string of pearls are follicles that were not able to reach their maturity. Commonly, ovaries are more likely to have several cysts on their outside layer. Furthermore, progesterone is not produced that causes the uterus lining to grow thicker.
Absence or irregular period is often referred as an early sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Worse cases of PCOS are often seen on older women. There are those that have irregular ovulation while there are some who do not ovulate at all. Statistically speaking, approximately 5 to 10 percent of women in their childbearing years are more likely to have PCOS. Oftentimes, women who have the PCOS are unaware of it. In actuality, only less than 25% of women with PCOS are believed to have been diagnosed with the disease. Being able to conceive the disease during an irregular ovulation cycle is fortunate enough for some women. There are some other symptoms of PCOS and they are thinning hair, two type diabetes, increased hair growth on face, chest, or back, and pelvic pain. Women may carry different symptoms. In some other cases, there are those who only have irregular period a s their sign for PCOS.
The direct effect of PCOS on women is the inability to have ovulation. However, this certain problem can be solved through various steps. There are some cases that PCOS is simply treated through weight loss. This is due to the fact that hormonal imbalances are sometime corrected by weight loss. Through the aid of metmorfin, a person’s body is able to welcome insulin in the system. It is proven to be totally safe to use on women as it does not directly lower the blood sugar level of the person. There are also some fertility drugs like clomid that can be used to counter PCOS infertility. Estrogen receptors located in the brain are blocked by clomid. Through this, the brain analyzes low estrogen levels in the system. With low estrogen levels, more FSH as well as LH are produced to encourage the body’s ovulation. However, only about thirty to forty percent of the women who use clomid for ovulation are able to become successfully pregnant. But then, there are also other options in treating PCOS and that is through In Vitro Maturation (IVM) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). In the process of In Vitro Maturation, eggs that were able to mature are harvested from a woman’s cycle. They are then aided in their maturity in the laboratory until they are ready for fertilization. In Vitro Fertilization on the other hand, harvests matured eggs. After successful fertilization they are then implanted back into the uterus of a woman. In IVF, various medications are used to significantly aid the eggs in their development. IVM on the other hand is more appropriate for those who are not able to respond on drug therapy.
The Significance of Acupuncture on Infertility
For centuries, the art and often referred to as the health practice of acupuncture has been present in various countries mostly in the Asian region. This defines the magnificence as well as complexity of pinning fine needles in various vital points of the body for different purposes like relieving pain and treats some health ailments. The basic effect of acupuncture is regulating a person’s blood pressure through the proper stimulation of our central nervous system. It greatly encourages the production and release of endorphins that play a vital part of inhibiting the pain and neurohormones and neurotransmitters in making the body heal on its own.
Acupuncture is also seen as one of the effective remedies on various infertility problems particularly imbalances on the hormones. The levels of these hormones are leveled accordingly by way of increasing the blood flow on various vital organs as it regulates our body system. Furthermore, it helps improve all the important functions of the ovaries as well as follicles. The endometrium that is mainly responsible in thickening the rich lining of the uterus is also benefited by acupuncture through increased blood flow. A particular infertility treatment like IVF or In Vitro Fertilization is also greatly aided in elevating its success rate. In actuality, a number of specialists now offer acupuncture as a part of the so called IVF treatment. This becomes more noticeable on the improvements made in the process of transferring the embryo that leads to more success in pregnancy. Another specific problem of infertility that can also be treated by acupuncture is spasmed tubes. This is simply done by making these spasmed tubes into de-spasmed ones. Moreover, there are also lots of other infertility issues that can be effectively treated by acupuncture like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, elevated follicle stimulating hormone, repeated pregnancy loss, idiopathic infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia, and sperm DNA fragmentation.
Naturally, our body is very much capable of healing its self and acupuncture further improves this capability. In this case, the more frequent you treat yourself with acupuncture, the better. In the case of women who are about to take IVF treatments or donor egg transfer, they are often treated with acupuncture for three to four months before going through the said processes. Acupuncture is also strongly advised for women before and after an embryo transfer. This is done for the purpose of heightening the therapeutic effect to go along with various fertility treatments. Basically, fertility treatments are often stressful for the involved person. And the best remedy for this is through acupuncture. Due to the fact that acupuncture has lots of ways in adding the treatment of infertility, it is advisable for couples who are suffering from this kind of problem to give every possible option a shot.
Acupuncture also has accompanied risks but is very minimal. However, miscarriage can happen when acupuncture is done improperly on a pregnant woman. This makes it important to make sure that acupuncture is only done by a certified acupuncturist who is very well capable and specializes in the said therapy. Electro-acupuncture, a more advanced form of acupuncture is used to inhibit pain during labor. The need to be hospitalized is also significantly reduced which helps a person save from further expenses.
Above all, recent researches have revealed that the perfect blend of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and traditional medical interventions serve as the ultimate formula in treating infertility. In most cases, acupuncture and herbal medicines are seen to be more effective through the aid of traditional medical interventions.
Infertility Insurance
These days, couples who suffer from infertility issues need not have to worry as there are various options to choose from for them to successfully have their own baby. In most cases, money is the only element that holds them back from ever reaching and fulfilling their dreams.
Although a variety of infertility treatments are now made available, they are still virtually unreachable for a lot of people as they usually come to be very expensive. Among these treatments, In Vitro Fertilization or IVF is considered as they most effective but it costs to staggering tens of thousands of dollars. What’s worse is that several IVF treatments are needed to ensure the success of pregnancy. In some cases, there are other forms of fertility that cost at around a thousand dollars a month along with reproductive technology procedures that are not less than $4,000. This makes it why a lot of couple are unable to avail of these said treatments. Fortunately, a certain supplemental infertility insurance has been developed to help couples avail of the needed treatments without having to put a hole in their pockets. This type of insurance comes to be very affordable and can even be availed from existing insurance companies but the couple has to make sure that they would be able to think things through first as these insurances vary from each other. One perfect example is a monthly premium that effectively covers a specific range of fertility treatments. Among the treatments that are covered in the said insurance plan are artificial insemination, diagnostic fertility tests, and various types of assisted reproductive technology. Laparoscopic surgery can also be covered by the aforementioned insurance plan. Basically, inexpensive treatments are often carried out by most insurance plans. These treatments are also covered in limited cycles only which are most likely within 3 to 5. Furthermore, usual insurance plans do not cover more complex remedies like the use of donor eggs.
Infertility insurance can be availed in three various types. Standard health insurance is the first and the most basic type of insurance. This specific type of insurance plan obliges the person to meet monthly payments that will cover specific infertility treatments. The nest type is generally reflected by refund programs are also implemented. In this program, direct reimbursement for availed fertility treatments is required. 70% to 100% of the total amount of money spent on acquired treatment programs are paid back to the couple after not having successful pregnancy. The third type of insurance is referred to as financing. From this plan, a loan is granted for the couple to cover all the expenses required for various treatments. In the case of unsuccessful pregnancy, loans can be paid back to the couple but not in its 100%.
However, infertility insurance is not meant for all. Specific qualifications are being set as a guideline to pick couples that are more suitable for insurance plans. In some cases, there are certain qualifications that require the couple to hold an insurance policy that they are presently availing. Another known qualification requires the applicants to be under the age of 40. Couples also must be suffering from infertility issues for at least a year or so. Once the couple has been successfully granted with their insurance, they still must wait for a year before it gets to be validated for full use.
Even with a lot of complexities and conflicts that revolve around in acquiring a particular insurance plan for the couple, being able to have one is considered as a wise decision to make. These insurances help couples become good providers of their newborns after having successfully undergoing various treatments. Through the aid of infertility insurance, a lot of couples are able to become parents themselves without the hassles of going bankrupt.
Various Alarming Signs of Infertility
For most people, having a child of their own is considered as the most wonderful blessing that is ever to be given. And for couples, having a baby is a common issue and is oftentimes regarded as a main goal- to put up a happy family. Approximately, majority of the couples are more likely to encounter successful pregnancy in the first 6 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. After a year, it is approximately 85% of the whole population that are to become parents themselves in the near future. However, not all are blessed to have successful pregnancy. There are those that are considered to be infertile and are able to conceive even after years of trying. But fortunately, there are now various treatments that are made available to effectively reverse the course. But in order to avail for an appropriate type of treatment, the involved couple must be able to determine and keep watch of their signs of infertility as there are those that also point out to far worse conditions.
Basically, of all the signs of infertility, the inability to get pregnant is the main symptom. Couples are strongly advised to see their doctors after not having successful pregnancy even after at least a year of trying. This will help determine if the male, female, or both have problems with infertility. In most cases, irregular menstrual periods are the most common symptom for women while various hormonal problems are being experienced by men with infertility issues. However, these symptoms do not directly point out to infertility. They are also symptoms that usually show up in various kinds of health problems.
Some of the most alarming signs of infertility on women usually point out to uterine polyps. This includes heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting during intervals of menstrual periods, continuous bleeding after passing the menopausal stage, and bleeding after sexual intercourse. If you happen to be experiencing at least one or two of these symptoms, then it is highly possible that you have uterine polyps. With this kind of condition, infertility takes place. They contribute to infertility in two basic ways. The first of which is preventing the fertilized egg from stabilizing and finding a good spot in the uterine wall and the other is by blocking the uterine entrance. Uterine polyps are potentially dangerous for women as they can also cause recurrences of miscarriages.
Another set of alarming signs of infertility includes high blood pressure, dandruff, acne, weight gain, high blood pressure, and excessive hair growth. All these symptoms also point to PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This is known as a common complication caused by irregular menstruation. Having this kind of complication needs immediate medical attention. If this is taken for granted, this will soon evolve into much more serious illnesses like heart disease, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer.
The Numbers on Infertility
Nowadays, more and more couples are finding themselves to be infertile. Almost everyday, they are forced to watch other couples and their babies while they struggle with the problem. More often than not, these infertile couples think that they are all alone in their suffering.
However, what most people do not know is that there are approximately 7.3 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 who are unable to produce children in this country alone. Most of the time, these women have no idea of their disability until they try to start a family. For those who are able to get pregnant, they are met with pregnancy problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome that usually surface once they’ve had their first child. However, these women are the lucky ones. Fertility treatments are fast becoming popular with infertile couples. This method does not often cross the couples’ minds at first, and they do not often think that the couples they see underwent fertility treatments in order to conceive. In the year 2002, 11.9% of infertile women between the ages 15 to 44 have gone through some sort of fertility service. 6.1 % of these women have received professional consultations regarding the matter. 4.8 % have gone through fertility tests. 3.8 % of them have been prescribed ovulation drugs. 11% have been artificially inseminated. Meanwhile, 5.5% of these women have received medical assistance to prevent having a miscarriage. Among these key women demographics, 11.8% of them have impaired fecundity, meaning they are not only infertile, but are also prone to experience problems in carrying their baby to term.
It is common knowledge that a woman’s ability to get pregnant lessens as she ages, due to the loss of their egg cells. As a matter of fact, the percentage of childless women within the ages of 35 and 39 is at 15.2%. In the 30 to 34 year demographic of childless women, 17.3% have undergone some sort of fertility treatment, while only 2.9% of the 15 to 29 sector has done so. These women are often married and disdainful at not being able to conceive. Statistics say that 27.4% of women become sterile by the time they reach the age between 40 and 44. 22.6% experience infertility by the time they reach the age of 35. By the time they reach the ages of 30 to 34, 16.9% of women experience sterility. Moreover, when they reach the age of 30, 16.9% of these women find themselves unable to conceive. Not to mention, 11% of married women between the ages of 15 and 29 find themselves to be infertile as well. However, we have to remember that just because you are not able to procreate or bear a child, that doesn’t rule out being able to do so in the future. The percentage of live births resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) is slated to be approximately 38% for women aging 31 years. At 39 years old, the percentage of successful births dropped to 22%. However, by the time they reach the age of 43, the possibility of a successful live birth decreased to less than 10%. Another option that women are considering is the use of an egg donor. Although the success rate of in vitro procedures for women aged 40 who use their own eggs are less than 10%, the percentage rose to 45% when they use eggs donated by women of a much younger egg. This is a higher rate than those of women in their early 30s who use their own eggs.
