PCOS and Ovarian Drilling

Experiencing infertility can be a challenging time for many couples. Seeking the help of an experienced and skilled infertility specialist or Reproductive Endocrinologist can be very helpful in helping you overcome infertility. The majority of couples that seek treatment have positive results. In some cases, it is determined that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a possible cause of female infertility. PCOS generally is not diagnosed until infertility problems arise. It can be difficult to diagnose due to its illusive nature. It usually has widely varying symptoms and can easily go undiagnosed because the symptoms so closely resemble that of other afflictions, or they are dismissed as normal menstrual fluctuations. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately ten percent of women of reproductive age. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, infertility due to lack of ovulation, acne, and increased body hair. Diabetes and insulin resistance have also been associated with PCOS. PCOS means that cysts form on the ovaries, sometimes in clusters. This occurs when a woman produces more male hormones than normal. This usually causes irregular or nonexistent periods. The excess male hormones cause the eggs produced by the ovaries not to fully mature and be released. This is why infertility is a common symptom of PCOS. Ovarian Drilling is a treatment used to restart ovulation in women diagnosed with the PCOS disorder. Most women diagnosed with PCOS are initially treated using fertility medicines in conjunction with a weight loss routine. If these initial treatments of PCOS fail, Ovarian Drilling can be a logical next course of action to begin ovulation again and therefore increase fertility chances. Ovarian Drilling is performed during laparoscopy. The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and punctures each ovary multiple times using an electrosurgical needle. The desired effect is to dramatically reduce the level of male hormones generated by the ovaries. After a patient has undergone an ovarian drilling procedure, it is possible that the fertility medications she had been taking will become more effective. Speak with your infertility specialist extensively about all of your options before undergoing any infertility treatment. Make sure that you fully understand risks, side effects and possible outcomes of the procedure before proceeding. If Ovarian Drilling seems like the best option for you, make sure that your infertility specialist is highly trained in this area. Experience and skill can come highly into play when you are undergoing a surgical procedure as an infertility treatment. Consider all of your options and go with what you and your doctor feel will have the greatest chances of success with the least amount of complications. You should always be comfortable with your infertility specialist as well as your infertility treatment.

About the Author: Eric Daiter is the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT.

Ovarian Cysts: Dr. Daiter, Eric, MD

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacks on or within the ovaries. Many women, especially of reproductive age, have ovarian cysts at one time or another. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and painless and they require no treatment. Functional non-threatening cysts such as these dissipate on their own in a matter of months. Though many ovarian cysts cause no pain or symptoms, there are several symptoms to watch out for that can indicate ovarian cysts of a more serious nature. Ruptured ovarian cysts can lead to palpable and sometimes serious symptoms. There is a range of possible ovarian cyst symptoms and many of them are similar to those symptoms of other conditions such as, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. One common symptom of ovarian cysts is a dull aching in the abdominal area. Other symptoms include abdominal pain or pressure caused by a ruptured cyst, pain during sexual intercourse, painful or delayed periods, tender breasts, nausea, or pain during bowel movements. There are a few different types of ovarian cysts. A functional cyst is formed during ovulation as a result of egg production. This is the type of cyst typically goes away on its own. A dermoid cyst is filled with tissues that include skin or hair. An endometrioma cyst forms when tissue similar to the uteral lining attaches to the ovaries. Cystadenoma cysts occur on the cells on the outside of the ovaries. Polycystic ovarian disease can occur when several cysts cause the ovaries to swell and produce a substantial outer covering on the ovaries that can cause infertility issues as it can prevent ovulation altogether. Women who are on oral contraceptives rarely have functional cysts due to the fact that this method of contraception stops ovulation. For this reason, doctors sometimes prescribe oral contraceptives to shrink functional ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts that do not respond to hormonal treatment may require surgery. Early detection of ovarian cysts can be key in resolving the issue with less extensive and invasive treatments. Women that have had ovarian cysts before are more likely to develop cysts again. Ovarian cysts coupled with endometriosis can sometimes lead to the necessary removal of the ovaries. Ovarian cysts in post menopausal women are more likely to have malignancies. Regular pelvic exams will help with the early detection of ovarian cysts. If you experience sudden intense pelvic or abdominal pain especially if it is accompanied by fever and vomiting, please seek immediate medical attention.

About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter (Daiter, Eric), the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Daiter, Eric please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.