Can I freeze my eggs if I have PCOS?

Can I freeze my eggs if I have PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting many women.

It can disrupt menstrual cycles, cause unwanted hair growth, and impact fertility.

But for those hoping to build a family later in life, egg freezing remains an option. This process allows women to preserve their eggs earlier, increasing their chances of future pregnancy through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

This blog post explores the connection between PCOS and egg freezing. We'll delve into how PCOS affects fertility, how the egg freezing process might differ for women with PCOS, and the potential benefits and considerations involved.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. It's characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated levels of male hormones (androgens), and polycystic ovaries. Symptoms can vary but often include:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods

• Excess hair growth on the face and body

• Acne and oily skin

• Weight gain and difficulty losing weight

• Thinning hair on the scalp

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How does PCOS affect fertility?

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility due to its effects on ovulation. Women with PCOS often experience irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation), making it difficult to conceive naturally. Here's how it impacts fertility:

• Irregular Ovulation: PCOS often leads to infrequent or absent ovulation, making it difficult to conceive naturally.

• Multiple Follicles, Immature Eggs: Women with PCOS often have many small follicles in their ovaries. However, these follicles may not mature and release healthy eggs.

• Elevated Androgens: PCOS can lead to increased androgen levels, which can disrupt egg development and uterine lining health.

These factors combined can make getting pregnant challenging for women with PCOS.

This is where egg freezing can offer a promising solution.

Why consider egg freezing with PCOS?

Women with PCOS may benefit from egg freezing for several reasons:

1. Preserving Fertility

Egg freezing allows women with PCOS to preserve their fertility by freezing their eggs at a younger age when egg quality is typically higher. This can be particularly advantageous given the potential challenges with ovulation and conception associated with PCOS.

2. Flexibility and Control

Egg freezing offers the flexibility to delay pregnancy until a more suitable time without the pressure of declining egg quality with age. This can be especially important for women who are not ready to start a family but are concerned about their future fertility due to PCOS.

3. Reducing Stress

The uncertainty of fertility can be a significant source of stress for women with PCOS. Knowing that they have preserved healthy eggs can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety about future reproductive health or plans.

Is egg freezing with PCOS different?

Egg freezing for women with PCOS isn’t really as different, compared to their non PCOS counterparts. However, there can be some tweaks in the process, such as:

• Hormonal Medication Adjustments: Medications used to stimulate egg production during egg retrieval might be adjusted for PCOS patients. Lower dosages, addition of birth control medication to induce periods for anovulatory PCOS or different medications might be used to minimize the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

• OHSS Risk: Due to the presence of many follicles, women with PCOS have a higher risk of OHSS, a condition where the ovaries become overstimulated. Careful monitoring, hormonal assessments and medication adjustments are crucial to minimize this risk.

• Egg Quality: While PCOS doesn't necessarily guarantee poor egg quality, the presence of immature eggs is a possibility. Freezing eggs at a younger age can help ensure the best possible quality.

• IVM (In Vitro Maturation) + Egg Freezing: For some women with PCOS, a technique called IVM (In Vitro Maturation) can be combined with egg freezing. IVM allows immature eggs retrieved during egg retrieval to mature in the laboratory before freezing.

Success rates and considerations

The success of egg freezing largely depends on the age at which the eggs are frozen and the overall health of the ovaries. For women with PCOS, the key considerations include:

• Age: Younger women typically have higher success rates due to better egg quality.

• Ovarian Reserve: Women with PCOS often have a higher ovarian reserve, meaning they may produce more eggs in response to stimulation. However, the risk of OHSS and immature eggs are to be kept in mind.

• Health Management: Proper management of PCOS and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can positively impact the outcomes of egg freezing and future fertility treatments.

How Arva Can Help You on Your Fertility Journey

At Arva, we are dedicated to supporting you through every step of your fertility journey. Here’s how we can assist:

• Personalized Fertility Plans: Our team of experts creates customised fertility plans tailored to your unique needs and health conditions, including PCOS.

• Comprehensive Support: From hormonal assessments such as our affordable fertility tests to emotional support, we provide a holistic approach to fertility care.

• Education and Resources: We offer access to valuable information and resources to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

Take our fertility assessment today to understand your hormonal profile or contact us to learn how our network of doctors can assist you better.

Remember, we’re by your side!❤️