What is PCOS? Debunking the myths of PCOS

What is PCOS? If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you may be wondering what exactly it is and how it affects the body. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about PCOS that can make it difficult to understand this complex hormonal disorder. Debunking some of the most common myths about what is PCOS all about can help in understanding the condition better. Myth 1: All women with PCOS have ovarian cysts. One of the most common misconceptions about PCOS is that all women with this condition have ovarian cysts. It is not entirely true. While the name “polycystic” refers to the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries, the truth is that not all women with PCOS have these cysts. The diagnosis of PCOS is based on combining clinical and laboratory findings. It is not just found through the presence of ovarian cysts. Typically, a diagnosis of PCOS is made when a woman presents with two of the following three criteria: irregular or absent periods, signs of high androgen levels (such as acne or excessive hair growth), and polycystic appearing ovaries on ultrasound. While the presence of ovarian cysts can contribute to the diagnosis of PCOS, they are not necessary. It’s also important to note that some women without PCOS can have ovarian cysts. It is common for women to develop ovarian cysts at some point in their lives, and most cysts are benign and resolve on their own without causing any problems. However, in some cases, ovarian cysts can become large or painful and may require medical attention. The truth is that PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder with various symptoms and contributing factors. While the presence of ovarian cysts is a characteristic feature of the condition, it’s not the only factor determining whether someone has PCOS. Other contributing factors may include insulin resistance, inflammation, and genetic predisposition. While it is commonly believed that all women with PCOS have ovarian cysts, this is a myth. Understanding the true nature of PCOS can help women receive proper diagnosis and treatment for this common hormonal disorder. Myth 2: Women with PCOS can’t get pregnant. It is a common myth that women with PCOS can’t get pregnant. Many women with PCOS may have heard or thought about the common question, “can you get pregnant with PCOS” It can be a source of concern and anxiety for many women. The truth is that while PCOS can affect fertility in some women, it does not mean that they can’t get pregnant. Many women with PCOS can conceive and have healthy pregnancies with the help of proper management and treatment. One of the primary factors that can affect fertility in women with PCOS is the irregularity of their menstrual cycles. In order to conceive, women typically need to ovulate regularly, which can be difficult for women with PCOS. However, there are a variety of treatments available that can help regulate ovulation and improve the chances of conceiving. For example, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help improve fertility in women with PCOS. Medications can also help stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of conceiving. In some cases, In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be necessary to achieve pregnancy.  It is essential for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive to work closely with their fertility specialist to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and concerns. It may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and other interventions to optimise fertility and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. While it is commonly believed that women with PCOS can’t get pregnant, this is a myth. With proper management and treatment, many women with PCOS are able to conceive and have healthy pregnancies. Myth 3: Women with PCOS are all overweight or obese. One of the most persistent myths surrounding PCOS is that all women with the condition are overweight or obese. It can lead to misconceptions about the condition and the stigmatisation of women with PCOS who do not fit this stereotype. The truth is that while weight gain and obesity are common in women with PCOS, not all women with this condition are overweight. PCOS can affect women of all shapes and sizes, and in fact, some women with PCOS may have difficulty gaining weight or may even be underweight. One of the reasons why weight gain and obesity are associated with PCOS is because the hormonal imbalances in women with the condition can affect how the body processes insulin. It can lead to insulin resistance, leading to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. However, not all women with PCOS experience insulin resistance; some may have normal insulin levels despite their diagnosis. In addition, PCOS can affect women’s metabolisms in different ways, contributing to weight gain or difficulty losing weight. For example, some women with PCOS may have a slower metabolism, while others may have a faster metabolism that makes it difficult for them to maintain weight. So how to lose weight with PCOS? It is vital to recognise what is PCOS and its complexity which can affect women in different ways. Weight gain is just one of many possible symptoms. Women with PCOS who are not overweight or obese may experience other symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, or excessive hair growth. Conversely, women who are overweight or obese may not necessarily have PCOS.  Myth 4: PCOS is a rare condition. In reality, PCOS is quite common, affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age. It is one of the women’s most common hormonal disorders, yet it remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed. One of the reasons why PCOS is often thought of as rare is that it can be difficult to diagnose. Many women with PCOS may not experience all of the classic symptoms, or their symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions.  PCOS is a complex condition that can affect women differently, and its

FAQ: IVF in Malaysia

Are you and your partner trying to conceive but struggling with fertility issues? Do not worry because you are not alone. Many couples face barriers when trying to conceive, but with advancements in technology, there are multiple ways to start a family. One of the most popular options is In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF), which is a procedure that has helped many couples achieve their dream of parenthood. However, it’s important to have a good understanding of the IVF procedure before deciding if it’s the right fertility treatment for you. Here are some commonly asked questions for couples considering IVF in Malaysia.    What is IVF? IVF is a medical procedure involving fertilising eggs outside the women’s body and transferring them back into the womb. The eggs will be surgically removed and placed in a laboratory dish. Then, the sperm from the male partner will be inserted into the egg for fertilisation. After a few days, the fertilised egg will be transferred back into the womb to achieve pregnancy.   How does IVF work? There are several medical procedures involved to help a couple overcome fertility problems. The entire procedure may take about 4 to 6 weeks.  Generally, the IVF procedure consists of the following: Ovarian stimulation – In this first step of IVF, a woman is given hormonal medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The medication would increase the chances of obtaining matured egg for fertilisation. The doctor will continue monitoring the woman’s hormone levels occasionally. Then, the doctor will perform ultrasound scans to track the growth and development of the eggs. Egg retrieval- Once the eggs have matured, they are surgically removed from the woman’s ovaries. Usually, the woman will be under general anaesthesia during this process. Then, a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle is used to aspirate the fluid from the follicles that contain the eggs. The fluid will then be sent to the IVF lab. Sperm collection – The male partner is asked to provide a semen sample on the same day as the egg retrieval. The laboratory will then process it to obtain the healthiest and most motile sperm. Fertilisation – The retrieved eggs and the processed sperm are combined in a laboratory dish and placed in an incubator to allow fertilisation. The fertilisation process can take several hours, depending on the quality of the eggs and the sperm. Embryo transfer – The final IVF step involved transferring the selected embryos into the woman’s womb. It is usually done under ultrasound guidance, using a thin catheter to place the embryos into the womb through the cervix. The woman will then need to wait about two weeks to see if the embryos have been implanted. Successful implantation will result in pregnancy.   Who can undergo IVF? IVF is recommended for couples trying to conceive for more than six months or a year without success. It can also be suggested for couples with certain fertility problems like Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count and other severe fertility problems.   Is IVF painful? IVF is generally not considered a painful process. However, depending on person to person, it can be discomforting and painful. Some women may experience mild discomfort during the egg retrieval process, which can be typically managed through pain medication and general anaesthesia. After egg retrieval, they may experience side effects like headaches and mood swings. It is best to consult the doctor to help manage discomfort and ensure you are as comfortable as possible.     How successful is IVF in Malaysia? According to Malaysia Travel Healthcare Council, Malaysia recorded a 65% success rate for its IVF treatment in 2017, compared to the global average rate of 50%. It is important to note that IVF success rates can vary significantly depending on the clinic and each couple’s circumstances. Some clinics may have higher success rates due to their expertise, experience and use of advanced techniques and technologies. Thus, it is important to research and choose the clinic for a successful IVF.   How many cycles of IVF are needed to achieve pregnancy? The number of IVF cycles varies from person to person. Some couples may conceive after only one cycle, while others may require multiple cycles. For women under 35, the success rate of IVF is generally higher, and it is possible to achieve pregnancy within one to three cycles. However, for women over 35 years old, the chances may decline, and it may take several cycles of IVF to achieve a successful pregnancy. IVF can be emotionally and financially stressful, and some couples may choose to stop after several unsuccessful cycles. However, do not give up. Always consult and discuss your options and pregnancy chances with your fertility doctor.   What is the cost of IVF in Malaysia? IVF treatment costs differ according to the hospitals or clinics and the specific services required. On average, a single cycle of IVF can be around RM 14 000 to RM 25 000. Certain fertility problems may require additional medication or procedures, increasing the overall cost. It is best to consult the doctor to determine the best option for your fertility problem.   Are there any financial assistance available for couples facing financial problems? The Malaysian government provide an alternative to finance fertility treatment. Couples can now fund IVF treatment through withdrawal from their Employee Provided Fund (EPF). Legally married couples below 55 can now apply from their Account 2 savings for fertility treatments such as IVF, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). There is no limit as to how much a couple can withdraw. However, it is important for couples to clear their doubts regarding EPF before proceeding with financial aid.  Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msx5mrCQUa8&t=3s   Can IVF be combined with other treatments? IVF can be combined with other treatments to increase the chance of successful pregnancies. Some of the treatments include: ICSI – ICSI is a technique involving injecting a single sperm directly into the egg. This treatment is