Polycyctic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a rather complicated syndrome that, to some degree or another, affects about one in ten childbearing age women, some of whom are experiencing infertility as a result.

PCOS symptoms tend to be experienced gradually, usually in the early teens, after the first menstrual period. The first symptom is generally weight gain. Hormonal changes that lead to this weight gain include the release of androgens which are hormones that cause the typical male physical characteristics. These changes in hormones spur on symptoms such as:

• Few or no menstrual periods
• Hair loss
• Hirsutism: Increased hair growth in strange places such as back, chest, face, fingers and toes
• Anovulation: The inability to ovulate or release a mature egg from the ovary each month
• Obesity
• Acne
• Skin Tags: Excess flaps of skin generally found around the armpit or groin
• Acanthosis Nigricans: Areas of thick, darker skin found behind the neck, thighs or vulva
• Sleep Apnea or snoring
• Depression
• Male-pattern baldness or hair thinning/loss
• Lower abdomen pain

PCOS Sufferers have many other symptoms and health problems that are not noticeable without doctor consultation. These symptoms can be detected by a doctor during diagnosis. They include, but are not limited to: Insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, ovarian cycts, high blood pressure, and infertility.

For trying-to-conceive women, treatments of PCOS include fertility medications: Clomiphene (pills) and Gonadotropins (shots) can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. Natural fertility supplements, such as FertilAid for Women, are popular with PCOS sufferers as well. If you would like more information about PCOS and ways to cope, see a fertility specialist or doctor. You may also wish to start a diet and exercise program to help lessen or cease your symptoms and inability to conceive.

One of our Facebook Fan Page friends just asked us, “I have heard that it is harder to get pregnant when you have an anteverted (tipped) uterus, Is this True?”

I would like to address this for her, and share the information with all of you who may be wondering about this. A tipped uterus, which is also known as retroverted or anteverted uterus, is one that that is tilted backwards or forwards away from your belly (as opposed to the more usual straight up and down uterus). About 20% of women are born with a tipped uterus, but in some cases it is caused by childbirth. A tipped uterus is not one of the most commonly discussed factors of infertility and is typically only thought to be problematic when trying to conceive after all other possible reasons for fertility problems have been ruled out.

In a small percentage of women, fertility may be affected by having a retroverted uterus due to the impediment of sperm flow to the uterus for implantation. Many specialists recommend intercourse ‘from behind’ or with the ‘missionary position’ with a pillow propped under your lower back. If you would like to rule this out as a possible reason for conception difficulties, you may see an ObGyn or fertility specialist for a routine pelvic exam. There are procedures such as uterine suspension that can be performed to straighten your uterus which may help improve conception odds.

By Chris Meletis, ND
Contributing Writer

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 1 in 7 American couples have difficulty conceiving a child. Nearly 12% of American women between 15 and 44 years of age have impaired fertility, roughly 7.3 million women.

Men are also affected: 30% of all infertility cases are attributable to problems on the male side. The number is about equal for cases exclusively attributable to the woman. The other 40% are due to shared factors or indeterminable causes.

Infertility is a costly problem. Each year, American couples spend between $2-3 billion on fertility drugs, assisted reproduction, and other medical services. In many cases, though, careful attention to nutrition and lifestyle factors can obviate the need for more expensive, drug-based fertility enhancement or assisted reproduction. Primary care doctors can play a vital role in identifying and correcting nutrient deficiencies and lifestyle factors that impair fertility.

Rule Out the Obvious
The first step in helping an infertile couple is to identify and address any obvious anatomic or physiological impediments to conception. In women, these include:

• Ovulatory Dysfunction, which may be caused by aging, anovulatory cycles, amenorrhea, luteal phase defects, premature ovarian failure, and elevated prolactin. Ovulatory problems account for about 25% of all cases.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, affecting 6–10% of reproductive-age women.
• Anatomical abnormalities, such as fallopian tube blockage (sometimes a sequelum of pelvic surgery), uterine fibromas, myomas and leiomyomas.
• Endometriosis, found in 30–45% of infertile women.
• Medications, including hormones, antidepressants, antibiotics, pain-relievers, aspirin and ibuprofen (when taken at mid-cycle).
• Non-gynecological medical conditions, including diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, epilepsy, and thyroid conditions. (more…)