PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a hormonal disorder where women produce immature eggs, which become cysts over time. It is a common disease among women of childbearing age, which makes natural conception difficult. It affects reproductive-age women and leads to irregular periods, among other symptoms. IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is an effective treatment for overcoming this with good outcomes. Here, you will learn about the key factors that affect IVF results and how to improve the chances.
PCOD is a hormonal disorder that causes cysts in the ovaries. It disrupts ovulation, a process essential for natural conception. Typically, some women of reproductive age have this condition and often have irregular or absent menstrual cycles, making it hard to know when ovulation happens. Due to this, fertility issues are more pronounced for women with PCOD.
PCOD makes it hard for women to get pregnant as it affects the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of PCOD include:
● Not getting a regular period
● Having a longer-than-usual period
● Fewer menstrual cycles
● Heavy periods
● Extra facial hair
● Small cysts in the ovaries
● Release of immature eggs from the ovaries
● Sleep apnea
● Type 2 diabetes
● High blood pressure
● Heart disease
● High cholesterol
● Stroke
The cause for PCOD is unknown; nothing you did or didn't do caused this condition. But early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and treatment may prevent health complications and also help get pregnant.
PCOD affects IVF in many ways. Due to hormonal imbalances in women with PCOD, there is a high risk of OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), which is a condition where fertility medications cause excessive response, making the ovaries swell and leading to pain. It can cause serious complications. So, women with PCOD get optimised and customised treatment to reduce overstimulation and improve implantation success.
IVF success for women with PCOD depends on factors like overall health, age and embryo quality. Typically, if it is optimised and managed carefully, the success rates for women with or without PCOD are the same. Research indicates that women with PCOD who undergo IVF treatment have better quality and quantity of eggs and hence boost their chances of implantation success. However, complications like OHSS may affect the outcome.
If diagnosed with PCOD, women wanting to conceive may benefit from pre-IVF medications. Work with a fertility specialist who can prescribe medications to control glucose levels, improve ovulation and reduce OHSS risks. To maximise IVF success, women with PCOD should work with an experienced fertility doctor who can tailor the IVF protocols to their needs by monitoring their hormone levels and adjusting medications based on their health.
Women with PCOD need to have a PCOD fertility diet plan to increase IVF success. Here are some tips for it.
Choose Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Chronic inflammation is a primary symptom of PCOS, which contributes to insulin resistance and disrupts ovarian function. Overcome this by adding foods like leafy greens, berries, cruciferous vegetables and other fruits and vegetables of rainbow colours. Opt for healthy fats rich in omega-3, such as extra-virgin olive oil, seeds, nuts, and fish. Add herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric, as they are known to be anti-inflammatory. Avoid a diet high in refined carbs and sugar, as it can increase ovarian cysts, increase glucose levels, and lead to weight gain and reproductive problems.
Choose Low-Glycemic Foods: As mentioned earlier, insulin resistance is a common PCOD issue, and to manage it, choose foods low in glycemic index to stabilise blood sugar. Choose oats, brown rice, barley and quinoa over refined foods. Choose legumes, tofu, chicken, mushrooms, spinach, peppers and broccoli. Even a 5-10% weight loss can improve PCOS symptoms and restore ovulation to normal. Women should consume food rich in fibre, protein, anti-inflammatory properties, and low carbs to support fertility issues. This diet also enhances metabolism, making it beneficial for women with PCOS.
Eat Carbs Mindfully: Reducing carb intake is essential, but abstinence can be counterproductive. The focus should be on timing. Consume complex carbs during the day and healthy fats and protein at night. Include fruits, lentils, and beans to prevent sugar spikes and slow digestion—practice portion control by being mindful and choosing small serving sizes.
Support Gut Health: A healthy gut plays a crucial role in regulating hormone levels and overall well-being. Fortify it with prebiotics like garlic, onions, artichokes, and asparagus. Include probiotics like kimchi, yoghurt, and kombucha, which have good bacterial strains. Additionally, fibre is good for overall health as well as gut health.
Address Nutritional Deficiencies: PCOD can lead to deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin D. Consult your fertility specialist about dietary adjustments or supplements for PCOD before undergoing IVF to address these potential deficiencies.
Reduce idle time to control PCOD and increase fertility naturally. Exercise at least three to five times a week for more than 30 minutes. Research has shown that moderate exercise is beneficial in reducing insulin resistance, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, and improving type 2 diabetes. Exercise not only reduces health complications but also aids PCOD women to release more feel-good hormones (endorphins). This helps in stress management, which is another reason for fertility issues. Additionally, it enhances sleep quality, which in turn reduces fatigue and boosts energy. The best exercises for PCOD and IVF are Pilates and Yoga, an ideal combination of strength training and cardio.
During IVF treatment, hormone regulation is essential, especially for women with PCOD. Hormone fluctuations can impact the body’s response to fertility medicines, so regular ultrasounds and blood tests are needed to monitor progress. Depending on the findings, the doctor may adjust medications for optimal egg extraction and implantation.
Women with PCOD are recommended low-dose stimulation as high quantities can lead to OHSS. Small doses that gradually increase egg production are low risk while still providing healthy eggs for fertilisation.
Having PCOD can be quite a challenge, but a successful outcome from fertility treatment is possible with a personalised plan and IVF preparation for PCOD. Work closely with your doctor, choose a healthy lifestyle, and follow a customised treatment plan to improve your chances of successful conception and pregnancy with IVF.
