Fertility Treatment for Ovary Disorder Hurts Pregnancy Chances

News
By published
woman-pregnancy-test-11070802
(Image credit: Diego Vito Cervo | Dreamstime)

A common strategy for treating infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome may actually reduce their chances of pregnancy, a new study suggests.

In the study, some women with PCOS were given progestin as a first step in their infertility treatment. Progestin, which is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, leads to a thickening in the lining of the uterus, and is sometimes administered before fertility drugs to women with PCOS who wish to become pregnant.

"Our results indicate that a treatment with progestin before ovulation induction is counterproductive in helping women with PCOS achieve pregnancy," said study researcher Dr. Esther Eisenberg, of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Ovulation induction refers to the drugs given to stimulate the release of an egg.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder in which the ovaries, and sometimes the adrenal glands, produce excess amounts of hormones known as androgens. Women with PCOS typically have menstrual irregularities, and may have difficulty getting pregnant. As many as 5 million U.S. women have the condition, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The study, which involved more than 600 women with PCOS, was published online this month in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. It was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Follow MyHealthNewsDaily on Twitter @MyHealth_MHND.  Findus on Facebook.

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.