Facts About PCOS and Pregnancy 

With the rapid development of the times, where everything is demanded to be fast and instant, this affects the daily lifestyle of individuals, leading to unhealthy habits and various diseases. A common disease among young women today is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). PCOS is often associated with difficulties in achieving pregnancy for married couples. Here is an explanation of pregnancy and PCOS.

PREGNANCY

Pregnancy is a phase eagerly awaited by married couples to have children. Pregnancy is the union of spermatozoa and ovum (conception) followed by nidation (attachment of the zygote to the uterine wall). Pregnancy lasts for 37-40 weeks, counted from the first day of the last menstruation.

Stages of Pregnancy:

1. Fertile Period in Women:

   During the fertile period, the ovary undergoes ovulation, releasing an egg (ovum) ready for fertilization. The egg moves through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Ovulation is influenced by hormones like estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, indicating reproductive health.

2. Sexual Intercourse:

   During intercourse, the man ejaculates, releasing semen containing sperm into the vagina. The sperm swim through the cervix into the uterus and reach the fallopian tubes to find the egg. This process takes about 45 minutes to 12 hours.

3. Fertilization:

   Once the sperm penetrates and enters the egg, a special layer forms to prevent other sperm from entering. The sperm and egg unite to start the fertilization process.

4. Implantation:

   After fertilization, the fertilized egg moves from the fallopian tube to the uterus while dividing and forming a blastocyst. The blastocyst reaches the uterus within 3-4 days after fertilization and floats in the uterus for 2-3 days before attaching to the uterine wall (implantation).

Embryo Formation:

Pregnancy continues with the formation of the embryo. The blastocyst, which attaches to the uterine wall, undergoes cell division and develops into the embryo and amnion (a sac-like organ where the embryo develops during pregnancy).

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a syndrome (a group of symptoms) that is a complex condition diagnosed with the presence of two out of three criteria: excess androgen hormones, ovulation disorders, and small cysts on the ovaries.

Symptoms and signs of PCOS:

1. Menstrual cycle disorders:

   Less than 8 menstrual periods per year, cycles more than 21 days, or no menstruation (amenorrhea).

2. Multiple ovarian cysts:

   Enlarged ovaries due to excess androgen hormones, producing many small cysts, preventing the egg from developing properly.

3. Hirsutism:

   Excessive male-pattern hair growth on the upper lip, chin, neck, chest, upper abdomen, and inner thighs.

4. Acne:

   Excessive acne growth on the face, chest, and back.

5. Darkened skin:

   Especially in the neck folds, under breasts, and groin due to increased androgen hormones.

6. Skin tags:

   Flesh-colored growths on the neck and armpits.

7. Weight gain:

   Obesity due to hormonal imbalances.

8. Mood changes:

   Irregular hormone levels causing continuous mood swings, stress, and depression.

9. Baldness:

   Male-pattern baldness.

10. Fertility disorders:

   Difficulty getting pregnant due to hormonal imbalances, leading to inadequate egg production.

11. Headaches and sleep disorders (Sleep Apnea):

   Frequent headaches due to unstable hormones and sleep apnea caused by obesity.

Causes and Risk Factors of PCOS:

1. Insulin Resistance:

   High insulin levels increase androgen hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances.

2. Hormonal Imbalance:

   Abnormal levels of androgen hormones, testosterone, LH, sex hormone-binding globulin, and prolactin.

3. Genetic Factors:

   PCOS can be inherited within families.

Author: Dr. Syamsul Andi Hakim (Medical Consultant, PRAMITA Laboratory, Sumarecon Branch, Bekasi)