A. PCOD or polycystic ovarian disorder is a disorder of the ovaries (the reproductive organs of the females that are responsible for the production of female eggs and female sex hormones) characterized by hormonal imbalance, enlargement of the ovaries, and many small fluid-filled sacs, known as cysts, on the ovaries.

A. PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is the severed form of PCOD. It is an endocrine disorder that occurs when PCOD spreads to the whole body.

Q. Are PCOD and PCOS the same?

A. No, although both conditions have similar symptoms, PCOS is a more severe version of PCOD. When PCOD becomes totally unmanageable and the disorder has spread to the whole body, the condition is known as PCOS.

Q. Which doctor should I consult for PCOD and PCOS?

A. PCOD and PCOS can be best managed by a gynecologist.

Q. Which age group is most prone to developing PCOD or PCOS?

A. PCOD or PCOS is most commonly seen in women belonging to the age group of 15 to 44 years.

Q. Who is at a higher risk of developing PCOD or PCOS?

A. Women who smoke or drink alcohol frequently, are obese, have a family history of PCOS, or lead a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of developing PCOD or PCOS due to the higher chances of hormonal imbalances.

Q. Will PCOD / PCOS affect my fertility?

A. Yes, women having PCOD or PCOS have an imbalance in their hormone levels that leads to irregular periods or no ovulation (when the matured female egg is released from the ovary). Ovulation is important for the fertilization of the female egg with the male sperm. No ovulation means no chances of pregnancy, and this is how PCOD or PCOS affects the fertility of a woman.

Q. Can a woman with PCOD or PCOS get pregnant?

A. Yes, although PCOD or PCOS does reduce the fertility of a woman due to irregular ovulation and hormonal imbalance, causing difficulty in getting pregnant. However, it is still very much possible that a woman with PCOD or PCOS may get pregnant.

Q. Can PCOD or PCOS lead to cancer?

A. Yes, PCOD or PCOS may increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer (cancer of the inner uterus lining).

Q. What is the recommended diet for a woman having PCOD or PCOS?

A. A woman having PCOD or PCOS is recommended to follow a diet having a low glycemic index, fat, and calorie content. The diet followed should be rich in minerals, proteins, and vitamins. Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended. Junk food and processed food should be avoided.

Q. What is the cost of PCOD and PCOS treatment in India?

A. The cost of PCOD and PCOS treatment varies depending on the type of treatment performed, where the cost of treatment using medications is much lesser compared to treatment by surgery, the health condition of the patient, and the expertise of the gynecologist. On average, the cost of PCOD and PCOS treatment in India is between INR 5,000 to INR 50,000.

PCOD and PCOS treatment

PCOD and PCOS are commonly seen in women of reproductive age. PCOD can be controlled by lifestyle and diet modifications, whereas PCOS is a rare, irreversible condition that requires proper medical or surgical treatment.

Causes:The possible causes of PCOD and PCOS are:

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The symptoms associated with PCOD or PCOS are as follows:

Irregular menses, which could include early, delayed, scanty, or heavy menstrual periods
Oily skin
Acne
Sudden gain in weight
Difficulty in losing weight
Excessive growth of body hair
Growth of facial hair
Baldness around the central hairline
Frequent and extreme mood swings
Constant tiredness and fatigue

Physical examination: The doctor will evaluate the physical health of the woman. The woman will be asked about her menstrual period and weight fluctuations. The doctor will also check for symptoms like excess hair growth, acne, and insulin resistance.
Pelvic exam: The doctor will check the female reproductive organs for growths, masses, or any other changes that may be present.
Blood tests: It helps in measuring hormone levels. Fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels are also determined. A glucose tolerance test helps in measuring the response of the body to sugar. These tests help in excluding the other possible causes of menstrual problems.
Ultrasound: This test helps in checking the appearance of the ovaries, and the thickness of the uterine lining. A transducer or wand-like device is placed in the vagina. This transducer emits sound waves that create images on a computer screen.

Non-surgical treatment options:

Dietary modifications: Eat fresh food and avoid consuming packaged and junk food.
Weight loss: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet to lose any excess weight that you may have.
Medications:

The following medications may be recommended to regulate the menstrual periods:

Combination birth control pills
Progestin is taken for 10 to 14 days, every one to two months

The following medicines may be recommended to help a woman ovulate:

Clomiphene
Letrozole
Metformin
Gonadotropins

The following medications may be recommended to improve acne and reduce the excessive growth of hair:

Birth control pills
Spironolactone
Eflornithine
Topical creams or gels to improve acne
Hair removal creams
Electrolysis (removal of hair using electric current) and laser hair removal can be used to remove hair.

Surgical treatment: A procedure known as laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be used as a last resort to treat PCOD and PCOS when other treatment methods have failed. This is because this treatment method has an increased risk of permanent damage to the ovaries. The procedure is performed as follows:

The patient is first given general anesthesia and put to sleep before the procedure.
A tiny keyhole incision is made by the surgeon around the ovaries to insert a laparoscope (a thin tube having a camera on one end).
The surgeon then uses electrocautery or a laser for puncturing and destroying the exact areas where the ovaries produce androgens, thereby restoring ovulation.
The site is then stitched back using dissolvable sutures.
The procedure takes less than 60 minutes to complete
The patient is usually discharged from the hospital on the same day of the surgery after the effect of the anesthesia wears off.

The complications associated with untreated PCOD or PCOS may include:

Miscarriage
Premature birth
Infertility
Diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (fat buildup in the liver leading to severe inflammation of the liver)
Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome (a number of health conditions that increases the risk of developing heart and blood vessel diseases)
Depression or anxiety
Eating disorders
Obesity
Sleep apnea (a sleep disorder in which the breathing repeatedly stops and starts while sleeping)
Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus or womb lining)

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling surgery is recommended in only extremely rare cases and may be associated with the following complications:

Infection
Bleeding
Internal scarring and bleeding
Accidental injury to the ovaries, blood vessels, or surrounding organs
Surgical menopause and infertility
Side effects of the anesthesia used, like pain, constipation, and use of carbon dioxide gas during the procedure
Failure to treat the condition completely

The post-procedure steps following a laparoscopic ovarian drilling surgery are as follows:

It is normal to have some pain, itching, and pull on the incision site after the effect of the anesthesia wears off.
The doctor will prescribe painkillers, antibiotics, and multivitamins after surgery.
The doctor may sometimes recommend staying in the hospital for one or two days after the surgery.
Avoid bending and overexertion of the body for at least five to seven days after the surgery.
Increase the intake of iron, calcium, and magnesium for a quicker and smoother recovery.
Complete the entire course of prescribed medicines in a timely manner.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Eat a fiber-rich diet and take mild laxatives to prevent constipation.

Home remedies:

The following home remedies help in relieving the symptoms associated with PCOD or PCOS:

Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet
Avoid junk and processed food
Exercise regularly
Maintain a regular sleep pattern

Cost of PCOD/ PCOS treatment in India-

The cost of PCOD/PCOS treatment in Mumbai is between INR 6,000 to INR 50,000.
The cost of PCOD/PCOS treatment in Delhi is between INR 5,500 to INR 45,000.
The cost of PCOD/PCOS treatment in Bangalore is between INR 5,500 to INR 45,000.
The cost of PCOD/PCOS treatment in Chennai is between INR 5,000 to INR 40,000.