Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition where a woman's ovaries and adrenal glands produce more androgens than normal. This can lead to increased body hair, acne and irregular periods.
Worldwide 6-10% of the female population are known to suffer from PCOS, thus making PCOS the most common endocrine disorder.
Causes
There is no known cause of PCOS.
It is believed that both environmental as well as genetic factors play a role in the etiology.
As many as 20% of women with infertility problems and early pregnancy loss have been diagnosed with PCOS.
Hence making PCOS one of the most common cause of anovulatory infertility in women.
Research shows that out of all couples seeking treatment for infertility, 30% of cases are due to anovulation and that 90% of anovulation cases are actually caused by PCOS.
How is PCOS Diagnosis made
There are several challenges in confirming the diagnosis of PCOS in women who present its characteristics symptoms.
Transvaginal ultrasound is one of the main tools a clinician has when it comes to diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as it provides important information about appearances of ovaries and follicles they contain.
Ultrasound finding are used in conjunction with the results of blood tests, a thorough patient history and physical examination to diagnose this syndrome.
The presence of 12 or more small follicles (between two and nine mm in diameter) in both ovaries and an ovarian volume in excess of 12 mls confirms the ovaries display features of PCOS.
However the physicians do not typically rely solely on that definition in order to make a diagnosis.
A blood test is also suggested in conjunction with ultrasound.
How Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound Performed?
A transvaginal ultrasound can be performed in an ultrasound centre . For the procedure, you are asked to empty your urinary bladder and remove clothing from the lower part of your body. A lubricated ultrasound probe (in a probe cover) is placed inside the vagina. This ultrasound probe transmits an image of the internal organs onto a screen. The sonographer then evaluates your reproductive organs, measures and takes pictures of your ovaries and issues a report to share with your doctor.
Does Transvaginal Ultrasound Hurt?
Some women may experience very mild discomfort while the probe is moved during the ultrasound Examination. However it should not hurt, depending on the ease in which the sonographer can locate the internal reproductive organs.
What Is the Doctor Looking for on the Ultrasound?
The sonographer will examine your uterus, cervix, and uterus. The number of follicles on your ovary will be counted to yield what is known as an antral follicle count (AFC).
What Are Antral Follicles?
Antral follicles are resting follicles that are found in the ovary at the beginning of each menstrual cycle. They are approximately two to nine mm in size (less than half an inch). A high antral follicle count indicates that a woman has a large number of eggs remaining in her ovary and, in some cases, PCOS.?
If Your Diagnosis is Uncertain
If you are uncertain about your diagnosis of PCOS (or lack of one), it can’t hurt to get a second opinion. Endocrinologists and reproductive endocrinologists are medical specialists with additional training in evaluating and treating hormonal disorders.