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Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) is a health condition characterized by the development of cysts in the ovaries. The hormonal imbalance that contributes to these cysts can also prevent ovulation, which means many women with PCOD struggle to conceive. If you have PCOD but are finally ready to start a family, the compassionate team at Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute, Honolulu’s leading infertility clinic, can help. Below, they explain the infertility treatment options available for women with PCOD.

Intrauterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is the conservative approach for treating infertility caused by anovulation, which is common among women with PCOD. In IUI, the sperm is placed inside the woman’s uterus, but it must still reach and fertilize the egg on its own. This procedure facilitates conception by increasing the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and the chances that one of them will fertilize the egg.

infertility clinicThe first step of the IUI procedure is administering medication that stimulates ovulation, which is why it can be an effective approach for women whose only roadblock to conception is anovulation; however, at around 20% per cycle, its success rates are not nearly as high as those for in vitro fertilization. For this reason, many women opt for IVF after just a few rounds of IUI.

In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization is a bit more in-depth than intrauterine insemination, but it is more effective for women with PCOD who are trying to conceive because it eliminates certain variables that IUI does not. For women younger than 35 for example, IVF has a success rate of up to 43%—more than double that of IUI.

Like IUI, the IVF procedure begins with administering medication to stimulate ovulation. These eggs are then retrieved and fertilized in a laboratory at the infertility clinic. Once the eggs and sperm develop into embryos, they are returned to the woman’s uterus, where implantation hopefully occurs.

If you have polycystic ovarian disease and are ready to start a family, turn to Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute in Honolulu. The caring staff at this infertility clinic will help you explore all of your options for conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy to term. To learn more about the IVF process for women with PCOD, visit their website or call (808) 946-2226. 

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