Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (cont.)
Surgery
Surgical treatment is sometimes used for women with infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who do not start ovulating after taking medicine. During surgery, ovarian function is improved by reducing the number of small cysts.
Surgery choices
- Ovarian wedge resection is the surgical removal of part of an ovary. This is done to help regulate menstrual cycles and start normal ovulation. It is rarely used now because of the possibility of damaging the ovary and creating scar tissue.
- Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a surgical treatment that can trigger ovulation in women who have PCOS and who have not responded to weight loss and fertility medicine. Electrocautery or a laser is used to destroy portions of the ovaries.
What to think about
Surgery for PCOS may be recommended only if you have not responded to any other treatment for PCOS. Each woman will want to discuss the risks and benefits of this surgery with her doctor. Surgery is less likely to lead to multiple pregnancies than taking fertility medicines. It is not known how long the benefits from surgery will last. There is some concern that ovarian surgery can cause scar tissue, which can lead to pain or more fertility problems.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) |
| 409 12th Street SW |
| P.O. Box 96920 |
| Washington, DC 20090-6920 |
| Phone: | (202) 638-5577 |
| Email: | resources@acog.org |
| Web Address: | www.acog.org |
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American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is a nonprofit organization of professionals who provide health care for women, including teens. The ACOG Resource Center publishes manuals and patient education materials. The Web publications section of the site has patient education pamphlets on many women's health topics, including reproductive health, breast-feeding, violence, and quitting smoking. |
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| American Fertility Association |
| 305 Madison Avenue |
| Suite 449 |
| New York, NY 10165 |
| Phone: | 1-888-917-3777 |
| Email: | info@theafa.org |
| Web Address: | www.theafa.org |
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The American Fertility Association is a national nonprofit organization that helps women and men facing decisions related to family building and reproductive health—from prevention and treatment of infertility to social and psychological concerns. The mission of AFA is to serve as a lifetime resource for men and women who need reproductive information and support and to forward the causes of adoption and reproductive health through advocacy, education, awareness building, and research funding. |
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| National Institute of Child Health and Human Development |
| P.O. Box 3006 |
| Rockville, MD 20847 |
| Phone: | 1-800-370-2943 |
| Fax: | 1-866-760-5947 toll-free |
| TDD: | 1-888-320-6942 |
| Email: | NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov |
| Web Address: | www.nichd.nih.gov |
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The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The NICHD conducts and supports research related to the health of children, adults, and families. NICHD has information on its Web site about many health topics. And you can send specific requests to information specialists. |
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| National Women's Health Information Center |
| 8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive |
| Fairfax, VA 22031 |
| Phone: | 1-800-994-9662 (202) 690-7650 |
| Fax: | (202) 205-2631 |
| TDD: | 1-888-220-5446 |
| Web Address: | www.womenshealth.gov |
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The National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) is a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. NWHIC provides women's health information to a variety of audiences, including consumers, health professionals, and researchers. |
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| Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association (PCOSA) |
| P.O. Box 3403 |
| Englewood, CO 80111 |
| Email: | info@pcosupport.org |
| Web Address: | www.PCOSupport.org |
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The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association (PCOSA) provides a central and comprehensive set of resources for information on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOSA also provides an advocacy network, including social support, for women with PCOS and for their families. |
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