What causes the symptoms of PCOS? Most of the symptoms of PCOS are caused by higher-than-normal levels of certain hormones, called androgens. The ovaries produce hormones, which are chemicals that control functions in the body. One of the hormones that the ovaries make is estrogen—sometimes called the "female hormone" because women's bodies make more of it than men's bodies do. The ovaries also m ...

GDM Complications that may affect your baby: If you have gestational diabetes, your baby may be at increased risk of: Excessive birth weight. Extra glucose in your bloodstream crosses the placenta, which triggers your baby's pancreas to make extra insulin. This can cause your baby to grow too large (macrosomia). Very large babies — those that weigh 9 pounds or more — are more likely to become we ...

OVULATION: Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. It often happens about midway through the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary. In preparation for ovulation, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, thickens. The pituitary gland in the brain stimulates one of the ovaries to release an egg. The wall of the ovarian follicle ruptures at the surface of the ovary ...

What is the link between varicocele and infertility? What is a varicocele? Do varicoceles cause infertility? Causes and risk factors Diagnosis Treatment Outlook Many men have enlarged veins in the scrotum, which is the pouch that holds the testicles. Doctors call these veins varicoceles. Many men with varicoceles have no symptoms, but some may have fertility issues. Varicoceles are common. What ...

How long should couples try to get pregnant before seeing a doctor? Most experts suggest at least one year for women younger than age 35. However, for women aged 35 years or older, couples should see a health care provider after 6 months of trying unsuccessfully. A woman’s chances of having a baby decrease rapidly every year after the age of 30. Some health problems also increase the risk of infe ...

INFERTILITY: Infertility means not being able to become pregnant within certain parameters. Infertility is a common problem of about 6% of women aged 15 to 44. Infertility can be due to the woman, the man, both sexes, or unknown problems. Infertility in men can be due to varicocele, trauma, low or absent sperm count, sperm damage, alcohol use, or certain diseases like diabetes, cystic fibrosis, au ...

If you've had regular, unprotected sex for more than a year without conceiving (or six months if you're older than 35), see your doctor. About 65 percent of couples that get treatment for a fertility problem are eventually able to have a successful pregnancy, according to Resolve, the national infertility association. The success rates below are based on averages gathered from large groups of pat ...

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which small follicles in the ovaries don't develop into the larger, mature follicles that release eggs. It's also characterized by hormone imbalances and unpredictable ovulation patterns. Possible symptoms: irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and obesity. Possible solutions: Lifestyle modifications (lik ...