QuestionDear Edward,
Hope you are doing well, i have a query related to polycystic ovarian syndrome. i have been facing irregular menstrual cycle for almost 3 years and am carrying poly cystic ovaries with right ovary measuring 3.9 cm and left 3.4 cm. I have been given ovafin for ovulation but still i have not been able to conceive. It was my first cycle of ovafin. Please advise what should be the best treatment option in my case.
Best Regards,
Zubia
AnswerHello Zubia from Saudi Arabia,
First, I would recommend that you consult my blog where I have written extensively regarding PCO and its treatment. There is too much for me to put in this answer.
Ovafin is Clomiphene Citrate which is used as a fertility medication to induce the ovaries to ovulate. The basic problem with PCO is that there is an ovarian dysfunction and the ovaries do not ovulate. However, 1 tablet (50mg) is the minimum dose and PCO patients usually will NOT respond to such a low dose. Most will require high dosages such as 250 mg per day (5 tablets). In addition, if your doctor is not doing ultrasound to determine how you are responding, then you may be wasting your time. It should not be given as just a prescription to be used for several months. Each cycle should be monitored by ultrasound to see how your responding so that if the dosage is inadequate, it can be increased the next month. If 250 mg are not adequate to induce ovulation then injectable medications will need to be used or you might have to proceed to IVF.
Secondly, PCO is a difficult fertility problem and you really need to see an expert to be treated appropriately. Don't just see a general doctor or general Ob/Gyn. You need to see an infertility specialist, preferably one that can do IVF.
Good Luck,
Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
