FSH, three letters that can wreak havoc on those trying to have a child.  Once referred to as the “cruelest number,” it has long been used as a predictor of someone’s chance to conceive – a/k/a a measurement of ovarian reserve.  In this way, measuring FSH has been one of the earliest tools for helping to understand fertility decline with age.

The Institute for the Study and Treatment of Endometriosis (Endometriosis Institute) has been in the forefront of endometriosis research, education, and patient care for almost thirty years. We have contributed to the knowledge on endometriosis through basic and clinical research and more than 300 publications on the subject. Over the years, we have participated in the development of new endometriosis treatment methods, such as Danazol, GNRH agonists, and GNRH antagonists, and continue to conduct clinical research trials supported by the pharmaceutical industry using new drugs that are in the process of development and FDA approval. These trials are at no cost to the patients.
 

A recent article from the journal Fertility and Sterility has created some controversy on the Internet and likely in the minds of those individuals and couples trying to conceive.  The article, citing an Australian study, seemed to be lauding the importance of waiting to seek fertility treatment, claiming that many will become pregnant on their own within a year. 

 Some people have interpreted this article to mean that an individual or a couple, worried about being infertile, should wait and others have argued that you should wait only if you know the diagnosis. The reality is that if a person could predict the future, all of this would become instantly clear. Since that is not possible, waiting may actually deprive some people of an opportunity to resolve their infertility issues.

So, how long is too long?

Just like the Birds and the Bees, most people will have no problems conceiving once they decide to do so. However, about 15% of the couples trying to conceive will not get pregnant, at least not within their time frame. The temptation is to seek medical help will increase their chances of achieving a pregnancy. However, before embarking on this sometimes arduous journey, it might be a good idea to make sure that all non-medically necessary efforts have been made to enhance the chance of conception.

For some time, Reproductive endocrinologists have believed that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) has psychological consequences on its sufferers.  This general opinion was affirmed in the most recent edition of Human Reproduction (2011: 26: 1399). Deeks et al reported on a study involving 177 women with the diagnosis of PCOS. The authors tested the participants with a number of psychological tests designed to diagnose anxiety and/or depression. Women with PCOS were more likely to have problems with self-worth and body image. Women with PCOS also had higher levels of anxiety and depression. The problems with depression and anxiety occurred independent from weight and seemed to be related to the PCOS itself.