Alan B. Copperman, MD

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries accumulate tiny "cysts" (actually little follicles, two to five millimeters in diameter, each of which contains an egg)

There are several steps that each woman should take before she even tries to become pregnant. A visit to a gynecologist (or qualified internist) should occur at least three months before a couple is ready to conceive. During this visit, a full physical examination should be done.

With more information being made available on-line, and support groups helping to increase awareness of infertility, patients have a seemingly limitless amount of information now available to them. One direct result of the ongoing information revolution is that patients today are becoming more knowledgeable and empowered than ever before.

Infertility is the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse in women under 35, or after six months in women over 35, or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. Couples who have known barriers to fertility, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, male factor infertility, irregular cycles, etc., do not need to sit out the traditional waiting period to seek expert care for infertility.

A thorough history should include information about past surgical history, medical history, exposures to tobacco, alcohol, environmental toxins, a history of sexually transmitted diseases, a careful menstrual history, a history of any past pregnancies, a through review of all organ systems, and any other relevant information.

Pelvic pain Menopause PMS Infertility Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Prolactin Polycystic Ovaries Pelvic SurgeryEndometriosis Fibroids Reversal of Tubal Ligation Ectopic Pregnancy Multiple Gestation Endometrial Polyps Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Although sperm and embryos (fertilized eggs) have been successfully frozen and subsequently thawed to create healthy children for decades, it is only recently that successful human egg freezing has become a reality.

Asherman’s Syndrome is an extremely common and occasionally complicated disease entity. It takes many forms and can follow a routine D&C, a hysteroscopy, a delivery or even a surgical procedure such as a myomectomy or polypectomy. This case study from Dr. Alan Copperman reviews diagnosis and treatment options.