When PCOS, Diabetes, and Even a Rare Uterine Condition Couldn’t Stop Motherhood

On paper, her chances looked impossible. PCOS, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, vaginismus, and even a rare uterine anomaly all stacked up against her. But with the right science, the right doctors, and care that treated her as more than just a patient, she went on to experience the joy of pregnancy.

Case Study: Birla Fertility & IVF, Gurgaon (Dr. Prachi Benara & Dr. Rashmika Nanda)

Case Summary: Her Journey to Parenthood

This patient was 33 years old and had been married for 8 years. She had tried to conceive naturally many times but without success. Her medical history was complex: PCOS, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and obesity.

During a hysteroscopy, doctors also discovered that she had a unicornuate uterus. This rare anomaly means the uterus develops smaller than normal, leaving less space for implantation and increasing miscarriage risk.

She was also dealing with severe vaginismus, which caused painful spasms of the pelvic floor muscles during penetration. This made intercourse, gynecological exams, and even fertility procedures extremely difficult.

With all these challenges, she and her partner turned to Birla Fertility & IVF, Sector 14, Gurgaon, determined to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

The Barriers She Faced

This was far from a routine case. Several medical conditions came together to complicate her fertility journey:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Disrupted ovulation led to irregular cycles and often produced poor-quality eggs.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Affected ovarian function and egg quality, while also raising pregnancy risks like miscarriage, preeclampsia, and fetal anomalies.
• Obesity and Hypertension: Made IVF outcomes poorer, increased risks during anesthesia, and negatively impacted implantation.
• Unicornuate Uterus: Reduced uterine volume, which limited implantation capacity and raised miscarriage risk.
• Severe Vaginismus: Involuntary pelvic muscle contractions that made procedures like IUI painful or nearly impossible.

The Treatment Plan That Made the Difference

“The key was to tailor every aspect of care to this patient’s unique needs, balancing safety, comfort, and clinical effectiveness.”
— Dr. Prachi Benara, Centre Head and Senior Consultant

• Direct IVF with Personalised Stimulation: Since IUI and other procedures were not possible, treatment began directly with IVF. Stimulation was customised to avoid hyperstimulation, which is a common risk in PCOS, while still retrieving good-quality eggs.
• Safe Sedation and Anesthesia: Her obesity, hypertension, and vaginismus made anesthesia a challenge. The team used intravenous sedation for both egg retrieval and embryo transfer, keeping her safe and comfortable without invasive airway management.
• Embryo Selection and Transfer: Six high-quality blastocysts were developed. With ultrasound guidance, the transfer was carefully done to the most receptive region of her uterus.
• Post-Transfer Care: After transfer, she was monitored closely. A multidisciplinary team of dietitians, endocrinologists, anesthetists, and fertility experts worked together to manage her health and reassure her throughout the process.

The Outcome

The IVF cycle succeeded. She conceived.
It wasn’t an easy pregnancy, but with strict monitoring and coordinated antenatal care, she continued steadily toward parenthood.

A Story of Parenthood Against the Odds

Her journey was not easy. There were moments when the odds seemed too heavy, yet she kept going. With the right medical guidance and with a team that stood by her at every step, she experienced the joy she had been waiting for.

At Birla Fertility & IVF, Gurgaon, we believe every journey is unique. With science, empathy, and a personalised approach, even the most complex challenges can lead to parenthood.