PCOS and Infertility
March 19, 2025PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that impacts women of reproductive age. Although symptoms may change over time, they typically begin in adolescence. According to the US Office on Women's Health (OWH), 5–10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have PCOS. According to them, PCOS is a “common and treatable cause of infertility.”
Hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, high testosterone levels, and ovarian cysts can all be symptoms of PCOS. Getting pregnant can be challenging if you have irregular periods, which typically include no ovulation. PCOS is known to be one of the main causes of infertility.
Let's look at how this condition can affect fertility and their possible treatment options.
What is PCOS?
In women of childbearing age, tiny cysts called follicles that are filled with fluid form on the surface of the ovary each month. One of the follicles produces a mature egg as a result of female sex hormones, such as estrogen. This egg then emerges from the follicle after being released by the ovary.
Women with PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, have an imbalance in their female sex hormones. The development and release of mature eggs may be affected by the imbalance. Thus, both ovulation and pregnancy are impossible without a fully developed egg.
The primary male sex hormone, testosterone, may also rise abnormally as a result of the hormone imbalance. Although it is typically produced in trace amounts, women also produce testosterone.
How Does PCOS Affect Pregnancy?
PCOS can have various effects on a person's ability to conceive. It is estimated that between 70 and 80% of PCOS patients experience infertility. There is a hormonal imbalance in PCOS patients that can result in:
- An elevated level of hormones called androgens.
- The development of tiny, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that are painless.
- Thickening of the outer shell of the ovaries.
- Thickening of the ovaries' outer shell. elevated blood insulin levels.
All of these things have the potential to disrupt ovulation. Missed or irregular periods are one indication that PCOS is taking place.
Treatment for PCOS
The particular situation of each individual, including their symptoms and goals, will determine the best course of treatment for PCOS. Following are a few common ways to manage infertility in PCOS:
Weight Management
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can greatly increase fertility in women with PCOS. This is one of the common strategies for managing infertility in PCOS. Menstrual regularity can be restored, and ovulation chances are raised by losing weight through diet and regular exercise.
Dietary Changes
Insulin levels, which are frequently higher in PCOS, can be controlled with a low-glycemic index diet. The doctor may occasionally suggest certain dietary supplements, like inositol, to support hormonal balance and enhance ovulatory function.
Ovulation-inducing Medications
Letrozole or clomiphene citrate are frequently prescribed to cause ovulation. These drugs aid in encouraging the release of eggs from the ovaries. To track ovulation, hormonal testing and ultrasound monitoring are important.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Injections
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) injections can be used to induce ovulation in women who don't react to conventional ovulation-inducing drugs.
Ovarian Drilling
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a surgical technique that uses a heated needle or laser to create tiny holes in the ovaries. In certain situations, this can induce ovulation.
Fertility Treatments to Help Conceive
Fertility treatments can help the vast majority of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome conceive, though it is impossible to predict a woman's chances of becoming pregnant in any given situation.
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
If surgery, medication, and lifestyle changes do not work, then IVF might be a great option to conceive. In order to stimulate your ovaries, you will first receive fertility injections. It's possible that you will produce several eggs simultaneously. The eggs will be fertilized with sperm after they are collected. You may also freeze some fertilized eggs for later use, while others will be moved to your uterus for development and implantation. Multiple births may become possible as a result of IVF.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Another effective treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is intrauterine insemination (IUI). The IUI procedure involves inserting sperm directly into the uterus during the time of ovulation. For couples experiencing infertility due to PCOS, it may be a good choice, particularly if ovulation-inducing drugs are taken.
Fertility Preservation
Fertility preservation options, such as egg freezing, should be taken into consideration by women with PCOS who may have fertility-reducing procedures (like ovarian drilling) or who may experience future fertility problems.
Bottom Line
PCOS is a disorder that can cause ovulation problems due to an imbalance in hormones. PCOS can make it difficult for some people to become pregnant. However, there are effective treatments available. Seeing a doctor and receiving a precise diagnosis is the first step toward increasing your chances of becoming pregnant.
We at Apollo Fertility are aware of the difficulties and complications associated with PCOS, particularly when it affects fertility. We are proud to have a committed group of experts who understand the complexities of PCOS and its effects. Our top priorities are your individual needs and your aspirations for beginning or growing a family. Make an appointment today.
