Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

PCOS and Fertility

PCOS affects a woman’s ability to ovulate regularly. Ovulation is the process by which a female’s body releases an egg from the ovaries. This egg is then ready to be fertilized by a sperm.

However, in women with PCOS, ovulation does not happen regularly or sometimes not at all. This results in irregular menstrual cycles, which makes it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.

In women with PCOS, the ovaries produce higher than normal levels of androgens, a group of hormones that include testosterone. These high levels of androgens can interfere with the normal functioning of the ovaries, causing cysts to develop.

These small, fluid-filled sacs can prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Symptoms of PCOS

Women with PCOS may experience:.

Irregular periods
Excessive hair growth
Acne
Weight gain
Thinning hair
Darkening of skin, especially around the neck, underarms, and groin
Difficulty losing weight
Infertility

Diagnosing PCOS

Diagnosing PCOS involves several tests, including:.

Blood tests to measure hormone levels, including androgens and insulin
A pelvic exam to check for abnormalities in the reproductive organs
An ultrasound exam to look for cysts on the ovaries

Women with PCOS usually have at least two of these three characteristics:.

Irregular periods
Elevated levels of androgens
Cysts on the ovaries

Treatment for PCOS and Infertility

There is no cure for PCOS, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. The treatment for infertility in women with PCOS depends on the woman’s age, the severity of her symptoms, and her desire to become pregnant.

Treatments for PCOS include:.

Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, to help with weight loss and regulate insulin levels
Medications, such as metformin, to help regulate insulin and androgen levels
Hormonal birth control to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels
Fertility medications, such as clomiphene citrate, to induce ovulation
Surgical procedures, such as ovarian drilling, to improve ovulation

For women who are overweight, losing weight can help regulate hormone levels and improve fertility. Exercise and a healthy diet can also help with weight loss and overall health.

Fertility medications, such as clomiphene citrate, are often the first-line treatment for infertility in women with PCOS. These medications stimulate ovulation, increasing the chances of getting pregnant.

If fertility medications do not work, a woman may need to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In rare cases, women with PCOS may need surgery to improve their chances of getting pregnant. Ovarian drilling is a surgical procedure in which small holes are made in the ovaries to improve hormonal balance and induce ovulation.

This procedure is usually done using laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique.

Conclusion

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects many women. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

Women with PCOS face many challenges when it comes to fertility, but with proper treatment and care, many women can become pregnant and have healthy babies. If you have PCOS and are having trouble getting pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your options.