Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting millions of women worldwide. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and infertility.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of PCOS-related infertility.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when the ovaries produce too many androgens, which are male hormones that women naturally produce in small amounts.

The excess androgens interfere with the development and release of eggs from the ovaries, leading to irregular periods and fertility problems.

There is no single cause of PCOS, but it is believed to be linked to insulin resistance, which is a common precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance can cause the body to produce more androgens, which can then interfere with the normal hormonal balance. Other risk factors for PCOS include genetics, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

What are the Symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS can cause a range of symptoms, including:.

Irregular periods or no periods at all
Heavy or prolonged periods
Acne
Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and back)
Weight gain or obesity
Difficulty losing weight
Anxiety or depression
Infertility

Not all women with PCOS will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms can vary widely between individuals.

How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?

The most common fertility problem associated with PCOS is anovulation, which is the failure to ovulate (release an egg) regularly or at all. In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries produce and release an egg each month.

However, in women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalances can prevent eggs from developing properly or being released from the ovaries at the appropriate time. This can make it difficult or impossible to conceive naturally.

PCOS can also increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. Women with PCOS are more likely to have gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.

They are also at higher risk of needing a caesarean section.

If you have been trying to conceive for a year or longer without success, and you have irregular periods or other symptoms of PCOS, you should see your healthcare provider.

They will likely ask you questions about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order some tests to help diagnose the cause of your infertility.

Some of the tests your doctor may order include:.

Blood tests to check your hormone levels and rule out other possible causes of infertility
An ultrasound to check for cysts on your ovaries and monitor your menstrual cycle
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which is a special type of X-ray that can detect blockages in your fallopian tubes

There are several treatments available for women with PCOS-related infertility. The right treatment for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and any other underlying health conditions you may have.

Some of the most common treatments for PCOS-related infertility include:.

Weight loss: Losing just a small amount of weight can help regulate your menstrual cycle and increase your chances of ovulating.
Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid) to help stimulate ovulation.
Fertility treatments: Women with PCOS-related infertility may need additional fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive.
Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress can also help manage PCOS-related infertility.

Conclusion

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can cause a range of symptoms, including infertility. If you are struggling to conceive, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to rule out PCOS and other possible causes of infertility.

With the right diagnosis and treatment, many women with PCOS-related infertility are able to conceive and have healthy pregnancies.