How PCOS Affects Ovulation and Fertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that impacts about 8 to 13% of women of reproductive age. It can cause irregular periods and ovulation, excess hair growth, acne, and infertility. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to help individuals with PCOS grow their families.
PCOS and Reproductive Health
PCOS occurs when the ovaries produce unusually high levels of androgens, a type of sex hormone. Androgens play a pivotal role in regulating menstruation and aiding in conception and pregnancy in women. An imbalance in androgen levels can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and unpredictable ovulation, which can negatively impact fertility.
Ovulation is the specific time in a woman's cycle when an ovary releases an egg. When trying to conceive, there is a 12 to 24-hour window during which the egg can be fertilized. If ovulation is unpredictable, identifying this fertile window can be challenging, making it more difficult to become pregnant. Some women with PCOS don't ovulate at all.
Additionally, individuals with PCOS may develop small follicle cysts (fluid-filled sacs with immature eggs) on their ovaries due to infrequent or lack of ovulation. These ovarian cysts are not typically dangerous or painful, but they can make it difficult to conceive.
Conceiving with PCOS
If you’re trying to get pregnant with PCOS, there are fertility treatments available to help you. For example, a fertility specialist may prescribe medication to stimulate ovulation. In some cases, the doctor may also perform a surgical procedure to remove excess tissue in the ovaries causing hormonal imbalance, thus restoring ovulation.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is another fertility treatment that can assist individuals with PCOS in conceiving. During IVF, the reproductive physician retrieves eggs, fertilizes them with the partner's sperm to create embryos, and then implants those embryos into the uterus, with the hope of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Diagnosing PCOS
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70% of PCOS cases are undiagnosed. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor:
- Irregular periods
- Abnormal hair growth
- Acne
- Obesity
- Darkening of the skin
- Cysts
- Thinning hair
- Infertility
In most cases, your healthcare provider can diagnose PCOS after an examination and a discussion of your symptoms. They may also order blood tests or perform an ultrasound. Once you are diagnosed, you and your fertility team can collaborate to create a treatment plan that maximizes your chances of conception.
Get Exceptional PCOS Fertility Treatment
PCOS impacts ovulation and, therefore, fertility. While a PCOS diagnosis can be frustrating, the right fertility team will go above and beyond to make your dreams of parenthood a reality. At Aspire Fertility, our expert fertility specialists use advanced techniques and technology to address conditions that impact fertility, like PCOS. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
