Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility: Treatment Options Can Make Pregnancy Possible

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an ovarian condition caused by hormonal imbalance. Common symptoms include high level androgen secretion, irregular menstruation, and weight gain.
Women with PCOS frequently experience hormonal abnormalities that result in incomplete follicle development, leading to irregular or delayed menstrual periods, and consequently, reduced fertility.

This article will help you understand what PCOS-related infertility is, whether women with polycystic ovary syndrome still have a chance to conceive naturally, and how to choose an appropriate fertility treatment.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and how is it related to infertility?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition characterized by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) in women, often accompanied by an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level above 5 ng/dl.
Such hormonal imbalances can disrupt ovarian function, affecting ovulation and fertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often leads to chronic anovulation, which makes pregnancy difficult due to the absence of ovulation. Additionally, irregular ovulation and unpredictable menstrual cycles make it harder to time intercourse for conception, significantly reducing the likelihood of successful pregnancy.

Furthermore, women with PCOS often experience abnormal ovarian function, leading to luteal phase insufficiency. As a result, even if pregnancy occurs, the risk of miscarriage tends to be higher in women with PCOS.

Further Reading ▶︎AMH fertility test: Understand your fertility potential through AMH testing for ovarian reserve
 

What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and What Are Its Common Symptoms?

Causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains unknown. Clinically, it is generally believed to be related to genetic factors and hormonal imbalances.

• Genetic Factors: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have a hereditary link. Women diagnosed with PCOS often have family members who also have the condition. Additionally, a family history of metabolic syndrome is common among patients with PCOS.
• Environmental Factors: Clinical observations indicate that obesity and insulin resistance can increase the likelihood of developing PCOS.

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Menstrual Irregularities: Infrequent menstrual periods (fewer than 8 cycles per year), or intervals exceeding 35 days between cycles.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Excess androgens levels in women may cause symptoms such as increased body hair, oily skin, acne, hair loss, facial hair growth, and male-pattern baldness.
• Ovarian Structural Abnormalities: Imaging tests reveal enlarged ovaries or an excessive number of ovarian follicles (typically more than 10-12 follicles per ovary).

Is it Possible to Conceive with PCOS?

Infertility related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is mainly caused by menstrual irregularities and hormonal imbalances, which can make ovulation difficult. Additionally, eggs from polycystic ovaries are often lower in quality, making conception more challenging.

Still, undergoing fertility treatments can significantly improve the chances of conceiving for women with PCOS. For example, celebrity Lin Shu-Ting successfully conceived twins through reproductive treatments and had a smooth delivery.

Challenges When Trying to Conceive with PCOS

• Ovulation Issues: Excessive ovarian follicles cause hormonal imbalances, leading to irregular ovulation.
• High androgen levels may interfere with proper egg development.

Common Fertility Treatments for PCOS-related Infertility

• Oral Contraceptives: Help regulate menstrual cycles by suppressing androgen production, suitable for women not currently planning pregnancy.
• Managing Insulin Resistance: Medications that lower insulin levels can help restore ovulation and relieve symptoms like weight gain or excess hair.
• Ovulation Induction Medications: Stimulate ovulation to increase pregnancy chances, ideal for women actively trying to conceive.
• Weight Management: Losing weight can help regulate menstrual cycles, especially in women whose PCOS is worsened by obesity.

Can You Conceive Naturally with PCOS? IVF May Offer Greater Benefits

Although women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a lower chance of conceiving naturally, they typically have more ovarian follicles. With proper ovulation-stimulating medication, follicles can grow more effectively, allowing doctors to retrieve enough eggs in one cycle—sometimes enough for two to three pregnancies.

Following egg retrieval, embryologists fertilize and select embryos, transferring the healthiest ones into the uterus.

Further Reading ▶︎ Complete Guide to IVF Treatment and Costs

What Should Pregnant Women with PCOS Pay Attention to During Pregnancy?

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face greater challenges in conceiving, and once pregnant, they have a miscarriage risk over three times higher than average. Therefore, special attention to health management and dietary habits during pregnancy is crucial. Key considerations include:

1. Regular Prenatal Checkups and Nutritional Supplementation

Women with PCOS typically have lower progesterone levels, increasing the risk of instability during early pregnancy. Regular progesterone supplementation is recommended until the embryo stabilizes, accompanied by routine prenatal checkups to monitor fetal development closely.

2. Gestational Diabetes

PCOS is associated with insulin resistance, placing women at higher risk for diabetes-related complications. Poor blood sugar control during pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes. Studies have shown that women who develop gestational diabetes have a 40-60% chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 5-10 years postpartum. Thus, strict blood sugar monitoring is crucial throughout pregnancy.

3.  Dietary Control

Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding high-calorie, high-sugar snacks or desserts can promote healthy metabolism and stable blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

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