The Link Between PCOS and Infertility: What You Need to Know
One of the most common effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is infertility. While it's not impossible to get pregnant with PCOS, it can be more challenging. Therefore, it's important to understand the connection between PCOS and infertility as well as the available treatments to help you start a family.
How PCOS Impacts Fertility
In women of childbearing age, fluid-filled cysts called follicles develop on the surface of the ovary every month. Female sex hormones like estrogen stimulate one of the follicles to produce a mature egg. The ovary then releases the egg.
PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalances and high levels of androgen, a sex hormone, which can prevent the development and release of mature eggs. As a result, ovulation and pregnancy can’t occur.
In some cases, ovulation can still occur, albeit irregularly. However, hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS may prevent the lining of the uterus from developing properly to allow for the implantation of the mature egg.
Fertility Treatments for Individuals with PCOS
PCOS is a chronic condition that can’t be cured. However, there are various fertility treatments available to help individuals with PCOS successfully grow their families, including:
- Ovulation-stimulating medications: One of the first fertility treatments your fertility specialist may suggest is certain medications that have been proven to induce ovulation in individuals with PCOS, such as clomiphene or letrozole.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): IUI is a procedure in which a fertility specialist inserts sperm directly into the uterus, reducing the distance sperm must travel to reach an egg and increasing the chances of conception.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): IVF involves retrieving eggs and fertilizing them with sperm in a lab to create embryos. These embryos are then inserted into the uterus, hopefully resulting in a successful pregnancy.
Learn More About Your Fertility Options
Navigating PCOS and infertility can be difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone. While PCOS makes getting pregnant more challenging, there are resources available to help you conceive. New York Reproductive Wellness offers a variety of fertility treatments so you can build the family of your dreams. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our top-rated fertility specialists.
