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As many as 25% of women of childbearing age have PCOS, but most don’t even know that they have it until they begin trying to get pregnant.​​​​​​

What does PCOS have to do with Fertility?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can impact the process of ovulation, which involves the release of an egg from the ovary. When the egg is mature, it is released from the ovary and pushed down the fallopian tube so it can be fertilised.

With PCOS, high levels of androgens (male-type hormones) and insulin can affect the menstrual cycle and lead to irregular ovulation or ovulation may stop altogether. The increased levels of androgens in the ovaries can stop follicles from developing and eggs from being released from the ovaries. The under-developed eggs stay in the ovaries.

PCOS Symptoms

  • Heavy, long, intermittent, unpredictable or absent periods.
  • Infertility.
  • Acne or oily skin.
  • Excessive hair on the face or body.
  • Male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.
  • Weight gain, especially around the belly.
  • No symptoms.

PCOS Symptoms

  • Heavy, long, intermittent, unpredictable or absent periods.
  • Infertility.
  • Acne or oily skin.
  • Excessive hair on the face or body.
  • Male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.
  • Weight gain, especially around the belly.
  • No symptoms.

Medical help to improve fertility

Ovulation Induction:

If you have problems with fertility after making lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend ovulation induction treatments.

Injections or tablets (e.g. letrozole, FSH Injections or Clomid) may be used to stimulate the ovaries to increase egg production. Talk to your doctor about the best medicines for you. Ultrasounds and blood tests are performed to determine the best time to trigger ovulation.

Once ovulation has been triggered, semen (sperm) is introduced either by sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI is when collected semen is prepared and placed directly into the uterus through the cervix.

Pregnancy:

If you have PCOS, it’s important to discuss pregnancy planning with your doctor. Women with PCOS may need extra care before, during and after pregnancy. For example, you might need to have your blood pressure monitored or have a diabetes test before becoming pregnant.

PCOS can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

For example:

  1. Early miscarriage
  2. Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) – due to insulin resistance
  3. High blood pressure
  4. High blood pressure (preeclampsia)
  5. Premature delivery
  6. Caesarean delivery.

Some women with PCOS may also develop type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.

You can reduce these risks with regular health checks and by taking extra care during your pregnancy.

If you know or suspect you have PCOS and have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months (6 months if you are over 35) please call (03) 8788 7110 or book an appointment with Dr. Myran Ponnam-Palam. Appointments are available in the next couple of weeks and will cost approximately $70 for a couple after the Medicare rebate.

 

Source:

  1. Polycystic ovary syndrome, World Health Organisation, (2023).
  2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) & Fertility. Melbourne IVF.
  3. Fertility and pregnancy, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
  4. The Role of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Reproductive and Metabolic Health: Overview and Approaches for Treatment, NIH, (2015).