Understanding the Connection between PCOS and Fertility

Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with tender moments, heartfelt laughter, and nurturing the strong bond between the mother and her child. However, the path to motherhood varies for every woman. About 10% of women during their childbearing years face a hormonal disorder which can impact ovulation and menstrual regularity – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS. But does having PCOS truly hinder conception?

Let’s uncover the truths behind PCOS and fertility in this blog.

Understanding PCOS

There are many misconceptions regarding PCOS, such as the belief that it always involves cysts on the ovaries or that it solely affects overweight women. These misunderstandings can delay proper diagnosis and treatment, affecting a woman’s reproductive health. Therefore, it is important to understand PCOS properly.

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder affecting many women during their childbearing years. It often starts in adolescence, but symptoms can come and go over time. PCOS disrupts hormonal balance, leading to irregular periods, and sometimes cysts in the ovaries.

PCOS symptoms can vary widely, but these are some common signs to watch out for:

• Irregular Periods: This is often the first and most noticeable indicator. Women with PCOS may experience infrequent periods, meaning fewer than nine per year, or have cycles lasting longer than 35 days. Conversely, some women have periods that are very light or don’t occur at all.
• Excess Androgen: Androgens are hormones naturally present in both men and women, but in PCOS, their levels become elevated. This can manifest as hirsutism, unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or back.
• Ovulation Issues: Ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary, may not occur regularly or at all due to hormonal imbalance. This can significantly impact a woman’s fertility.

Beyond these core symptoms, PCOS can also cause:

• Acne: Androgen excess can lead to persistent acne breakouts on the face, chest, and back.
• Weight Gain and Insulin Resistance: PCOS can make it more difficult for the body to use insulin effectively, leading to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
• Skin Changes: Oily skin and the development of small skin tags on the neck or under the arms can sometimes occur.

It’s important to remember that not every woman with PCOS will experience all these symptoms. However, concerns about menstrual cycles, hair growth, or fertility should prompt a visit to the doctor. Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms better and improve overall well-being.

Diagnosing PCOS

PCOS diagnosis is the first step to managing fertility. Diagnosis relies on the Rotterdam criteria, established by a leading international panel of reproductive health experts. These criteria consider two out of three factors: irregular menstruation, excess male hormones, or polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound. A doctor might recommend:

• Pelvic Ultrasound: A painless imaging technique to check for cysts.
• Blood Tests: To measure hormone levels and rule out other conditions.
• Pelvic Health Assessment: A routine check-up for overall reproductive health.

By identifying PCOS early, and creating a plan to regulate their menstrual cycle, women with PCOS can improve ovulation, and address any health concerns. This initiative enables women to be empowered to make informed decisions about their fertility journey.

PCOS and Its Impact on Fertility

PCOS disrupts fertility primarily by affecting the menstrual cycle and ovulation. While not all women with PCOS have cysts, their presence can further hinder ovulation. A healthy menstrual cycle relies on a precisely regulated hormonal cycle. In women with PCOS, this cycle goes uneven. The excess androgen production disrupts the development of follicles, the fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that house maturing eggs. These follicles may fail to mature fully, preventing ovulation from occurring. This translates to irregular or infrequent menstruation, a hallmark symptom of PCOS.

Furthermore, PCOS can also lead to complications that indirectly affect fertility. Insulin resistance, a common symptom of PCOS, leads to elevated blood sugar and weight gain, as the body struggles to utilise it effectively. This can further disrupt hormonal balance in PCOS. Additionally, the excess of androgens can contribute to multiple cysts on the ovaries.

Despite these challenges, many women with PCOS conceive naturally, and effective treatment options like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) exist to address the underlying hormonal imbalances and improve fertility.

Treatment Options for PCOS

For some women with PCOS, advanced reproductive technologies (ART) may be considered. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a well-established option that involves retrieving eggs, fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory setting, and implanting the resulting embryos into the uterus. While success rates vary depending on individual factors, IVF offers a viable path to parenthood for women with PCOS.

Medications can also play a crucial role in managing PCOS symptoms and enhancing fertility. Metformin, commonly used for type 2 diabetes, helps the body utilise insulin more effectively, addressing insulin resistance. Clomiphene is another medication that can stimulate ovulation by regulating the hormones involved in egg maturation and release.

A cornerstone of PCOS management is a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that even moderate weight loss (around 5-10% of your body weight) can significantly improve ovulation rates and overall health. Here are some practical tips that can be incorporated into the daily routine to manage PCOS symptoms:

• Diet: Focusing on whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods and sugary drinks. Incorporating food with lower carbohydrates and a reduced glycemic load helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Exercise: Aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Weight Management: Even modest weight loss can significantly improve PCOS symptoms and fertility.

Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are crucial for monitoring PCOS and tailoring the treatment plan accordingly. These visits may include blood tests, pelvic ultrasounds, and discussions about the symptoms and overall health.

To Sum Up

PCOS can present challenges on the path to parenthood, but with the right approach and support, you can achieve your fertility goals. Identifying the symptoms and getting diagnosed by healthcare professionals is key. It helps parents to embark on their pregnancy journey with clarity and confidence.

FYNE IVF’s team of fertility experts is here to guide aspiring couples every step of the way. One of our patients, Ujwala who has PCOS and issues with maturing eggs, faced multiple failed inseminations and IVF attempts at another clinic. She travelled several hours to seek Dr. Deepali’s help, who reviewed her medical records and created a tailored plan that resulted in the birth of her two beautiful boys. With a success rate of 82%, counselling programs, and advanced IVF treatments, we are here to transform your hope into happiness and help you nurture your dream family. Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your fertility concerns and explore IVF options suitable to your needs.