The Link Between PCOS and Infertility

If you’ve been trying to conceive and were recently diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), you’re not without options. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women of reproductive age. 

The good news is that with the right support and treatment plan from Tracy Glass, DO, FACOG, and Gregory Kroeger, MD, FACOG, at Advanced Women’s Healthcare of Waxahachie, many women with PCOS can go on to have healthy pregnancies. 

Let’s take a look at how PCOS affects fertility, why it happens, and what steps you can take to support your reproductive health. 

What is PCOS? 

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition that affects how your ovaries function. The name can be a little misleading. While it refers to the presence of small cysts on your ovaries, not every person with PCOS has visible cysts. 

Here are some of the key PCOS symptoms to watch out for: 

• Irregular or missed periods 
• Excess androgen levels (can lead to acne or facial hair growth) 
• Insulin resistance
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Ovarian cysts 

The hormonal imbalances that come with PCOS can interfere with ovulation, which is where the fertility struggles often begin. 

How PCOS impacts fertility 

Ovulation is a crucial part of conception. If you have PCOS, ovulation may happen infrequently or not at all. 

Here’s how it can affect your fertility: 

Irregular ovulation or anovulation

Without the release of an egg, conception can’t occur. 

Hormonal imbalance 

Elevated androgens can disrupt the hormonal signals that trigger ovulation. 

Poor egg quality

Some women with PCOS may have fewer viable eggs. 

Insulin resistance 

This can lead to higher levels of insulin in your body, which in turn can impact ovarian function. 

Getting pregnant with PCOS 

There are several paths to pregnancy if you have PCOS, depending on your unique health profile and fertility goals. Some women may conceive naturally with lifestyle changes, while others may benefit from medical interventions. 

Treatment options include: 

Lifestyle changes 

Even modest weight loss can improve ovulation and insulin sensitivity. We recommend considering a balanced diet of whole foods, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques. 

Medications

Common PCOS treatments include ovulation-stimulating medications like Clomid or letrozole to help release an egg. 

Your provider may also recommend metformin to improve insulin resistance, and, in some cases, hormonal birth control can be used temporarily to regulate hormones and menstrual cycles. 

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART)

If initial treatments aren’t successful or other fertility issues are involved, options like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended to improve your chances of conceiving. 

So while PCOS can make it more difficult to conceive, it’s far from impossible. With the right care and guidance, many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies and growing families. 

Ready to tackle the PCOS challenge?

If you’re ready to get the support you deserve, call Advanced Women's Health Care of Waxahachie at 469-620-7972 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment with us today!