PCOS and Fertility: Effects and Treatment Options
It is so satisfying to help women with PCOS to conceive naturally.
Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) who are struggling to conceive need to see a CREI fertility subspecialist as we are best equipped to help them to conceive without IVF.
It is so satisfying to help women with PCOS to conceive naturally. Many women with PCOS have been traumatised by perceived implications of their diagnosis, especially relating to infertility.
Where there is no other infertility factor involved, helping to restore regular and predictable ovulation can be all that is needed to help women with PCOS conceive naturally.
Lifestyle modification
Involving a multidisciplinary team and approaching PCOS holistically is the best way forward.
Weight modification, diet and exercise need to be part of your fertility program but with directive help and psychological support.
Insulin resistance
Addressing insulin resistance through diet and modulating therapies like metformin can be key to helping a woman to resume ovulation.
Ovulation induction
Ovulation induction is a category of treatments, not one single treatment. If you have failed to ovulate with Clomid alone, it means that agent hasn’t worked for you, not this category of treatment. There is a range of on and off label oral and injectable medications that can be used to induce ovulation under the supervision of a CREI trained fertility specialist. High quality treatment always involves in cycle ultrasound monitoring to ensure treatment is working and to minimise your risk of having a multiple pregnancy (e.g. twins or triplets).
IVF
Some women with PCOS will require IVF. This can be needed if a women consistently over responds to ovulation induction (e.g. releases too many eggs each month) and cycles need to be cancelled due to a high risk of multiple pregnancy. IVF is more commonly required when a woman with PCOS has a partner who has a severe sperm problem. Women with PCOS are especially susceptible to developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and great care and skill is needed to ensure IVF is safe for them.
Written by Dr Raelia Lew
RANZCOG Board Certified CREI Fertility specialist, Gynaecologist and the Director of Women’s Health Melbourne.
Co-host of the Knocked Up Podcast, Co-founder of Ellechemy intimate wellness solutions. Raelia has a PhD in Preconception Health Promotion and Genetic Screening. Raelia is a leading Australian expert in IVF and egg freezing, pioneering a bespoke model of care.