Does PCOS Cause Infertility: Examining Factors and Treatment Options
The World Health Organization data suggests that approximately 116 million women, i.e., 3.4% of their total population, are affected by PCOS globally.
PCOS is directly linked to reproductive processes, and women with this condition may face difficulties in attaining pregnancy.
One of the most common questions women with PCOS have is whether it causes infertility.
Let’s explore the relationship between PCOS and infertility and find the answer to that question.
How does PCOS affect a woman’s body
There are multiple ways in which PCOS affects a woman’s body.
PCOS disrupts hormonal balances in the body.
Women with PCOS have heightened levels of androgens which interfere with the development and release of eggs from the ovaries.
Also, Insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS, meaning their bodies cannot efficiently use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
This inability leads to higher levels of insulin in the body, which can interfere with hormonal balance and ovulation.
Another factor contributing to fertility issues in women with PCOS is the presence of small cysts on the ovaries.
These cysts can interfere with the release of eggs during ovulation and can also cause hormonal irregularity in the body.
Other effects of PCOS include acne and excess hair growth on the face and body.
Can PCOS always cause infertility
PCOS significantly impacts ovulation, the process by which the ovaries release an egg each month.
Ovulation is necessary for pregnancy, so if a woman does not ovulate, she cannot conceive.
PCOS can lead to irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation), making it difficult for women to conceive naturally.
So, Yes, PCOS can cause infertility in some women, but not always.
While PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women, not every woman necessarily experiences infertility.
The odds of infertility in women with PCOS depend on many factors, including age, the severity of the condition, lifestyle factors, and other underlying health conditions.
Women with severe PCOS symptoms, such as irregular periods and abnormal hormone levels, may be more likely to experience infertility than those with mild symptoms.
Many women with PCOS can conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy with appropriate treatment and management.
According to a 2015 study, the infertility rate among women with PCOS ranges from 70% to 80%.
PCOS patients must seek medical diagnosis and treatment if they have difficulty getting pregnant.
PCOS infertility treatment
Treating PCOS infertility requires an interdisciplinary approach involving lifestyle and behavioral management in conjunction with medical measures.
As per 2011 research by medical experts, a well-managed diet and exercise regime can significantly enhance reproductive function in women with PCOS who are overweight or obese.
Regardless of fertility requirements, Lifestyle management should be the first-line treatment for PCOS.
The next in line are treatments targeted at inducing ovulation, including therapeutic and surgical methods.
Let’s discuss treatment strategies individually.
Lifestyle Management(LSM)
Before initiating any medical intervention, preconception counseling on the importance of lifestyle, especially weight reduction and exercise in overweight women, is advisable.
Weight management, which can help improve menstruation and restore ovulation, is critical for women with PCOS.
It is also beneficial to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Natural remedies
Several natural treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome can help improve fertility and increase the chances of getting pregnant.
These may include herbal remedies, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation.
Pharmacological approaches
In cases where lifestyle management alone is insufficient in addressing infertility associated with PCOS, healthcare professionals recommend implementing medical interventions.
These treatments aim to regulate hormone levels, restore ovulation, and improve fertility.
Clomiphene citrate (CC) is the drug of first-line choice for inducing ovulation in women with PCOS.
It results in successful pregnancies approximately 30% of the time.
Clomid and Serophene are commonly prescribed CC drugs.
Adding antidiabetic agents such as Metformin yields a more favorable outcome for ovulation.
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) can also induce ovulation if Clomiphene and Metformin therapy fails.
Pregnancy rates & live births were higher with FSH than with Clomiphene (58% vs. 44% and 52% vs. 39%, respectively).
Surgical
Ovarian Drilling(Laparoscopic ovarian surgery) is a second-line treatment for the infertility of women with PCOS.
Observational studies demonstrated that the ovulation rate was between 54% and 76% six months after the Ovarian drilling procedure.
Women with PCOS may sometimes require surgery to remove cysts from the ovaries or correct other underlying conditions affecting fertility.
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART)
ART, or Assisted Reproductive Technology, is a medical intervention to treat infertility.
It involves a range of fertility treatments that deal with eggs and sperm.
In cases where medication and lifestyle changes are ineffective, assisted reproductive technologies such as In vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended.
IVF represents the third-line treatment for infertility in women with PCOS.
The process involves the removal of eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm to create embryos, and then transferring them back into the uterus.
The most common and effective type of ART is in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Conclusion
To summarize, PCOS can cause infertility in some women, but not all.
By disrupting the hormone levels and ovulation, PCOS makes it difficult for a woman to conceive.
However, by adopting a multidisciplinary treatment approach, one can effectively manage this condition and achieve a successful pregnancy.
The approach includes proper diagnosis, getting the right medication with expert consultation, and making healthy lifestyle changes.
Medical treatment options may include fertility medications, Gonadotropins, IVF, and surgery.
The optimal treatment plans vary from person to person.
To identify the most appropriate plan for your needs, seek advice from a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is infertility with PCOS?
The occurrence of infertility among women with PCOS ranges from 70% to 80%. The odds of infertility in women with PCOS depend on many factors, including age, the severity of the condition, lifestyle factors, and other underlying health conditions.
How to treat PCOS infertility?
Infertility caused by PCOS is treatable in most cases. Lifestyle changes, ovulation medications, and assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF can be the prescribed treatments depending upon an individual’s specific needs, symptoms, body response, and underlying health conditions.
How does PCOS cause infertility?
PCOS disrupts hormonal balances in the body, leading to infrequent, inconsistent, or absent periods which, in turn, disrupts ovulation. Proper ovulation is necessary for pregnancy, so if a woman does not ovulate, she cannot conceive.
Is PCOS-related infertility permanent?
PCOS-related infertility is not necessarily permanent. Many women with PCOS can achieve successful pregnancies with appropriate management and treatment. However, it is essential to note that individual cases may vary, and the success of fertility treatments can depend on various factors.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.