PCOS and Infertility: Causes, Signs, Treatments, and More

PCOS and Infertility is a topic that many women can relate to, especially when they are trying to get pregnant. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common health issue that affects a woman’s ovaries. It can also sometimes lead to problems with fertility. There are many women who don’t even know they have PCOS until they face issues in getting pregnant.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Obs & Gynae and Fertility Specialist) has helped many women to manage PCOS and have successful pregnancies. In this blog, we will explain everything about PCOS and infertility. We will explain what it is, how it affects your body, its symptoms, treatment options, and more.

What is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common health condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. It happens when there is a hormonal imbalance in the body. This causes the ovaries to produce more male hormones (called androgens) than normal. This can make the ovaries stop releasing eggs regularly and this can affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant.

There are many women with PCOS who also develop small fluid-filled sacs (called cysts) in their ovaries. These cysts are not harmful but they are one of the signs that doctors see during an ultrasound. PCOS can cause irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and extra hair growth on the face or body. It’s a condition that can be managed with lifestyle changes and treatment.

How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?

PCOS and infertility are connected and it can make it difficult for a woman to release an egg during her monthly cycle. This is called ovulation. When ovulation doesn’t happen regularly then it becomes more difficult to get pregnant. There are some women who may not experience ovulation in PCOS at all for several months.

The extra male hormones in the body due to PCOS can also affect the quality of the eggs and the balance of other important hormones that are important for pregnancy. Additionally, there are problems like irregular periods which make it hard to predict the best time to try for a baby.

However, the good news is that many women with PCOS can still get pregnant with treatment, a healthy lifestyle, and guidance from fertility experts.

Common PCOS Symptoms

PCOS affects every woman differently but there are some common symptoms that can be seen. These signs start in the teenage years or early adulthood and can affect both your health and your fertility. It’s important to notice these symptoms to consult your doctor and make a decision. Some common symptoms include the following:

Irregular or missed periods
Heavy bleeding during periods
Weight gain, especially around the belly
Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back
Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
Acne or oily skin
Dark patches of skin (neck, underarms, groin)
Issues to get pregnant
Mood swings or low energy levels

PCOS Causes

The exact cause of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is not fully known. However, there are certain factors that can play a major role. These causes can be genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle-related reasons. So, it’s important to understand them for early diagnosis of the condition.

Possible causes of PCOS include:

Hormonal imbalance
Insulin resistance
Inflammation
Genetics
Unhealthy lifestyle

Fertility Treatments for Women with PCOS

PCOS and infertility are related and there are treatments which can help. Those women who have PCOS may face difficulty in getting pregnant but there are many treatment options available. These treatments help to manage periods, balance hormones, and support healthy ovulation.

Here are some common PCOS fertility treatment:

Lifestyle changes – It’s important to eat a healthy diet, do regular exercise, and lose weight (if overweight). This can improve ovulation and also increase the chances of natural pregnancy.
Ovulation-inducing medicines – Doctors may also prescribe medicines like Clomiphene or Letrozole to help the ovaries to release eggs.
Insulin-sensitizing drugs – Metformin for PCOS fertility can improve insulin levels and can also support regular ovulation.
Hormone therapy – In some cases there are short-term hormonal treatments that are used to balance hormones before trying to get pregnant.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) – This treatment helps to place healthy sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) – IVF can be a good option for women with PCOS. In this eggs are taken from the ovaries, fertilized in a lab, and then placed back into the uterus.

How to Cure PCOS Permanently?

PCOS is a condition that does not have a complete or permanent cure. However, it can be managed with the right treatment. There are many women who are able to control their symptoms and make their periods regular with lifestyle changes.

Here are some simple ways to manage PCOS in the long term:

Healthy Diet: It’s important to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-sugar foods to balance hormones and control your weight.
Exercise Regularly: It’s important to stay active to lower insulin levels, improves mood, and supports ovulation.
Maintain Healthy Weight: If you lose even a small amount of weight (5–10%) then it can also improve PCOS and infertility.
Manage Stress: It’s important to know that stress can affect hormones. So. try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to relax your mind and body.
Medical Support: There are some women who need medicines to manage their periods, insulin levels, or treat acne and hair growth. So, it’s always important to follow your doctor’s advice and then take medicine.

PCOS and Pregnancy: What to Expect

Women with PCOS may take longer to get pregnant due to irregular ovulation. However, there are many women who have healthy pregnancies. So, it’s important to get the right treatment to get pregnant.

Here’s what to expect:

Delayed pregnancy due to irregular cycles
Fertility treatments like ovulation medicines or IVF can help
Slightly higher risk of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle are important

Can I Get Pregnant With PCOS?

Yes, many women with PCOS can get pregnant. PCOS and infertility can make it harder to get pregnant because it affects ovulation. However, it’s important to take the right steps to get pregnant easily.

There are some women who may conceive naturally by making lifestyle changes like eating healthy, staying active, and managing stress. There are others who may need help through medications that help with ovulation or treatments like IUI or IVF. It’s important to not lose hope and to get proper medical support.

Final Words

PCOS and infertility make it difficult for many women to get pregnant naturally. In this blog, we’ve explained what PCOS is, how it affects fertility and the common symptoms. We have also explained the causes, treatment options, and what to expect during pregnancy. It’s important to understand these details to make better decisions to start a family.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many women to manage PCOS and infertility issues with the right guidance. If you have any doubts or need support, feel free to call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at [email protected].

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can PCOS make you completely infertile?

No, PCOS may make it harder to get pregnant, but many women still conceive naturally or with treatment.

Which lifestyle is best for PCOS?

Eating healthy, staying active, managing stress, and getting enough sleep helps balance hormones and improve symptoms.

What is the best fertility medicine for PCOS?

Medicines like Clomid, Letrozole, or Metformin are often used to help with ovulation. The doctor will suggest what suits you best.

What does a PCOS belly look like?

It usually means weight gain around the belly area, often due to hormone imbalance and insulin resistance.

What are the four stages of PCOS?

PCOS types include insulin-resistant, post-pill, inflammatory, and adrenal PCOS—each has different causes and treatments.