Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be linked with fertility problems. Fortunately, women with PCOS have several fertility treatment options that may help them get pregnant and have a healthy baby.
PCOS symptomsPolycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal imbalance that can cause many different symptoms including the following:
- Ovarian cysts
- High levels of insulin
- Excessive amounts of male hormones
- Ovulation and menstrual problems
- Fertility problems
- Weight gain
- Excess body and facial hair or male pattern baldness
- Acne
- Anxiety and depression
PCOS infertility treatmentIf you have PCOS and are trying to get pregnant, the following fertility drug treatments may be helpful.
Metformin (Glucophage). To reduce high insulin levels and stabilize your hormones, your doctor may prescribe a medication called metformin. After taking metformin, your ovulation cycles may become more regular.
Clomid (clomiphene citrate). Your doctor may also prescribe the fertility drug clomid to help you conceive, with or without metformin. The combination of clomid with metformin often helps women with PCOS get pregnant more quickly than by just using metformin alone. Some women with PCOS may require a very high dose of Clomid to restore fertility, which can sometimes cause uncomfortable side effects.
Gonadotropins. Gonadotropins are naturally occurring hormones that stimulate your ovaries to release one or more eggs. This medication may help you ovulate if you are not ovulating regularly. Women with PCOS that do not respond to Clomid treatment may benefit from fertility drug treatment with gonadotropins.
If you have PCOS and do not respond to low doses of Clomid, your doctor may also recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF).
PCOS weight loss infertility treatmentIf you have PCOS, you may already be struggling with weight problems and infertility. One of the best natural therapies you can do to boost fertility with PCOS is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. While a 10 percent reduction in body weight can make a big difference in helping you get pregnant, many women with PCOS find it harder to lose weight than other women.