Does PCOS Cause Infertility? - Reasons, Diagnosis, Solutions

The signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs to look out for. These include:

Irregular Periods

Irregular menstrual cycles are one of the characteristic symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This means that a woman’s periods may occur infrequently or become completely absent. This is due to the hormonal imbalances that occur in women with PCOS. These imbalances can prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg during each menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods.

Excessive Hair Growth

Another common symptom of PCOS is hirsutism, which is the development of excess hair growth on a woman’s face, chest, stomach, or back. This occurs due to the overproduction of androgens, which are male hormones usually present in women in small amounts.

When there is an excess of androgens in the body, it can cause unwanted hair growth, which is a common scenario when dealing with PCOS and infertility.

Acne

Women with PCOS may experience persistent acne, especially around the jawline. This occurs due to the overproduction of androgens, which can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than necessary, leading to the formation of acne.

Weight Gain

Women with PCOS may gain weight, especially around their midsection. This is due to the insulin resistance that can occur in women with PCOS. When the body becomes insulin resistant, it can cause the body to store more fat, particularly in the abdominal area.

Hair Loss

Women with PCOS may experience hair thinning or hair loss on their scalp. This can occur due to hormonal imbalances in women with PCOS. The excess androgens in the body can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to hair thinning or hair loss.

Darkening of Skin

If one wonders, “does PCOS cause infertility,” it is essential to know about the signs of PCOS. Women with PCOS may notice a darkening of their skin, especially around their neck, underarms, or groyne. This occurs due to insulin resistance, which can cause the skin to produce more pigment.

Ovarian Cysts

Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain multiple small cysts. These cysts are not harmful, but they can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to PCOS symptoms.

It is important to note that not all women with PCOS will experience all of these symptoms. In fact, some women with PCOS may not have any outward signs or symptoms. If you suspect that you may have PCOS, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

Treatments for improving PCOS in women depend on the severity of one’s condition. These procedures tend to take time before conception becomes easy for a woman. However, there are several fertility treatments available for women with PCOS. Here are some of the most common treatments:

Medications to Induce Ovulation

Women with PCOS and infertility often have irregular ovulation or don’t ovulate at all. Medications like letrozole can help regulate ovulation and increase the chances of pregnancy. 

1. ​​Clomiphene Citrate: This medication is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator that works by blocking oestrogen receptors in the brain. This causes the brain to release more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), which can stimulate ovulation. 
2. Letrozole: This medication is an aromatase inhibitor that reduces oestrogen production in the body. This can stimulate the production of FSH and LH and promote ovulation. Letrozole is taken orally for 5 days at the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
3. Metformin: This medication is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it can also be helpful for women with PCOS. Metformin works by reducing insulin resistance and lowering insulin levels in the body. This can improve hormonal balance and promote ovulation.
   Metformin is typically taken orally daily.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that can be used to help women with PCOS conceive. IUI involves placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus using a thin catheter. Here’s how IUI can help treat PCOS:

1. Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH): Before the IUI procedure, women with PCOS may be given medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. This is known as Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH).
   COH can help improve the chances of ovulation and increase the number of mature eggs available for fertilisation.
2. Timing of Insemination: The timing of the insemination is critical to the success of IUI. In women with PCOS and infertility, ovulation can be unpredictable, so careful monitoring is necessary to determine the best time for insemination.
   Ovulation can be triggered with medications such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to ensure that the insemination occurs at the optimal time.
3. Increased Chance of Pregnancy: By placing the sperm directly into the uterus, IUI bypasses the cervix and places the sperm closer to the egg, increasing the chances of fertilisation. For women with PCOS, IUI can be an effective fertility treatment option.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is another fertility treatment option for women with PCOS who have not achieved pregnancy with other treatments or who have more severe PCOS symptoms.

IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory dish. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus.

IVF can be particularly effective for women with PCOS because it allows for precise control of ovulation and can increase the chances of fertilisation and implantation. Additionally, IVF can help bypass any issues with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, which can be a concern for women with PCOS.

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for PCOS in rare cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful or if the patient has a specific underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

The most common type of surgery for PCOS is ovarian drilling, which involves making tiny punctures in the ovaries using a laser or heat probe.

Ovarian drilling aims to reduce the production of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries, often elevated in women with PCOS and infertility. By reducing androgen production, ovarian drilling can help regulate ovulation and improve fertility. Ovarian drilling is usually performed as a laparoscopic procedure, which involves making a small incision in the abdomen and inserting a laparoscope to view the ovaries.

Another type of surgery that may be recommended for PCOS is a hysteroscopy or removal of the uterus. This is only recommended in cases with a significant risk of cancer or other severe conditions affecting the uterus.

It is important to note that surgery is not typically the first line of treatment for PCOS and is usually reserved for cases where other treatments have been unsuccessful or if there is a specific underlying condition that needs to be addressed. 

Additionally, like any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with ovarian drilling and other surgeries for PCOS. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the best course of action for their individual needs.

Exercise

Regular exercise can be a beneficial treatment option for women with PCOS. Exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, aid weight loss, reduce inflammation, improve mood, and increase fertility.

One of the most significant benefits of exercise for women with PCOS is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity. By improving insulin sensitivity, regular exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are more common in women with PCOS. In addition, regular exercise can help regulate menstrual cycles and increase fertility in women with PCOS and infertility.

To see benefits, it is recommended that women with PCOS engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or strength training can be included in the exercise regimen. It is always important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.

Diet

Dietary modifications can play a crucial role in managing PCOS and improving fertility outcomes. Here are some ways a healthy diet can help treat PCOS:

1. Managing Insulin Resistance: Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain and worsen symptoms. Eating a low glycemic index (GI) diet that is rich in fibre, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help manage insulin resistance and improve fertility.
2. Reducing Inflammation: PCOS is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, can help reduce inflammation and improve fertility outcomes.
3. Regulating Hormone Levels: A healthy diet can also help regulate hormone levels in women with PCOS and infertility. Consuming foods that are rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy products, can help regulate oestrogen levels.
   Eating foods that contain zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins can also help regulate hormone levels.
4. Promoting Weight Loss: Weight loss can improve insulin resistance and regulate hormone levels in women with PCOS. A diet that is low in calories and carbohydrates but high in protein and fibre can help promote weight loss and improve fertility outcomes.

It’s important to note that each woman’s experience with PCOS and fertility is unique, and the best treatment approach will depend on individual circumstances.

Women with PCOS who are struggling with fertility should consult with a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.

When dealing with PCOS and infertility, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can diagnose PCOS and assess the possible causes of infertility, recommending lifestyle changes, medication, and fertility treatments such as IVF. 

Seeking medical advice is crucial as PCOS may have long-term health implications, including increased risks of diabetes and heart disease. Early treatment can help manage these risks effectively.

PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to infertility in women. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, women with PCOS can increase their chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy. Fertility treatments, such as medications, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and IUI, can be effective in helping women with PCOS achieve pregnancy. 

Additionally, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management can improve fertility in women with PCOS. It is important for women to seek medical advice and follow a personalised treatment plan to manage PCOS and achieve their fertility goals. This is where we at HexaHealth can help you better manage your reproductive health and conceive easily. 

Get in touch with our professionals today and take your first step towards a growing family!