PCOS and fertility: where to start

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reasons women have irregular periods and difficulty conceiving. The good news is that many women with PCOS do get pregnant, often with simple, step-by-step treatment.

How PCOS affects fertility

PCOS affects the hormones that control ovulation. When you don’t release an egg regularly, it’s harder to know your fertile days, and some months there may be no egg to fertilise at all.

Signs to look out for

• Irregular or missed periods
• Weight gain that’s hard to explain
• Acne or extra hair growth
• Many small follicles seen on an ovarian scan

The first steps that often help

1. Lifestyle changes. For many women, even a small amount of weight loss can help restore regular ovulation.
2. Ovulation medicines. Tablets or injections can help you ovulate, with scans to time intercourse or IUI.
3. IVF, if needed. If simpler steps don’t work, IVF may be recommended.

When to see a specialist

If your periods are irregular and you’ve been trying for six months to a year, it’s worth getting checked. A scan and a few blood tests can confirm PCOS and point to the right first step.

The bottom line

PCOS can’t always be cured, but it can be managed. With the right plan, many women with PCOS go on to have a healthy pregnancy.