About PCOS
If you suspect you have PCOS, consult your doctor for a personalized plan!
PCOS is a common hormonal condition that affects ovulation and can cause irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth. It can also affect fertility. The exact cause is unknown, but it is associated with hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance.
How can PCOS affect my fertility?
What tests are needed for diagnosis?
What treatment options are available?
How can I deal with symptoms such as weight gain and acne?
Can PCOS increase the risk of other diseases?
IVF is a multi-step assisted reproductive technique that can be performed using various methods depending on the patient's individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders, affecting about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Contrary to their frightening name, ovarian "cysts" are not tumors or dangerous growths that can rupture. These are actually numerous small, underdeveloped follicles (about the size of a popcorn kernel) that, due to a hormonal imbalance, fail to mature and release an egg. This leads to a lack of ovulation, an irregular menstrual cycle, acne, and weight problems.
Insulin resistance underlies the pathophysiology of PCOS in the majority of patients. When cells develop insulin resistance, the body begins to produce enormous amounts of insulin in order to process sugar. However, excess insulin signals the ovaries to produce too much male sex hormones (androgens/testosterone). It is precisely this hormonal imbalance that disrupts the normal menstrual cycle and leads to the typical accumulation of fat in the abdominal area.
Absolutely. PCOS is one of the main causes of fertility problems, as ovulation occurs infrequently or is completely unpredictable. However, this does not mean infertility. A large proportion of women successfully conceive after making minor lifestyle changes (regulating blood sugar, diet, exercise) or by using mild medication to induce ovulation (for example, with letrozole) under a doctor’s supervision.
No, in vitro fertilization is by no means the first step for patients with PCOS. Treatment usually follows a clear hierarchy:
-
Changes in diet and physical activity (to regulate insulin).
-
Taking medications (such as metformin for metabolism or letrozole/clomiphene to stimulate ovulation).
-
Conservative methods such as timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
-
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is considered only when milder and minimally invasive methods have failed after several attempts, or if other contributing factors are present.
