PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome and is more common than you might think in women of childbearing age. It is actually a major problem in infertility, affecting 1 in 15 women and up to 10% of women in some studies. PCOS and infertility have been a major focus for some time in the medical field, to better determine how best to address symptoms and develop treatments.

To achieve reproduction, the hormonal balance must be correct in the woman’s body and produce properly for ovulation. PCOS results from the imbalance of hormones which, in turn, affect other hormones in a continuous cycle. A number of outcomes result from this occurrence. For example, cysts form on the surface of the now enlarged ovaries. This can create more hormone production problems, but may not be harmful otherwise. It should be noted that PCOS is commonly passed down from either side of the family.

Furthermore, the body only produces high levels of the male hormone, androgens, and this process can also lead to insulin resistance. Neither of these is positive. A woman with excess androgens can develop excessive hair growth on the face and body, as well as acne. In normal menstruation, the follicles that contain the eggs develop inside the ovaries and, at the right time, release the eggs, causing ovulation. Excess androgens can restrict this process.

Unfortunately, diabetes can result when blood sugar rises because the body does not use insulin well. So, as is evident here, PCOS causes hormonal imbalance, resulting in excess androgens, which can ultimately result in diabetes, as well as infertility. It is not a good thing, and as you can see a complicated process.

So how do you know if PCOS is causing your infertility? First keep in mind that many women may be experiencing PCOS and not even know it. Symptoms can vary from case to case and usually develop slowly over time. It can start at puberty after menstrual cycles start. The first signs may be excess hair, but unusual weight gain, high blood pressure, pelvic pain, lack of sleep, and even depression are also common. Second, if you have been diagnosed with PCOS, it is almost a given that the cause of your infertility and treatments will be designed accordingly.

Usually with PCOS, the main concern is infertility; however, all symptoms are usually treated according to appropriate procedures, which address acne, hair growth, insulin levels, and obesity. Although the exact cause of PCOS and the hormonal problem are unknown, diagnosis is simple and treatment of symptoms is usually successful.

Since there is no known cure for PCOS, treatments should focus on symptoms, which usually adjusts hormones and alleviates most concerns. The hormonal issue is addressed through medications such as Metformin, which improves insulin absorption and helps adjust the menstrual cycle and even restore fertility. Of course, it helps to focus on normal health issues like smoking, eating healthy, exercising, and losing weight. In fact, sometimes weight control alone can improve hormonal balance and alleviate infertility.

To help the process, fertility treatments are usually required and can include IVF, IVM, surgery, and medication. You may just need drugs like Clomid, which are commonly given to improve estrogen levels and promote ovulation. Between 30 and 40% of women with PCOS will conceive with such drug therapy. Otherwise, in vitro fertilization (IVF), in which mature eggs are collected, fertilized, and placed in the uterus, will likely be tried. Another common procedure is IVM, or in vitro maturation, where the collected eggs are matured in the laboratory, then fertilized and implanted in the uterus. Surgery may be used to remove the actual cysts on the ovaries if these other treatments don’t work.

So yes, there is no question that PCOS may be the root cause of your infertility. The important thing is to know that it is easy to diagnose and highly treatable, as literally thousands of couples have proven. You too can join their ranks.