Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive age in women, arriving at a prevalence rate of 8-13%. It is defined by oligo or anovulation, hyperandrogenemia, and polycystic ovaries. These symptoms may also have devastating effects on fertility, as many women are made to understand due to lack of conception. IVF has been an effective solution for those couples with PCOS issues, and special fertility clinics, including Femmenest, which is one of the leading IVF clinic in Delhi and offers PCOS programs that are custom to patients’ needs.

How IVF for PCOS Works

IVF involves several steps: 

• Ovarian Stimulation: Ovarian stimulating drugs are used in fertility treatments to ensure that the ovaries produce multiple eggs. This would be especially important for women with PCOS since they do not ovulate as frequently as their counterparts.
• Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs attain maturity, they are removed from the ovaries.
• Fertilisation: The collected eggs are then impregnated in a very clinical environment using sperm from a partner or the spousal provider.
• Embryo Transfer: The embryos are then examined for the rates of their growth before being placed back into the uterus.

 

Research shows that the IVF pregnancy success in women with PCOS stands at 70%, while live birth rates estimate 60%. However, there are certain risks that need to be controlled; for instance, such features as OHSS are the result of the overload of the ovaries.

How does PCOS influence fertility?

PCOS is a chronic hormonal disease with a strong adverse effect on fertility in women. It is therefore important for those with PCOS, or those trying to conceive, to understand how this condition impacts ovulation and fertility.

The Hormonal Imbalances and Ovulation

• PCOS is a hormonal disorder associated with a condition called insulin resistance and increased levels of male hormones, including testosterone. 
• Typically in a woman’s monthly cycle, ovarian cells, which are covered by germinal epithelium, develop a follicle, which is actually a fluid-filled sac containing an immature egg. 
• According to the action of hormones such as LH and FSH, one of these follicles develops to rupture and release an egg during ovulation.

Anovulatory Cycles

• In women with PCOS, anovulatory cycles are a relatively frequent event. 
• In these cycles, the egg is not even provided; therefore, there is nothing to be fertilised. 
• Women can have menstrual days, but it no longer leads to ovulation, hence no full cycle as was earlier defined.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

• Women with PCOS have, in most cases, either irregular or absent menstrual cycles. 
• It becomes very hard to ascertain favourable periods to make conception, which is common in human beings. 
• This is also triggered by irregular ovulation leading to the development of a thick endometrial lining, which may not be shed if conception fails to occur. 

Insulin Resistance

• Insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS; the low sensitivity of insulin means that the body produces more of the hormone to achieve the same result.
• With high levels of insulin, the ovaries produce more androgens in turn, leading to further ovulation problems and worse fertility.

Treatment Options for PCOS

Beyond IVF, various treatments exist for managing PCOS:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Physical activities such as weight loss and exercising can help females to maintain their menstrual cycles and improve insulin levels as well.
• Medications: Ovulation may be induced by using fertility-inducing drugs like clomiphene citrate or letrozole. If these are ineffective, injectable gonadotropins might be advised.
• Surgical Options: Sometimes, laparoscopic ovarian drilling is used in order to stimulate ovulation with the help of decreased androgen levels.

Conclusion

Many fertility issues that stem from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can be overcome, and improving technologies holds much promise. IVF has been seen to be one of the most effective treatments for most of the women who have the above condition. The Femmenest IVF clinic is one of the clinics that demonstrate excellent results throughout the procedure and value the welfare of the patient. For women with PCOS, fertility issues are not impossible to deal with, and they can indeed accept the course of motherhood when properly treated and supported.

FAQs

What is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS?

As we all know, there is no one size which fits all, and therefore there is no one advice which fits all. Hence, it is recommended to patients suffering from PCOS to start trying to conceive as soon as possible.