PCOS and wanting a child – what you need to know
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of childbearing age – and a common cause of an unfulfilled wish to have children.
What is PCOS?
PCOS affects about 10–15% of all women. Typical features are:
- Irregular or absent cycles
- Elevated male hormones (androgens)
- Many small follicles in the ovaries (polycystic pattern on ultrasound)
PCOS and fertility
The main problem is the absent or irregular ovulation. Without ovulation, no fertilisation can take place. The good news: PCOS is very treatable.
Treatment options
- Lifestyle optimisation: in overweight women, a weight reduction of 5–10% can restore ovulation.
- Hormone stimulation: clomiphene or letrozole can trigger ovulation.
- IUI: in combination with stimulation.
- IVF/ICSI: when simpler methods do not lead to success.
Important: OHSS risk
Women with PCOS have an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). We therefore adjust the stimulation particularly carefully and use modern trigger protocols.