Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of infertility, yet 70% of cases go undiagnosed. In fact, many people don’t realize their PCOS is a problem until it interferes with family planning.
If you’re struggling to conceive and think you may have PCOS or already have a diagnosis and need treatment before attempting to get pregnant, it’s important to find an educated fertility specialist who understands how and why PCOS affects fertility.
At University Reproductive Associates, with locations in New Jersey and New York, our team of reproductive specialists diagnoses and helps women with polycystic ovary syndrome. We also find ways to improve and support your fertility.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects the ovaries. Imbalance hormones can lead to many unpleasant symptoms, including:
While not all people develop cysts, they are a hallmark of PCOS — hence the name. These small cysts form along the edges of the ovaries and contain fluid and immature eggs, known as follicles. Ovarian cysts can impact your fertility, preventing you from getting pregnant.
Women with PCOS often have problems getting pregnant. This can be attributed to several factors:
Sex around the time of ovulation is essential to getting pregnant. However, for women with PCOS, this window can be challenging to find or define. PCOS makes periods irregular and ovulation hard to pin down.
Ovarian cysts can form in clusters and interfere with fertility in people with PCOS. These also produce more hormones that alter the menstrual cycle.
PCOS can inhibit how the eggs mature before being released. This leads to the follicular release of poor-quality eggs with little or no chance of being fertilized.
Our team will evaluate your case and create a personalized treatment plan to minimize the effects of your PCOS on your fertility and improve your chances of conception.
Your treatment plan for PCOS will be based on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. For example, if you’re struggling with weight challenges or have diabetes, we may recommend lifestyle changes to help you lose weight and improve your health. In some cases, this is all that is required to treat PCOS and conceive naturally.
In other cases, we may prescribe medication to help improve ovulation and the release of mature, healthy eggs. If you still cannot conceive, we may recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF) to increase your chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy baby to term.
Do you think you might have PCOS or already have a diagnosis? Contact us by calling your nearest University Reproductive Associates location or make an appointment online today.
