Many women come to see me with a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) who want my assistance to achieve a pregnancy.

PCOS is a common condition and can lead to irregular periods. As ovulation is unpredictable or rare, it makes it difficult (but not impossible) to fall pregnant naturally.

Luckily, awareness of this condition and clear medical guidelines have made the diagnosis and management of PCOS easier. There are now many management options that enable women living with PCOS to achieve a pregnancy

As PCOS has no known cure, lifestyle changes may be all that is required to achieve ovulation. For some women they may require oral medication, and if this is not successful they may require the help of IVF. Women with PCOS usually have a high number of eggs produced during an IVF cycle compared to the women without PCOS. This can be an advantage, but caution is required to avoid overstimulation of the ovaries during IVF to avoid complications such as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

For women living with PCOS, it is important that they are looked after holistically. Fertility issues are only one symptom of this complex condition. Close attention and discussion is needed before and during fertility treatment, during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby.

To learn more about the symptoms and treatment options for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome , please listen to the Podcast for more details.