Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility: When to Consult a Doctor?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects many women and may make conception difficult owing to irregular ovulation. Menstrual abnormalities, testosterone levels, and ovarian ultrasound findings are all considered while making a diagnosis. If conception continues to be difficult even after many months, it is recommended that you see a doctor.

Utkarsha Gupta
Updated:17 Sept 2024, 8:15 pm
Pregatips
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance illness that affects 10% of reproductive-aged women and those with ovaries. Despite being quite common, there are many misunderstandings about PCOS, particularly among those attempting to conceive.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Although each individual with PCOS has a unique experience, there are a few characteristics that clinicians regularly look for when diagnosing this disorder. The criteria for diagnosing PCOS are:
  • Unusual menstrual periods
  • Increased amounts of androgen hormones, such as testosterone, may lead to acne and facial hair
  • Ultrasound may reveal polycystic ovaries, which have a high number of follicles (small fluid sacs containing developing eggs)
It is typical for persons with irregular periods to be diagnosed with PCOS. 90% of individuals with irregular cycles will fit the PCOS diagnostic criteria. PCOS is also linked to diabetes, hypertension, and excessive cholesterol.

PCOS and fertility:

For women with PCOS, the difficulty with conception is not a dearth of eggs, but rather an inability to release mature eggs on a regular basis—which is why they have irregular periods. If you only have three periods per year, your body only produces three mature eggs, so you have a lower chance of becoming pregnant naturally.
Many individuals aren't diagnosed with PCOS until they try to conceive. Fortunately, there are therapeutic options available for those with PCOS who are attempting to conceive.

Conceiving with PCOS:

There are many therapeutic options available for persons with PCOS who are attempting to conceive. Doctors first try to restore ovulation with lifestyle changes like weight loss and medication for other PCOS-related conditions, like prediabetes.The next step is to utilise an ovulation-inducing drug.These kinds of drugs are taken once a month to try to reset your cycle so that it can develop and release eggs regularly.. Patients on this treatment plan will normally take the medicine for five days before being carefully monitored by their clinician to ensure that their body is reacting properly. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is another therapy option for patients with PCOS who are attempting to conceive. This is a technique in which mature eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a lab to develop embryos, which are then utilised to establish a pregnancy. People with PCOS make excellent candidates for IVF because they have an excellent supply of eggs. IVF has various benefits over ovulation induction drugs, including a quicker time to conception and a lower risk of a multiple birth pregnancy.

Preparing for the appointment:

PCOS may be treated by a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist, or an infertility specialist. Prepare for your appointment by making a list of the following:
  • Please include information about your symptoms and period frequency, duration, and intensity
  • All drugs, vitamins, herbs, and other supplements you use, including their quantity
  • Important personal and medical information, including other health issues, recent life changes, and stresses

Questions to ask your healthcare provider:

Some simple questions to ask are:
  • Which tests do you recommend?
  • How can PCOS affect my chances of becoming pregnant?
  • Are there any medications that might help enhance my symptoms or chances of becoming pregnant?
  • What lifestyle adjustments might help alleviate symptoms?
  • How will PCOS influence my health in the long run?
  • I have additional medical issues. How can I best handle them together?
Please do not hesitate to ask any other questions that come to mind.

The right time to see a specialist:

Overall, the appropriate period to consult with a reproductive professional for PCOS varies by person. A fertility expert can explain your treatment choices and help you make the right decision for you and your family.Medically approved by Dr Vaishali Chaudhary, Director- IVF & Fertility, Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, Pune.

FAQs on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Fertility: When to Consult a Doctor?

  1. When should I consult a fertility expert for PCOS?If you have PCOS and are still unable to conceive after six or seven months of trying, or if you are not receiving your period, you should consult a fertility expert.
  2. Should I see a gynaecologist for PCOS?PCOS may be treated by a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist, or an infertility specialist.

About the Author

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Utkarsha Gupta

Utkarsha Gupta is a seasoned freelance writer with 7 years of professional experience and a PGDM degree from FMS IRM, Jaipur. Despite her roots in management, her passion for writing led her to transition into the content industry. Utkarsha works as a freelancer with Pregatips who excels in crafting SEO-optimized content and specializes in a diverse range of topics, including pregnancy related articles/blogs, fashion trends, health industry insights, technical writing, and news articles. Committed to delivering engaging and unique content, she relies on thorough research and a keen understanding of audience interests to create impactful and timely pieces.

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