Polycystic ovaries and infertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. It usually appears at puberty and goes through menopause, causing a hormonal imbalance. Every woman produces male hormones called androgens. The problem is that this imbalance causes the body to produce more hormones, increasing the possibility of the appearance of ovarian cysts and interfering with the ovulation process.

Women who suffer from this problem ovulate less often and usually have irregular menstrual cycles, menstruation appears every two to three months. Among the most common symptoms are also weight gain, excess body hair, acne onset, increased skin oils and thinning hair.

Difference Between Ovarian Cysts And Polycystic Ovaries

The difference between ovarian cyst and polycystic ovaries is in the size and number of cysts. In polycystic ovary syndrome, there are small cysts in large quantities. The ovarian cysts are unique and larger.


Polycystic ovaries and pregnancy

In addition to internal changes in body functioning and external changes that bother women, polycystic ovary syndrome can interfere with reproductive health. It accounts for about 30% of female infertility cases and may increase the chances of miscarriages. Many women find that they have the problem only when they try to get pregnant and fail.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of polycystic ovaries can be made by ultrasound, hormone dosage tests or by touch examination, made at routine visits to the gynecologist. The polycystic ovary is twice the volume of a normal ovary.

Although there is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, treatment can be given to relieve symptoms. Optimal treatment may vary from woman to woman as it depends on the patient's age and the most severe symptoms. The simplest and best known is the use of the birth control pill, which regulates menstrual cycles and even helps to ease discomfort.


If the woman wants to get pregnant, the treatment is different. The most appropriate is made with an oral medication that induces ovulation. Most women respond well to treatment and get pregnant.

Infographic ? Infertility in numbers

Latest Advances in the Treatment of Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) | UCLA OB/GYN (April 2024)


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