Alester Brown

What is the Fertility Rate among Those Who Have PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) are among the most common causes of infertility in women. PCOS is a metabolic condition where hormonal imbalances cause fluid-filled sacs to develop in the ovaries. Generally, PCOS occurs when the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones.

PCOD is similar but causes the ovaries to produce many immature or partially mature eggs. Both can affect fertility. But what can you expect concerning fertility and PCOD or PCOS?

How PCOS and PCOD Affect Fertility

These conditions revolve around hormonal issues, and those issues can severely impact fertility rates. The high levels of androgens interfere with eggs' normal growth and development. It also affects the eggs' ability to release. You can't get pregnant when eggs can't move from the ovaries (ovulation).

That said, pregnancy isn't impossible. PCOS and PCOD don't always prevent pregnancy. However, it makes pregnancy much more difficult. Even if fertilization occurs, there are risks.

Children born to women with PCOS have a higher risk of needing newborn intensive care. There's also a greater risk of premature delivery, gestational diabetes and more. Mothers are three times more likely to miscarry or have stillbirth.

For those reasons, it's important to work with a doctor and fertility specialist to determine the best course of action.

Improving Fertility with PCOS or PCOD

There are many approaches to address fertility and PCOD or PCOS. The most popular is the use of clomiphene citrate (CC). CC is a medication that can substantially improve fertility rates in those with PCOS or PCOD. It works by stimulating an increase in the hormones necessary to support the growth of eggs.

CC also helps to induce ovulation. Many fertility specialists prescribe oral CC that individuals must take for five days starting on the second day after the onset of a menstrual cycle. Generally, treatments begin with lower 50mg doses. But, that dosing may increase with subsequent cycles until ovulation occurs.

Approximately 75 to 80 percent of women with PCOS who take CC will ovulate.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown is a certified PCOS specialist. She advises people on personalized women's healthcare and skin treatment at home. You can find her thoughts at PCOD symptoms blog.