PCOS Fertility Treatment

The unique relationship between PCOS and fertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, is a common and treatable cause of infertility. The physicians at Dallas IVF regularly see patients with PCOS who are seeking fertility treatment. Each DFW PCOS specialist at Dallas IVF is experienced in treating PCOS and fertility issues to help patients become parents.

PCOS and fertility issues require a different treatment approach

PCOS is caused by the insulin resistance and hormone imbalances in your body; it is characterized by the many small cysts growing in the ovaries each month. Your ovaries should recruit and release one egg each month. However, women with PCOS have irregular menstrual cycles because they do not ovulate regularly. Since a woman with PCOS is not maturing and releasing eggs on a regular basis, it is more difficult for her to get pregnant.

Fertility issues look different in a patient with the syndrome, so a DFW PCOS specialist will recommend specific treatments. Since irregular ovulation causes infertility in PCOS patients, your fertility specialist will prescribe medications to stimulate ovulation. These medications include metformin, letrozole, clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins.

Lifestyle changes that address weight may be enough to manage PCOS. Even a 5% drop in weight can make a difference.

Fertility medications and timed intercourse can also help women conceive. However, other women may need more advanced fertility interventions like intrauterine insemination, IUI, or in vitro fertilization, IVF. You should speak with your physician to determine the right treatment plan for you.

It’s important to find a fertility specialist who can prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a special concern for any patient who is taking fertility medications. If a physician does not carefully monitor a patient who is taking fertility medications, the patient can develop OHSS. When this occurs, the ovaries swell, resulting in abdominal pain, bloating and rapid weight gain and health problems can occur.

However, OHSS is preventable. Each DFW PCOS specialist at Dallas IVF is careful to monitor patients on fertility medications. If early signs of OHSS start to appear, our physicians will adjust the medication dosage to prevent onset of the syndrome.

If you are interested in learning about fertility treatments for PCOS, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team of reproductive endocrinologists is committed to helping patients with PCOS find fertility success.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, impacts one in 10 women

The physicians at Dallas IVF are experienced in treating a variety of reproductive issues that impact women of childbearing age. One of the most common conditions is PCOS, which causes hormonal imbalances and metabolic problems in approximately 10% of women. If you have this syndrome, a DFW PCOS specialist can help you overcome the symptoms that can impact your health and fertility.

Diagnosing PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, has a number of symptoms; however, each DFW PCOS specialist at Dallas IVF stresses that not all women will display every symptom. Some of the most common features include an irregular menstrual cycle, excessive facial or body hair, acne and weight gain.

To determine if you have PCOS, your physician will take a medical history and perform several tests that may include a physical exam, a pelvic ultrasound and blood tests. If your doctor finds that you have at least two of the following symptoms, you likely have PCOS and are a good candidate for treatment.

• Irregular periods
• High levels of androgens
• Multiple small ovarian cysts

Treatment for PCOS varies depending on when you want to get pregnant

Whether or not you want to get pregnant right now, a DFW PCOS specialist can manage and treat the symptoms of PCOS.

If you are trying to conceive, our fertility specialists will recommend that you take medication for ovulation induction like clomiphene citrate, metformin, letrozole or gonadotropins. While some patients may need more advanced treatments like IVF, lifestyle changes and medications are often enough to help a patient with PCOS become a mother.

If you aren’t ready to have a baby yet, there are treatments available to help you deal with the symptoms of PCOS. One of the most common treatments involves oral contraceptives. Birth control pills can help regulate hormonal imbalances, which can result in more regular periods and the elimination of acne and excessive hair growth. A physician may also prescribe metformin to prevent or treat the insulin resistance caused by the syndrome.

If you are overweight, losing as little as 5% of your overall body weight can result in significant improvement in the symptoms of PCOS. The best way to achieve healthy weight loss is to eat a balanced diet and incorporate physical activity.

If you are interested in learning more about how Dallas IVF treats PCOS, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our fertility specialists are experts in treating PCOS to help women achieve pregnancy and live healthier lives.