Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) And IVF

How does PCOS impact fertility?

• The exact cause of PCOS is not known;, however, women with PCOS tend to have higher androgen levels

• Higher androgen levels cause hormonal imbalance which interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation), no ovulation = no pregnancy

When does IVF become the main option for conception?

• There are several treatment options for PCOS-associated infertility before a shared decision is made between you and your provider that IVF is the best option

• IVF is typically the third- or last-line treatment when other PCOS infertility treatment options fail

What is known about IVF in women with PCOS?

• Women with PCOS has a higher risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during the ovarian stimulation process for egg retrieval

• There are ovarian stimulation protocols that can help women with PCOS reduce the risk of developing OHSS

• Some evidence suggest that women with PCOS who are not obese and 35 or younger have a better IVF success rate than women with PCOS who are obese and >35 years old [1]