IVF: A Reliable Fertility Pathway For PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can make naturally conceiving hard because of how the condition impacts the body. Hormonal imbalances lead to excessive androgen hormones, which can disrupt or prevent ovulation. Along with excessive hair growth and weight gain, many individuals experience irregular or missed periods. In both cases, accurately tracking ovulation is more complicated. For women and couples hoping to conceive naturally, not knowing when the critical fertility window will occur makes the process nearly impossible. Fortunately, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an established treatment that can make pregnancy with PCOS possible.
Understanding IVF
IVF is a well-known assisted reproductive therapy (ART) that has some of the highest success rates when compared to other fertility treatments. Although the process takes several weeks for a full cycle and can be expensive, people with PCOS are often urged to consider the method. IVF requires that a woman take hormone medications to stimulate the ovaries and boost egg production. When ovulation is detected, technicians will retrieve multiple eggs while a semen sample will be collected from a partner or donor. The sperm and egg will be mixed in a laboratory. If an embryo is formed, the material will be transferred to the uterus in hopes of implantation.
Is IVF the first choice?
While IVF is probably the most popular ART option, fertility patients with PCOS will usually be encouraged to try intrauterine insemination (IUI) first. Normally, IUI only involves inserting sperm directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation. However, for PCOS, specialists may recommend ovulation induction via hormonal treatments to improve tracking accuracy. Once ovulation is detected, the sperm is then inserted into the uterus.
When IVF is recommended
IVF is usually not the first fertility treatment for individuals with PCOS. However, general guidelines usually recommend trying the ART solution if a person has undergone three unsuccessful IUI cycles. If no other underlying issues are present, IVF has very high success rates in women with PCOS. Specifically, research suggests that about 70% of participants will successfully conceive, with 60% of that number having a live birth using IVF.
Are there any risks?
Any medical procedure will always have some risk associations, and IVF is no exception. The biggest concern is typically ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Because of the hormone medications, a woman may experience side effects. Specific to PCOS fertility treatments, participants have a higher risk of gestational hypertension and other pregnancy-related health concerns.
Building a family
Ovulation tracking is one of the biggest hurdles PCOS poses for women and couples trying to conceive. However, getting pregnant doesn’t have to be an impossibility. Thanks to ART treatments like IVF, people can have hope. To learn more about IVF and what to expect if PCOS is an underlying diagnosis, schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist.
