Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects around 1 in 10 Australian women and is a leading cause of infertility due to its impact on ovulation. Many women with PCOS worry about their chances of conceiving naturally or through fertility treatments. The good news is that while PCOS can make getting pregnant more challenging, it does not mean pregnancy is impossible. In fact, research and clinical experience in Australia show that women with PCOS can and do have healthy pregnancies.
How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?
PCOS disrupts the regular release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation), causing irregular or absent menstrual cycles. This irregular ovulation is the primary reason women with PCOS may find it harder to conceive naturally. Additionally, hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance common in PCOS can affect egg quality and reproductive function.
Encouraging Research from Australia
A recent study from The University of Queensland analysed over 1,100 women undergoing fertility treatments and found that women with PCOS had the same birth rates as women without PCOS. Although more women with PCOS required fertility interventions (38% compared to 13% without PCOS), their chances of having a baby were not reduced.
Dr Katrina Moss from UQ highlighted that non-invasive treatments like ovulation induction (using medications to stimulate ovulation) are highly effective for most women with PCOS. The study showed that many women with PCOS start with these less invasive treatments and only progress to procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) if needed.
Treatment Pathways for PCOS-Related Infertility in Australia
Australian clinical guidelines recommend a stepped approach:
- Ovulation Induction (OI): Medications such as letrozole or clomiphene citrate help stimulate regular ovulation.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): If OI alone is not successful, IUI introduces sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation time.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Used when other methods fail or in cases with additional fertility challenges.
Women with PCOS often respond well to these treatments, and many conceive without needing IVF.
Pregnancy Outcomes and Risks
Women with PCOS may face a slightly higher risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. However, with appropriate medical care and monitoring, most women with PCOS have successful pregnancies and healthy babies.
What You Can Do
- Early Consultation: If you have PCOS and are planning pregnancy, consult your GP or fertility specialist early to discuss your options.
- Lifestyle Management: Maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet, and regular exercise can improve ovulation and fertility outcomes.
- Follow Recommended Treatments: Australian guidelines provide effective, evidence-based pathways to help women with PCOS conceive.
- Support and Information: Resources like the AskPCOS app and organisations such as Jean Hailes for Women’s Health offer valuable support.
While PCOS can delay conception, it does not prevent pregnancy. Australian research offers reassuring evidence that women with PCOS have comparable chances of having children as those without the condition, especially when they access timely and appropriate fertility treatments. With the right support and care, many Australian women with PCOS successfully build their families.