In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a procedure that often increases the chances of conception for couples experiencing infertility. Women living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can experience hormonal imbalances or anovulation, leading to infertility. IVF may be an effective option for women with PCOS who hope to have children. Here is how this treatment method can help:
Understanding PCOS and Its Impact on Fertility
PCOS is a chronic medical condition that can affect women from adolescence. Cysts form on the ovaries, causing:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Irregular periods
- Excess androgen levels
- Lack of ovulation
- Weight gain
- Male-pattern baldness or excessive hair on the face
The constant influence of PCOS on a woman’s menstrual cycle often leads to infertility. Doctors often recommend hormone testing when diagnosing PCOS. They look for increased levels of testosterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-müllerian hormone, which all influence womb growth, ovulation, and fertility.
What is IVF and How Does it Work?
IVF is a fertility treatment that utilizes minimally invasive surgery and medication to help couples become parents. Prescribed hormonal medications stimulate a woman’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs during a menstrual cycle instead of only one. These eggs are retrieved for fertilization by sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized eggs are monitored in the lab before a selected embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus for implantation. This makes IVF suitable for women who cannot conceive naturally because of genetic or health reasons like PCOS.
In an in vitro fertilization treatment cycle, the dosage of hormonal medication is calculated based on health, age, and weight. Sonograms are used to predict ovulation for egg retrieval. This helps reduce the amount of medication needed to boost fertility and may result in successful conception more quickly.
IVF for Women with PCOS
PCOS is more likely to be associated with pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and biochemical pregnancy loss. Using hormonal medication in conjunction with IVF treatments can encourage ovulation and help support embryo growth after implantation. Regulating hormonal changes that cause complications in pregnancy increases the likelihood that patients with PCOS will give birth.
Factors Influencing IVF Success
Women with PCOS often have multiple follicles, allowing them to produce a higher number of eggs during ovarian stimulation during treatment. This can affect the quality of eggs, reducing their viability for fertilization and leading to poor embryo development. Monitoring the number of eggs in a woman’s ovaries through hormone levels and ultrasound can provide doctors with insights to improve success rates.
Weight and BMI also influence the results. Overweight women may have higher chances of miscarriages. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), the swelling of the ovaries, is also possible during treatment. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise could help enhance success.
Consult an Infertility Specialist for Effective Treatment
Living with PCOS can increase the risks of infertility, but in vitro fertilization offers an effective solution for conception. Before embryos are transferred to the uterus, they can be tested to reduce the risk of genetic problems or miscarriage to improve success rates for women with PCOS. Schedule a consultation to explore the benefits of in vitro fertilization today.