PCOS Symptoms and Treatment

Believed to be one of the most common ovarian disorders and causes of female factor infertility in the United States, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects five to ten percent of women of childbearing age.

A diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome means that the patient's ovaries are covered with multiple cysts (small, non-cancerous, fluid-filled sacs). These cyst-covered ovaries do not produce enough of the hormones necessary for the maturation of ova, and the result is absent or irregular ovulation.

Symptoms of PCOS

Female infertility is not the only symptom of PCOS. Other signs of the disorder include:

• Irregular ovulation, or amenorrhea
• Hirsuteness
• Acne and sebhorrea
• Obesity
• Male-pattern thinning of the hair
• High cholesterol and blood pressure; type 2 diabetes
• Frequent pelvic pain

PCOS Fertility Treatment

Treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome largely depends on the requirements of the patient. If the patient wants to simply treat the symptoms of PCOS, such as hair growth or hair loss and irregular ovulation or menstruation, birth control pills, diabetes medications, and weight loss can help.

If the patient wants to treat female factor infertility, hormones and fertility drugs are administered to stimulate ovulation. Although female reproductive surgery is an option, it is not recommended unless all other treatments have been explored. Ovarian drilling can lead to the development of scar tissue and cause further damage to the pelvic area.

Consult a Fertility Specialist

Depending on the specific patient's diagnosis, secondary infertility can be treated through artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, and various other fertility treatments. Schedule an appointment with an infertility doctor in your area to find out which treatment is right for you.