How IVF Can Support Women with PCOS Struggling to Conceive

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a condition that lots of people have heard of, yet they don’t always know what it is or how it impacts fertility. September is PCOS awareness month, and it’s a time when medical professionals and charities come together to raise awareness of PCOS and educate others about the condition. It’s estimated that 70% of women with PCOS don't know they have it, and you can't treat what you don't know you have, so spreading the word about this condition is more important than ever. 

Being diagnosed with PCOS can raise lots of questions around fertility, and many wonder whether they will ever be able to conceive. Fortunately, there are lots of fertility treatments available that can benefit women with PCOS, including In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). This particular treatment can be a highly effective solution for women who are struggling to conceive, and it can help bypass the challenges caused by PCOS, maximising chances of pregnancy.

Our team of fertility specialists in Ireland have put together some information about how IVF can support women with PCOS, making their dream of starting a family possible. 

PCOS and Fertility Challenges

PCOS is caused by a hormonal imbalance, which means it can impact fertility. Lots of women will experience common symptoms like irregular or absent periods, enlarged ovaries and infertility, but PCOS can affect everyone differently. 

When it comes to fertility, PCOS can make natural conception more complicated. Having infrequent, unpredictable, or absent ovulation (anovulation) makes it harder to know when eggs are being released from the ovaries. This, in turn, makes tracking fertile days incredibly difficult, and when trying to conceive, this is incredibly important. 

It’s important to note that being diagnosed with PCOS doesn’t mean you can’t have a baby, and it may just be the case that you require some support from an IVF specialist to conceive. If you are struggling to conceive naturally, it’s highly recommended that you book a fertility test to start your journey to assisted conception. 

Fertility Treatment for Women with PCOS 

There are a few different options to explore that can help you conceive after a PCOS diagnosis. Simple fertility treatments include ovulation tracking and ovulation induction, which help you understand your cycle and regulate ovulation. More advanced options include IVF, which is often suggested when initial treatments haven’t been successful. 

In Vitro Fertilisation is sometimes recommended for women with PCOS, and it can provide a structured, medically supervised path to conception. The IVF process starts with ovarian stimulation, where fertility medications are used to help produce follicles, while closely monitoring progress with ultrasounds and blood tests. Once the follicles are ready, eggs are retrieved in a short procedure, which is carried out under local anaesthesia.

The collected eggs are then fertilised with sperm in a laboratory and routinely cultured for five days, before the healthiest embryo is selected for transfer. Finally, the embryo is placed directly into the uterine cavity, effectively sidestepping issues caused by irregular or absent ovulation and increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy for women with PCOS. 

Key Benefits of IVF for PCOS Patients

Often, IVF is recommended for women with PCOS for reasons such as:

• Overcomes Unpredictable Ovulation - IVF makes sure the eggs are properly matured and retrieved, regardless of any disruptions to your natural cycle.

• Higher Chances of Conception - Women with PCOS often have a higher chance of conceiving with medical intervention, when compared to conceiving naturally. 

• Embryo Selection for Best Outcomes - The careful selection and freezing of embryos will improve outcomes and minimise risks of multiple pregnancies or miscarriage.

• Personalised Specialist Support - Throughout your IVF journey, you will receive expert guidance and emotional support from a team of fertility specialists, so you will always have someone to speak to. 

It’s beneficial to speak to an IVF specialist if you’re struggling to conceive naturally. This type of fertility treatment could help you start a family, and a specialist will help you determine whether it’s the right option for your unique circumstances. IVF offers hope and proactive solutions for many who have struggled to conceive following a PCOS diagnosis. 

Contact our IVF Specialists in Ireland 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, but if you have always dreamed of having a baby, there are fertility treatments available that may be able to help. Alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and medications to manage symptoms, working with a fertility specialist can help you if you’re struggling to conceive. 

Here at Sims IVF, we have a team of fertility specialists in Ireland who can support you on your fertility journey. At our fertility clinics, we have cared for thousands of patients over the years and offer many tailored treatment options. We understand the complexities of PCOS, and we will help you to make informed choices for the best possible outcome. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help you.