How PCOS Affects Fertility — And What You Can Do About It
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of people worldwide and is often linked to challenges with fertility. If you’ve been diagnosed, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what this means for your future. The good news is that PCOS is very treatable, and many patients go on to have successful pregnancies with the right care. At Kentucky Fertility Institute, we take the time to understand your needs and create a treatment plan designed to give you the best chance at growing your family.
How PCOS Affects Ovulation and Hormones
With PCOS, the ovaries produce an excess of hormones called androgens. This excess suppresses the release of an egg, resulting in irregular or absent menstrual periods. Without regularly timed ovulation, conception can become difficult. Fortunately, treatments that encourage ovulation can help many people with PCOS overcome these challenges.
Treatment Options for PCOS-Related Infertility
For many patients, the first approach is ovulation induction, a treatment that uses oral medications like letrozole or clomiphene to encourage the ovaries to release an egg. This approach is often very effective, and your care team will closely monitor your response to ensure the treatment is safe and productive.
If ovulation induction alone doesn’t result in pregnancy after a few months, or if donor sperm is being used, we may recommend intrauterine insemination (IUI) in combination with ovulation induction. IUI places prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization.
When these methods aren’t successful or when other factors are present, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be the best option. IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in the lab, and transferring embryos to the uterus. While IVF is more involved, it often provides the highest success rates for patients with PCOS, and our team is experienced in tailoring protocols to reduce risks that can be associated with PCOS.
Preparing For Your First Fertility Appointment
Your first visit with a fertility specialist is an opportunity to share your story, ask questions, and begin building a plan tailored to your needs. It helps to bring along any medical records, recent lab results, or prior imaging if you have them. Tracking your cycles—even if they’re irregular—can also give us helpful information. Additionally, coming prepared with questions or goals will make your first appointment more meaningful and help us move in a direction that feels best for you.
While fertility treatment can be very effective, small changes you can make now, even before your first appointment, may improve your overall health and set the stage for treatment success. Because PCOS is often linked to insulin resistance, focusing on diet, exercise, and glucose control can make a real difference. Even modest tweaks—like increasing physical activity or choosing balanced meals with fewer refined sugars—can help restore hormonal balance and improve how your body responds to fertility medications and treatments.
Our Approach at Kentucky Fertility Institute
A PCOS diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of your dream of having children. With the right treatment and care, many patients achieve successful pregnancies. At Kentucky Fertility Institute, we recognize that PCOS doesn’t look the same person-to-person. Each patient’s experience is unique, and so is the care we provide. Our team takes the time to understand your health, your hopes, and your challenges. From the first consultation through every stage of treatment, you’ll have a team beside you that values clear communication and compassionate support. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to us today.