Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS or PCO),

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age and is considered one of the most common causes of infertility in women. However, with proper treatment, the negative impact of PCOS on fertility can be mitigated. While the exact cause of PCOS is not yet known, genetic factors are thought to play a role.

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Include:

• Menstrual irregularities (menstruation less than 35 days apart)
• Absence of menstruation after one or two menstrual periods during puberty
• Ovulation problems
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
• Increase in androgens (male hormones)
• Typical ultrasound image of the ovaries
• Chronic acne
• Hair loss
• Obesity
• Acanthosis nigricans (dark and thickened appearance in some areas of the skin)
• Infertility (difficulty getting pregnant)
• Deepening of the voice

These are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS or PCO).

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Inviting Health Problems

If left untreated, polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to a range of physical and psychological health problems. These include high blood pressure (hypertension), cardiovascular disease, psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social phobia), diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Therefore, if individuals notice the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, they should consult a specialist and begin treatment immediately.

Simultaneous Weight Control Should Be Supported: Information on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment

Treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome can vary from person to person. Many factors, including the patient's lifestyle, preferences, disease progression, and physical health, are taken into consideration when determining treatment options. Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome often experience weight gain, so it's important to consult a nutritionist or dietitian to help manage their weight. This way, weight management can be supported simultaneously throughout the treatment process.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment and Pregnancy

After treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome, significant improvement in menstrual irregularities can be observed with medical interventions and weight loss. Once the ovulation problem resolves, pregnancy can sometimes occur naturally. In cases of persistent menstrual irregularities, ovulation-stimulating medications and hormone injections can be used. During this period, regular intercourse may be recommended or insemination may be performed to induce pregnancy from the developing eggs being monitored.

However, if pregnancy is not achieved after three or four consecutive follow-up and insemination attempts, IVF may be recommended. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome require special attention during IVF treatment. Therefore, careful communication and monitoring between the patient and doctor at every stage of the treatment process is crucial.

Watch out for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)!

Ovarian stimulation is a critical step in IVF treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome. If the medication dosage is not adjusted appropriately, an excessive response may develop. Ovarian overstimulation can lead to a condition called OHSS. If left untreated, OHSS can have fatal consequences. Therefore, the most important aspect of IVF treatment for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome is preventing OHSS.

In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or PCOS with an increased chance of pregnancy, IVF treatment should be initiated with a lower dose than in healthy individuals. If no response is achieved with the lower dose, the dose should be gradually increased. If overstimulation occurs despite keeping the medication dose low, the eggs should be hatched with agonist drugs instead of HCG. All embryos formed are frozen (total freezing). Because pregnancy does not occur, the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) condition resolves within 7-10 days, and the patient returns to normal. Frozen embryos are thawed and transferred within 1-2 months. This prevents OHSS and allows pregnancy to be achieved through IVF treatment in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

IVF Success Rates Are Higher in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Success rates for IVF in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome are quite high. While this varies depending on the couple's characteristics, the chance of pregnancy with IVF is generally around 40-50%. This chance increases even further with polycystic ovary syndrome. In this syndrome, the cause of infertility is identified and resolved with medication. Therefore, the chances of IVF treatment for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome are higher than for other patient groups. A significant number of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome achieve pregnancy on their first attempt as a result of IVF treatment.