In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) By HCRM on October 18, 2016

At the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, PC, fertility specialist Victoria Maclin and her highly trained team are dedicated to providing compassionate care using state-of-the-art technology and techniques to couples who are struggling with infertility. It is our goal to help them realize their dreams of introducing a precious new life into this world through such fertility treatments as in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Essential to the fulfillment of this goal is our ability to accurately diagnose any factors that may be contributing to infertility and finding the most effective methods available for treating or working around those factors.

Ovulation disorders are responsible, in part or in whole, for approximately 25 percent of all cases of infertility. The process of ovulation, in which the female’s ovaries produce and release an egg, is necessary to achieving successful pregnancy. Without proper ovulation, successful pregnancy is an impossibility.

The most common cause of ovulation disorders and, indeed, of all female infertility is a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. Dr. Maclin discusses the issue of IVF and PCOS during consultations at her Omaha, NE fertility clinic, helping patients who may or do struggle with the condition to understand how it affects their fertility.

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS or you are experiencing ovulation problems and are having difficulty conceiving, we urge you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Maclin at the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine today.

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is caused by a hormonal imbalance that interferes with ovulation. The condition is marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries, as well as such possible symptoms as weight gain, acne, the growth of unwanted facial and body hair, loss of hair on the scalp, and depression. Irregular ovulation is a common symptom of PCOS; however, this can manifest itself in the form of either few or no periods or heavy, nearly unrelenting bleeding.

At the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, we perform several tests to determine whether PCOS is contributing to a patient’s infertility.

Can PCOS Be Effectively Treated?

The good news is that, while PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility, the condition is generally quite treatable. For some women, lifestyle changes such as improvements in diet and more stringent exercise routines can help to counteract the effects of PCOS and restore normalcy to their menstrual cycles. For other women, medical therapies using fertility medications prove effective within months.

If these methods do not result in successful pregnancy, then IVF may be recommended. Depending on the circumstances of the individual patient, Dr. Maclin may suggest trying intrauterine insemination (IUI) before attempting IVF; for the right candidates with PCOS, IUI success rates are relatively high. If IUI proves unsuccessful, or if Dr. Maclin feels that IVF is the right course of action initially, then IVF also has a very high success rate among patients with PCOS.