Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO)

Anecdotal evidence suggests that perhaps 5% to 15% of all women are born with some degree of polycystic ovaries. Many, if not most of these women, will never find out since they will be able to conceive. These women have a mild degree of PCO.

Women with more severe PCO will, at least temporarily, lose the regularity of their menstruations (become anovulatory) and may need medical help to conceive. In its most severe forms, polycystic ovarian syndrome can make it quite difficult for a woman to ovulate and conceive even with ovarian stimulation.

This lack of ovulation is accompanied by a hormonal imbalance which, in some women, involves abnormal insulin production and glucose metabolism.

 

Polycystic ovaries are by far the most common cause of anovulation. The term "polycystic" refers to the increased number of ovarian follicles (not cysts) present within the ovaries of most women with PCO.

 

Women with PCO who need medical treatment to get pregnant comprise a special group of patients. Their ovaries can be very sensitive to stimulatory medications, their eggs tend to be more immature and there is an increased risk of multiple pregnancies and ovarian hyperstimulation.

The physician must be aware of the presence of even the mildest degrees of PCO before In Vitro Fertilization, Egg Donation, or Gestational Surrogacy ovarian stimulation begins. PCO ovaries do need to be stimulated differently than ovaries of women without the polycystic ovary syndrome.

We rely primarily on the Ovarian Reserve Assay (ORA) and ultrasonic ovarian assessment to guide us in selecting the most appropriate method of ovarian stimulation for women with PCO.

If you have any questions regarding PCO or to request an appointment, please contact us by phone at 650-322-0500, via email at care@BayIVF.com, or use the Contact Bay IVF Center form on this page.