PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects 1 in 5 women of reproductive age. It causes hormonal imbalance, irregular ovulation, and small cysts on the ovaries — making natural conception difficult.
Irregular or absent periods · Excess androgen (facial hair, acne) · Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound · Weight gain or difficulty losing weight · Skin darkening (acanthosis nigricans) · Difficulty conceiving naturally
Diagnosed using the Rotterdam Criteria (2 of 3): irregular periods, elevated androgens, polycystic ovaries on scan. Tests include AMH (often elevated in PCOS), FSH/LH ratio, testosterone, insulin resistance, and AFC ultrasound.
PCOS patients often have excellent IVF outcomes. The many eggs produced in response to stimulation give more embryo options. With correct protocols that prevent OHSS, PCOS patients frequently achieve pregnancy.
For overweight PCOS patients, even 5–10% weight loss significantly restores ovulation. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy provides dietary guidance, exercise planning, and insulin-sensitising medication (Metformin) where appropriate.
Letrozole (preferred) or Clomiphene tablets stimulate controlled ovulation. Cycle monitored by ultrasound. Timed intercourse or IUI in the same cycle. Tried for 3–4 cycles before moving to IVF.
If ovulation induction alone is insufficient, IUI can improve conception chances by placing prepared sperm directly at the egg. Combined with monitored ovulation induction.
When IUI fails or tubes are blocked or male factor exists, IVF is recommended. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy uses GnRH antagonist protocols with low stimulation doses and GnRH agonist trigger to prevent OHSS. Freeze-all strategy used when OHSS risk is elevated.
After a rest cycle, the best-quality frozen embryo is transferred in a prepared endometrium. FET cycles in PCOS patients often have higher success rates than fresh transfers due to reduced OHSS risk and better uterine environment.
Yes. Most PCOS patients can conceive with the right treatment. Many get pregnant with lifestyle changes and ovulation induction alone. Those who need IVF often respond very well, as PCOS ovaries produce many eggs with stimulation. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy has treated hundreds of PCOS patients to successful pregnancy.
The all-inclusive IVF package applies to PCOS patients as well. This covers all medications (including the lower-dose PCOS protocol), monitoring scans, OPU, ICSI, embryo transfer, and consultations.
OHSS is a complication of ovarian overstimulation — more common in PCOS patients. Symptoms range from mild bloating to severe fluid accumulation. Mother Hospitals prevents OHSS using: low-dose stimulation protocols, GnRH antagonist protocols, modified trigger injection (GnRH agonist instead of hCG), and freeze-all strategy when needed. Severe OHSS is extremely rare with these precautions.
Not necessarily. Many PCOS patients conceive with lifestyle changes and oral ovulation induction tablets (Letrozole). IVF is typically recommended when: ovulation induction fails after 3–4 cycles, there is a male factor issue, tubes are blocked, or the patient is over 35 with additional factors.
PCOS is diagnosed if 2 of 3 criteria are met: (1) irregular or absent periods, (2) clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens (facial hair, acne, elevated testosterone), (3) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (12+ follicles per ovary). AMH is typically elevated. Tests include hormone panel (FSH, LH, testosterone, insulin, AMH) and transvaginal ultrasound.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624