How PCOS affects infertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect a woman’s fertility in different ways. Ovulation problems are usually the primary cause of infertility in women with PCOS. Ovulation may not occur due to an increase in testosterone production or because follicles on the ovaries do not mature. Even if ovulation occurs, an imbalance in hormones may prevent the lining of the uterus from developing properly to allow for implantation of the mature egg. Due to unbalanced hormones, ovulation and menstruation can be irregular. Unpredictable menstrual cycles can also make it difficult to get pregnant. (*From Medical News Today)
Because PCOS affects more than just the fertility of a woman and there is a lengthy list of other issues that can make it hard for a woman to become pregnant which can include weight gain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease just to name a few. Surrogacy can often be an option for those suffering from PCOS especially if the woman has some of the more debilitating side effects of this condition. It’s important to ask your specialist what would be the path to take when planning to start or add on to your family especially if you are struggling with PCOS.