What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disease in women, with a reported prevalence of 4-7%. The exact causes of polycystic ovary syndrome are unknown. It is considered to be inherited genetically.

Women with polycystic ovaries have metabolic risks such as obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal blood sugar levels, and deterioration in blood lipids, as well as unable to have children due to menstrual irregularity, excessive hair growth, and increased ovulation disorder. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk of uterine cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It affects not only reproductive health but also general health status.

In polycystic ovary syndrome, there are many precursor eggs in the form of tiny cysts inside the ovary. In natural conditions, one of the precursor eggs in the woman reaches an adequate size and cracks, thus ovulation occurs. In women with polycystic ovaries, all of the precursor eggs try to grow, but none of them can reach an adequate size and ovulation cannot occur.

How is polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosed?

Examination, ultrasound, and blood tests are required to diagnose a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome.

To diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, the patient should have two of the following symptoms:

1. Ovulation disorder,

2. Findings of androgen excess in clinical or blood tests (acne, hair growth, oily skin, hair loss),

3. In ultrasound examinations, 2 of the findings of polycystic ovary appearance should be present.

Can polycystic ovary syndrome be treated?

The treatment options for polycystic ovary syndrome vary depending on the woman's desire to have a child. If the patient has no desire to have a child, birth control pills are used for the treatment of hair growth and menstrual irregularity. Glucose regulators are recommended for patients with insulin resistance. Overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome are recommended to lose weight and modify their lifestyles.

Ovulation induction treatments are administered to women with polycystic ovary syndrome who want to have children, and if there is no response to these treatments, in vitro fertilization treatment is initiated.

I have polycystic ovaries, can I have IVF?

Patients with polycystic ovaries are one of the most eligible patient groups for IVF treatment since the number of eggs is very high.

In IVF treatment, women with polycystic ovaries usually use lower doses of medication than their peers and develop more eggs. However, due to the risk of hyperstimulation (overstimulation of the ovaries), they should be followed up closely, and use personalized doses and injections to stimulate the release of the eggs. Yet, if there is a risk of OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome-Excessive Ovarian Stimulation), the embryos should be transferred after embryo cryopreservation and resting the uterus.

What is the success rate of IVF in patients with polycystic ovaries?

Patients with polycystic ovaries have a high chance of pregnancy with IVF treatment, as their ovarian reserve is good and the chance of selecting an embryo is high. A 60-70% chance of pregnancy can be achieved.

Should patients with polycystic ovaries have oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing)?

Since the ovarian reserve of patients with polycystic ovaries is good, there is no need for oocyte cryopreservation at a young age.

Can patients with polycystic ovaries get pregnant?

Women with polycystic ovaries and regular menstruation can sometimes get pregnant spontaneously. If there is an ovulation disorder and menstrual irregularity, ovulation treatments are performed. In vitro fertilization treatment is also administered to those who cannot get pregnant with this treatment.