What is PCOS and How IVF Can Help You Get Pregnant
⏱️ 3-MINUTE READ
If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS—or suspect you might have it—you probably have questions. What exactly is PCOS? Why does it affect fertility? And what are your options for getting pregnant?
Here’s what you need to know.
What is PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common hormonal condition that affects how your ovaries work . It affects 8% to 13% of women of reproductive age worldwide . In the Philippines, it’s especially common—one study found that Filipino women using a women’s health app had the highest proportion of PCOS diagnoses among five countries studied .
To diagnose PCOS, doctors look for at least two of these three signs (called the Rotterdam criteria) :
| Criteria | What It Means |
| Irregular or absent periods | Cycles longer than 35 days, or no periods at all |
| High androgens (male hormones) | Signs like acne, excess facial/body hair, or thinning scalp hair |
| Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound | Ovaries with many small follicles (12 or more in each ovary) |
Common Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS symptoms vary from woman to woman. You may experience :
- Irregular periods—cycles longer than 35 days or no periods at all
- Difficulty getting pregnant—PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility
- Excess hair growth on face, chest, or back (hirsutism)
- Acne or oily skin
- Weight gain—especially around the belly
- Dark, velvety patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)
How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?
PCOS affects ovulation. Normally, your ovaries release one egg each month. But with PCOS, hormonal imbalances prevent regular ovulation—sometimes you don’t ovulate at all .
Up to 75% of women with PCOS experience infertility due to this ovulation problem .
The good news? PCOS is one of the most treatable causes of infertility .
How Can IVF Help with PCOS?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) bypasses the ovulation problem entirely. Here’s how it works:
- Ovarian stimulation—Medications encourage your ovaries to produce multiple eggs
- Egg retrieval—Eggs are collected directly from your ovaries
- Fertilization—Eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab
- Embryo transfer—A healthy embryo is placed in your uterus
Why IVF works for PCOS:
- ✅ Bypasses ovulation issues entirely
- ✅ Eggs are retrieved directly—no need to wait for natural ovulation
- ✅ Higher success rates than medications alone
Success Stories: Real Women with PCOS
Women with PCOS regularly achieve pregnancy through IVF.
One case study describes a 28-year-old woman with PCOS who had been trying to conceive for eight years. After failed IUI cycles, she underwent IVF and successfully became pregnant .
Another report describes a 33-year-old woman with PCOS who had four years of infertility and a failed IVF cycle. With a tailored IVF approach including controlled ovarian stimulation and ICSI, she successfully conceived .
Tips for IVF Success with PCOS
Lifestyle changes matter. Even 5–10% weight loss can improve your response to fertility medications . Consider :
- Healthy diet and regular exercise
- Medications like Metformin (improves insulin sensitivity)
- Working with a specialist experienced in PCOS
📞 Start Your Journey at Alpha Fertility Centre
At Alpha Fertility Centre Philippines, we’ve helped countless Filipino women with PCOS achieve their dream of motherhood. We offer:
✅ Personalized IVF protocols for PCOS
✅ Advanced lab technology
✅ Experienced specialists who understand PCOS
✅ Complete care—from diagnosis to pregnancy
Book your PCOS consultation | Call: (63) 999 885 4616 | Makati • Quezon City
