Image: Freepik

Does PCOS Cause Infertility? What to Know 

By: Aashay Edwin Maghi (CPT)

PCOS affects up to 10 % of women of reproductive age and causes infertility in about 70–80 % of those with the condition. Early awareness helps you seek treatment to preserve fertility options.

Image: Freepik

PCOS: A Leading Cause of Infertility

With PCOS, hormonal imbalances prevent regular egg release, leading to anovulation (no ovulation). Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur naturally.

Image: Freepik

How PCOS Disrupts Ovulation

High androgen (“male” hormones) levels and erratic LH (luteinizing hormone) pulses disturb egg maturation. This hormonal skew makes it hard for follicles to develop and release eggs.

Image: Freepik

Hormonal Imbalances at Play

Women with PCOS often have fewer than eight periods a year or none at all. Infrequent cycles signal inconsistent ovulation, reducing chances to conceive each month.

Image: Freepik

Irregular Cycles & Fertility Risk

Up to 70 % of PCOS patients have insulin resistance, raising insulin levels and fueling excess androgens. Higher insulin disrupts egg development and lowers fertility odds. 

Image: Freepik

Insulin Resistance Worsens Fertility

Many with PCOS struggle to lose weight due to hormonal and metabolic issues. Even a 5 % weight drop can restore ovulation in some women.

Image: Freepik

Weight Challenges & Infertility

Adopting a low‑GI diet and regular exercise can lower insulin and balance hormones. These changes improve ovulation rates and boost fertility naturally.

Image: Freepik

Diet & Exercise: First Step

Doctors prescribe clomiphene citrate or letrozole to trigger egg release in PCOS patients. Metformin may also help by improving insulin sensitivity and promoting regular cycles.

Image: Freepik

Medications to Induce Ovulation

If medications fail, IVF or ovarian drilling can help eggs mature and improve pregnancy chances/ Working with a fertility specialist tailors treatments to your unique PCOS profile.

Image: Freepik

Advanced Fertility Treatment

Most women with PCOS can conceive with treatment—up to 80 % regain ovulation through lifestyle and medical therapies. Seek a gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist early for personalized care and support.

Image: Freepik

Hope & Next Step

Image: Freepik

What is PCOS? Here's What You Need to Know

By: Aashay Edwin Maghi (CPT)