Knowledge Base
Book appointment
Speak with a fertility expert
Infertility Conditions
Infertility conditions affect both men and women and include issues with reproductive organs, hormone imbalances, and lifestyle factors. For women, conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, and tubal damage are common causes. For men, problems include low sperm count, poor sperm motility, varicoceles, and issues with ejaculation. Age is a significant factor for women, while environmental exposures, genetic factors, and certain chronic diseases can also play a role in both sexes.
Learn extensively on various Infertility Conditions
Have questions about certain infertility conditions? Speak to a fertility expert today.
Definition
PCOS is a common cause of
ovulation problems in women of
reproductive age, characterized by
irregular ovulation, excess male
hormones (androgens), and
polycystic-appearing ovaries on
ultrasound (beaded appearance).
Causes / Risk Factors
- Exact cause unknown as it is multifactorial: Genetic and environmental factors (especially diet)
- Genetic predisposition (runs in families).
- Insulin resistance - Inability of the body to control sugar level in the blood, it leads to excess insulin, stimulating ovaries to produce more androgens, affecting the normal function of the ovary to release an egg.
- Obesity can worsen symptoms but PCOS also occurs in lean women.
Clinical Features / Symptoms Menstrual & Ovulatory abnormality Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods (oligo/amenorrhea). Anovulation (no ovulation) → infertility. Hyperandrogenism (high male hormones) Hirsutism (excess hair growth on face, chest, back). Acne, oily skin. Male-pattern hair loss. Polycystic Ovaries (on ultrasound) Enlarged ovaries with multiple small follicles commonly arranged in a beaded pattern. Metabolic Features Weight gain / central obesity. Insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes. Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol). Diagnostic Criteria (Rotterdam Criteria, 2003 – most used) Diagnosis requires 2 of 3: Oligo/anovulation. Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism. Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (≥12 follicles or ovarian volume >10 cm³). Sometimes a lady may exhibit just one of the criteria, we call that polycystic ovarian disease (Other causes like thyroid disease, hyperprolactinemia, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia must be excluded.) Complications Infertility (from anovulation). Miscarriage risk slightly higher. Metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension. Endometrial hyperplasia and/or cancer in rare cases (due to unopposed estrogen). Psychological impact: Mood swings, anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem. Management Lifestyle Modifications Weight loss (5–10%) improves cycles and fertility. Regular exercise, healthy diet, stress management. Medications For regular cycles & hirsutism: Combined oral contraceptives, anti-androgens (spironolactone). For insulin resistance and ovulation: Metformin (also helps cycles). For infertility: Ovulation induction with Letrozole (first-line), Clomiphene citrate, or gonadotropins. Surgical Option Ovarian drilling (rarely used, for resistant cases). Fertility Perspective PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility (accounts for ~70% of anovulatory infertility). Many women conceive with lifestyle changes + ovulation induction. Assisted reproductive technology (e.g., IVF) can be the last resort if medications fail. It is important to note that PCOS is manageable, not curable. Treatment is tailored depending on whether the focus is fertility, symptom control (like irregular menses and hirsutism, or long-term metabolic health. Speak to a fertility expert || Download 'My Fertility Supplement ' book || Purchase Fertility Supplement for PCOS