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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

Does having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increase the risk of complications during fertility treatment?

Yes, certain risks are increased in women with PCOS who are having fertility treatment.

Explanation

If you have fertility treatment to stimulate the development of eggs in your ovaries, this can sometimes lead to a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS occurs when the fertility drugs you're taking cause an excessive response from your ovaries. If you have PCOS then the risk of you getting OHSS is increased.

OHSS rarely occurs in women who are taking Clomifene. It's more common if you're having gonadotrophin therapy. You can have this alone or in combination with more complex fertility treatment such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

OHSS causes your ovaries to become enlarged. Symptoms of OHSS are abdominal swelling or bloating, nausea and, if your condition gets worse, abdominal pain and vomiting.

You should always let your doctor know if you're experiencing any of these symptoms. Mild symptoms of OHSS can be treated at home by eating and drinking normally, and taking paracetamol if you're in pain. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. If you're in severe pain, feel sick or short of breath, have chest pain or start to produce less urine than usual then you should contact your doctor straight away.

Further information

  • Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
    020 7772 6200
    www.rcog.org.uk

Sources

  • Infertility - management - Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 23 July 2008
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: what you need to know. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. www.rcog.org.uk, accessed 9 June 2008
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 5 June 2008
  • Wardle P and Cahill D, Understanding Infertility: Family Doctor Publications, in association with The British Medical Association, 2002: 18-19
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Will having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affect me or my baby if I get pregnant?

Yes, you're more likely to have complications during pregnancy if you have PCOS.

Explanation

If you have PCOS you may develop diabetes during your pregnancy, especially if you're very overweight. This is called gestational diabetes. Your GP will test you for it early in your pregnancy if you have PCOS. If you do get diabetes while you're pregnant then your GP or midwife will refer you to a specialised diabetic service. Gestational diabetes usually goes away once your baby is born, but you may be more likely to develop diabetes later in life.

If you have PCOS, you also have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a condition that only occurs in pregnancy. It causes high blood pressure and also causes proteins to leak into your urine. If it's severe, pre-eclampsia can cause headaches, blurred or altered vision, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, confusion and make you generally feel very unwell. If you suffer from any of these symptoms you should contact your GP or the delivery unit at your local hospital as soon as possible. Pre-eclampsia can affect the development of your placenta and your baby's growth in your womb. However, if your baby is at risk this should be picked up during monitoring at your ante-natal classes. If your pre-eclampsia is severe, you may need to be monitored in hospital in case you need treatment or the baby needs to be delivered.

Further information

  • Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
    020 7772 6200
    www.rcog.org.uk

Sources

  • Long Term Consequences of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. www.rcog.org.uk, accessed 5 June 2008
  • Diabetes - retinopathy. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 18 June 2008
  • Pre-eclampsia - what you need to know. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. www.rcog.org.uk, accessed 9 June 2008
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 5 June 2008
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Will the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) improve if I lose weight?

Yes, if you're overweight then losing weight often helps to improve the symptoms of PCOS.

Explanation

One of the causes of PCOS is insulin resistance. If you're obese then this increases your insulin resistance and may make your symptoms worse. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day and healthy eating can help you to lose weight and lower your insulin levels.

If your periods are irregular, then you may find that losing weight makes them more regular. If you aren't having periods, losing weight may lower your insulin levels enough so that you start ovulating. Weight loss may also help to reduce excess hair growth and lower the risk of thickening of the uterine lining.

Eating a healthy diet, doing regular exercise and losing excess weight will also reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing.

Further information

  • Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
    020 7772 6200
    www.rcog.org.uk

Sources

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome. Clinical Knowledge Summaries.www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 5 June 2008
  • Beers MH, Fletcher AJ, Jones TV, et al., The Merck Manual of Medical Information. Second Ed: Pocket Books, 2003:1368
  • Wardle P and Cahill D, Understanding Infertility: Family Doctor Publications, in association with The British Medical Association, 2002:18-19
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - management. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 5 June 2008
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) be cured?

No. However some of the symptoms can be effectively treated.

Explanation

Many of the symptoms of PCOS can be treated; however the syndrome itself won't go away. Your treatment will depend on the type and severity of your symptoms, your age, and whether or not you wish to get pregnant.

If you don't want to become pregnant then you may be prescribed an oral contraceptive pill. This will increase your oestrogen levels and decrease the levels of male hormones in your body.

Taking an oral contraceptive pill can also help to reduce acne and excess hair growth. Acne can also be treated using topical creams which are applied to the affected area or with antibiotics. Ask your GP for advice on which treatments are suitable for you.

Further information

  • Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
    020 7772 6200
    www.rcog.org.uk

Sources

  • Beers MH, Fletcher AJ, Jones TV, et al., The Merck Manual of Medical Information. Second Ed: Pocket Books, 2003:1368
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - management. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 5 June 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr Raj Mathur, Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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