PCOS and Fertility: What You Need to Know

Richard Lorenzo
Oct 6
3 min read

Complete Healthcare – OB-GYN and Fertility Support in Richland, WA

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age—and one of the leading causes of infertility. At Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA, we understand how frustrating and emotional the fertility journey can be, especially for women with PCOS.

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve been trying to conceive for a while, this guide will help you understand how PCOS affects fertility—and what we can do to help.

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects how the ovaries work. While the name suggests multiple ovarian cysts, the condition is actually driven by elevated androgens (male hormones) and disrupted ovulation.

Common PCOS Symptoms Include:

Irregular or missed periods
Difficulty getting pregnant
Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
Acne or oily skin
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
Thinning hair on the scalp
Fatigue or mood changes

Not all women with PCOS will have every symptom. In fact, many women are diagnosed only after seeking help for irregular cycles or fertility problems.

How PCOS Affects Fertility

The main fertility challenge in PCOS is anovulation, which means your ovaries don’t release an egg regularly. Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur naturally.

Women with PCOS may also have:

Hormonal imbalances that interfere with egg maturation
Insulin resistance which can further disrupt hormones and ovulation
Irregular menstrual cycles making it difficult to predict fertile windows

However, the good news is that PCOS-related infertility is often treatable with the right plan and support.

Diagnosing PCOS

At Complete Healthcare, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis. You may have PCOS if you meet at least two of the following criteria (Rotterdam criteria):

Irregular or absent ovulation
Elevated androgen levels (confirmed by symptoms or lab testing)
Polycystic ovaries seen on ultrasound (12 or more small follicles in each ovary)

We may also order blood work to assess hormone levels, insulin resistance, thyroid function, and pelvic ultrasounds to evaluate ovarian health.

Can I Get Pregnant with PCOS?

Yes—many women with PCOS can and do get pregnant, either naturally or with medical support. The key is to restore ovulation and improve overall hormone balance.

First-Line Fertility Support May Include:

Lifestyle changes: Weight loss as little as 5–10% can restore ovulation in some women
Diet optimization: A low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet can help improve insulin sensitivity
Ovulation tracking: With help from your provider, apps or ovulation kits can help determine if and when you're ovulating

Medical Treatment Options for PCOS-Related Infertility

At Complete Healthcare, we offer several evidence-based treatments to support fertility in women with PCOS:

1. Ovulation Induction Medications

Letrozole (Femara): First-line medication that stimulates the ovaries to release eggs
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid): Another option that promotes ovulation
Gonadotropins (injectable hormones): Used when oral medications are ineffective, typically with close monitoring

2. Metformin

Often used to treat insulin resistance, metformin may help restore ovulation in women with PCOS, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.

3. Hormone Therapy

Some women with PCOS need hormone balancing therapies to address elevated androgens or progesterone deficiency, depending on symptoms.

4. Referral to Fertility Specialists

If first-line treatments are unsuccessful, we may coordinate care with a reproductive endocrinologist for advanced options like IUI or IVF.

How We Support You at Complete Healthcare

Every woman’s journey with PCOS is different. We take the time to:

Understand your symptoms and goals
Offer accurate diagnosis and education
Develop personalized treatment plans
Provide emotional support and long-term hormone health guidance

We don’t just focus on pregnancy—we help women with PCOS improve their overall wellness, including weight management, mood stabilization, skin health, and cycle regulation.

Fertility Is Possible With PCOS—Let Us Help

A PCOS diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t have a baby—it means you may need a more targeted approach. At Complete Healthcare, we’ve helped many women with PCOS navigate their fertility journey with compassion, expertise, and results.

If you’re concerned about irregular periods, PCOS symptoms, or trouble getting pregnant, now is the time to get answers.

Call 509-392-6700 to schedule your consultation today.