Female Infertility Treatment
PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age and the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. With the right treatment, most women with PCOS can successfully achieve pregnancy.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting approximately 1 in 5 women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a combination of irregular menstrual cycles, elevated male hormones (androgens), and polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound.
PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility — infertility caused by the failure to ovulate regularly. The good news is that it is also one of the most treatable causes of infertility.
The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood but involves insulin resistance, genetic factors, and hormonal imbalances. Treatment is tailored to each patient's symptoms, fertility goals, and overall health.
PCOS is diagnosed when 2 out of 3 of the following are present:
Infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles — a hallmark of PCOS
Multiple small follicles (cysts) visible on ovarian ultrasound scan
High testosterone causing acne, excess body/facial hair (hirsutism), and hair thinning
Insulin resistance leading to weight gain, especially around the abdomen
Failure to release an egg (ovulate) regularly — the main cause of PCOS-related infertility
Some women with PCOS may have very few periods or none at all (amenorrhoea)
A step-by-step approach from least to most interventional
In overweight women, a 5-10% reduction in body weight through diet and exercise can restore ovulation naturally. This is the first-line treatment for PCOS.
Oral medications (letrozole or clomiphene) or low-dose FSH injections stimulate the ovaries to produce and release eggs. Monitoring via ultrasound ensures optimal response.
Combined with ovulation induction, IUI places prepared sperm directly into the uterus during the fertile window — increasing the chance of fertilisation.
Recommended when ovulation induction and IUI fail, or when there are additional fertility factors. Modified stimulation protocols prevent ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS) in PCOS.
Metformin and inositol improve insulin sensitivity, regulate periods, and enhance the response to ovulation induction medications.
A minimally invasive surgical option for PCOS patients who don't respond to medications. Small holes are made in the ovary to reduce androgen production and restore ovulation.
PCOS & fertility — answers from our specialists
Expert fertility care at 75+ centres across India
