Is Infertility Common with PCOS?
Learning whether infertility is common with PCOS matters—because yes, PCOS causes infertility in the majority of affected women. Still, many go on to conceive successfully with the right care.
📊 How Often Does PCOS Cause Infertility?
- Infertility affects about **70–80%** of women diagnosed with PCOS.([turn0search0][turn0search6])
- Women with PCOS are around **15× more likely** to experience infertility than those without.([turn0search3][turn0search29])
- One large cohort found **47%** of women with PCOS struggled to conceive vs. **16%** of women without.([turn0search5])
🔍 Why Is Fertility Affected?
- PCOS causes chronic **anovulation (lack of ovulation)** in the majority of cases, which directly impairs fertility.([turn0search26][turn0search1])
- Insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances (high androgens, disrupted GnRH signaling) interfere with egg release.([turn0search26][turn0search25])
👩⚕️ Who Is at Highest Risk?
- Women diagnosed in their early reproductive years—PCOS often shows up in the 20s or 30s.([turn0news19][turn0search1])
- Symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, insulin resistance, or metabolic issues increase infertility likelihood.([turn0search5][turn0search4])
❤️ Can You Still Get Pregnant with PCOS?
- Yes—despite higher fertility risk, many women with PCOS conceive after lifestyle changes and medical care.([turn0search8])
- Treatments like letrozole, metformin, and targeted fertility care help restore ovulation and achieve pregnancy.([turn0search26])
📊 Quick Summary Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Infertility rate | 70–80% of women with PCOS |
| Relative risk vs non‑PCOS | ≈15× higher infertility risk |
| Underlying cause | Primary anovulation due to hormonal imbalance |
| Chance of conceiving | Many succeed using lifestyle & fertility treatments |
✅ Takeaway
Infertility is very common in women with PCOS—often due to disrupted ovulation and hormonal imbalance. Still, with lifestyle changes and tailored fertility treatments, many go on to conceive. PCOS isn’t a life-sentence—it’s a treatable condition when supported properly.
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