Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of infertility in women because it often disrupts normal ovulation. The good news is that there are several effective fertility treatments for PCOS, and many women are able to achieve pregnancy with the right approach.

1. Lifestyle and Natural Approaches

Before moving to medical treatments, doctors often recommend lifestyle improvements. Losing even 5–10% of body weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet can restore ovulation in some women. These changes also improve the success of other fertility treatments.

2. Ovulation-Inducing Medications

When lifestyle adjustments are not enough, medications are usually the first-line treatment:

  • Clomiphene citrate (Clomid): Often the first choice to stimulate ovulation.
  • Letrozole (Femara): Increasingly recommended as it may be more effective for women with PCOS.
  • Metformin: Helps improve insulin resistance and can sometimes restore ovulation.

3. Injectable Hormones (Gonadotropins)

If oral medications don’t work, injectable hormones may be used to directly stimulate the ovaries. This requires close monitoring to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.

4. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is the most advanced treatment and is highly effective for PCOS infertility, especially when other methods fail. IVF allows doctors to carefully control ovulation, retrieve eggs, fertilize them in the lab, and transfer the healthiest embryo back into the uterus. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) may also be considered to improve success rates.

5. Ovarian Drilling (Surgical Option)

In rare cases, a minimally invasive surgery called ovarian drilling may be performed to help restore ovulation. However, it is not the first choice and is less common today.

6. Personalized Care Is Key

There is no single “best” treatment for every woman with PCOS. The right approach depends on your age, symptoms, hormone levels, and how your body responds to different therapies. Dr. Meng and her team specialize in creating personalized fertility treatment plans for women with PCOS—starting with the least invasive options and moving to advanced treatments if needed.

✨ Bottom line: The best fertility treatment for PCOS infertility depends on your unique situation. For some, lifestyle changes and oral medications are enough; for others, IVF may offer the highest chance of success. With personalized guidance from experts like Dr. Meng, many women with PCOS are able to achieve their dream of motherhood.