PCOS and Fertility Treatments: A Comprehensive Guide

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, unpredictable ovulation, and infertility in women. The main difference between polycystic and normal ovaries is that the follicles do not develop and mature properly, causing irregular ovulation and difficulties getting pregnant. Fortunately, women with PCOS are often able to successfully conceive with the help of fertility treatments, including medications combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI), surgery, and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Ovulation Inducing Medications

When first trying to conceive with PCOS, your doctor may recommend oral pills or injections that stimulate ovulation and increase egg production. Common fertility medications include letrozole and clomiphene citrate. They’ll monitor your hormone levels and cycle using ultrasounds and blood tests to determine the best time to trigger ovulation. Once ovulation has been triggered, you’ll undergo IUI, where sperm is inserted directly into your uterus.

Surgery

Women with PCOS may have surgery to improve their fertility, though this method is typically only used when other lifestyle and medical interventions have been unsuccessful. Laparoscopic ovarian surgery is a common surgical procedure that can improve the function of the ovaries and restore ovulation. During the procedure, a physician inserts a laparoscope (a small telescope-like instrument) in the abdomen via an incision under general anesthesia, making small holes in the surface of the ovary to remove tissue that produces excessive amounts of hormones. Ovulation is often restored for up to 12 months after surgery.

IVF

For individuals with PCOS, IVF offers the highest chances of success over any other assisted reproductive technology (ART). The first step in IVF is to stimulate the ovaries, producing multiple eggs at once, a crucial step for those experiencing ovulation and egg release issues. The matured eggs are retrieved through a simple procedure and combined with sperm in a lab for fertilization. Resulting embryos are then transferred back into the uterus, hopefully resulting in a successful pregnancy.

Financing PCOS Fertility Treatments

There are multiple options for conceiving with PCOS, but your specific treatment plan depends on your medical history and family-building goals. In many cases, patients with PCOS will need to undergo multiple types and cycles of fertility treatment. However, many aspiring parents don’t realize this when initially planning the financial aspect of their fertility journey. If you have PCOS and are in the process of figuring out your fertility care budget, consider utilizing a multicycle package, such as Bundl. Multicycle treatment packages combine several fertility treatment cycles into one consolidated, discounted cost, making it easier for you to focus less on paying for treatment and more on growing the family of your dreams. Bundl’s options include:

• Bundl 1+1 Package, which includes one IUI and one IVF egg retrieval, as well as all frozen embryo transfers (FET). This package also includes our Success Guard™ risk protection guarantee, which refunds 100% of your planned IVF investment if IUI is successful (subject to additional terms and conditions).
• Bundl 2- and 3-Retrieval packages, which include two or three IVF egg retrievals respectively, as well as all FETs. These packages also include our Bundl Guard™ guarantee, which refunds 100% of your principal investment if your fertility treatments are unsuccessful (subject to eligibility requirements and additional terms and conditions).
• Bundl with Medications, which includes two to three cycles of treatments, as well as the costs for medications. This plan can also be paired with a guarantee program, including Bundl Guard™.

Contact us today to learn how Bundl can help you finance your PCOS fertility journey.

To watch a webinar hosted by four fertility experts, click here.