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Polycystic ovary syndrome - Management
How should I manage infertility?

  • Carry out an assessment to identify the possible causes of infertility, which might not be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
    • Carry out the initial investigations on the couple rather than the individual. For further information, see the CKS topic on Infertility.
  • Consider referral for fertility treatment.
    • The decision to refer should always be based on the couple's concerns and preferences.
    • Some women may wish to try lifestyle measures, including weight loss, before referral.
    • Such factors as age may prompt earlier referral.
  • Advise the couple to adopt a healthy lifestyle (if they are not already doing so). In particular, advise the woman to eat healthily and do regular exercise.
  • Strongly advise the woman to lose weight, if appropriate.
    • Women with a body mass index greater than 29 kg/m2 are likely to take longer to conceive.
    • Women with a body mass index greater than 29 kg/m2 who are not ovulating should be informed that losing weight is likely to increase their chance of conception.
    • Consider referral to a dietitian.
    • Inform the woman that participating in a group programme involving exercise and dietary advice leads to more pregnancies than weight loss advice alone.
    • If the woman is being referred for anti-oestrogen treatment and is obese, explain that obesity is likely to inhibit the response to treatment.

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