Does Ovulation Occur Regularly In A Patient With PCOS?

Posted on Tue, 15 Sep 2015

Question: Hello,
I would like your help.
I have started trying for my first baby last month however i am very concerned cause i have polycystic ovary syndrome.
I went to my gyneocologist for a check up 11 days after my period started; he did an ultra sound; and showed me a follicle that was fully mature and that i was going to ovulate the next 1-2 days. I have tried for a baby but i wasn't successful.
Now is the 2nd month of trying. My question is:
Is it possible for a woman with PCOS to always ovulate at the right time?
When my doctor checked me last month i was going to ovulate normally, however, does this happens always? Or some times PCOS don't allow you to ovulate?
My period is usually regular: 3 months ago - 13 XXXXXXX 2 months ago: 10 July, 1 month ago: 6th August

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. I will answer your questions as you asked:
1. Patient with PCOS ovulate irregularly and sometimes do not ovulate at all.
2. Ovulation can be predicted by serial ultrasounds called follicular monitoring. Patients with PCOS do not ovulate always at a fixed time and sometimes do not ovulate at all. When ovulation do not occurs spontaneously, hCG injections are given to assist ovulation.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (2 hours later)

Hello doctor,

Thanks a lot for your answer.
So even if during my doctor visit i had a mature follicle this doesn't mean that i will develop a mature follicle every month?
How can i try to get pregnant if i don't know if and when i ovulate? Is ultrasound the only way? Can i use an ovulation predictor test? What would you suggest?
I have only tried for 2 months and i have already started feeling stressed.
Thanks a lot

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Be positive and hopeful

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, thanks for responding.
Patients with PCOS may or may not produce mature follicle every month.
Since you have fairly regular cycles, your fertile period will range from day 8 to day 24 of your cycle. You should have unprotected intercourse every alternate day in this period to maximise the chances of conception. There is no indication for determining the day of ovulation either by ultrasound or ovulation predictor kit now. The reason is that the chances of conception is 20-25% in each menstrual cycle, when all other conditions are favourable, and investigations and treatment for infertility are started only if a couple fails to conceive after one year of successful unprotected intercourse. Since you have tried only for 2 months, its too early for getting anxious and worried. prediction of ovulations adds to further stress.
Stress, as such, also decrease the chances of conception.
Be positive and hopeful.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back for further queries.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar