Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Although polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition, its severity varies from person to person. While some women may have mild symptoms, most need expert medical care. 

If you have PCOS and need help managing your symptoms—or getting pregnant—turn to University of Iowa Health Care. We’re home to numerous PCOS experts, including: 

• OBGYN providers with expertise in ovarian health and function 
• Endocrinologists who specialize in hormone disorders like PCOS 
• Reproductive endocrinologists who can help with diagnosis, PCOS management, and PCOS-related infertility 

No matter which provider you choose, you can expect outstanding care, advice, and support. We’re here to help you achieve your goals, whether that’s improving your confidence or your chance of having a baby.  

PCOS treatment from UI Health Care 

Even though there isn’t a cure for PCOS, we can help you manage it. Your treatments may vary over time, depending on what symptoms you have and whether you want to have a child.  

Symptom management 

If you’re not ready (or planning) to become pregnant, these treatments may help improve your symptoms: 

• Hormonal contraceptives: Different types of hormonal birth control keep your menstrual cycle regular and may improve acne and hair growth. Your options include birth control pills, injections, and patches, as well as vaginal rings and intrauterine devices (IUDs).  
• Anti-androgen drugs: Certain prescription medicines limit or stop the effects of testosterone and other androgens. Reducing your androgen levels can improve acne and help minimize facial and body hair. 
• Lifestyle changes: Improving your diet and exercise can lower your insulin level, regulate your blood sugar, and help you lose weight. 
• Insulin-reducing medicine: Your provider may recommend a diabetes drug called Metformin if you have PCOS with insulin resistance. Metformin lowers your blood sugar levels and can help improve your menstrual and ovulation cycles. 

Treatment for PCOS-related infertility 

If you want to get pregnant, you should schedule a consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist. Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common causes of female infertility. And even if you’ve never been diagnosed with PCOS, you can have it without knowing it.  

UI Health Care’s reproductive endocrinologists are skilled at pinpointing the cause of infertility in individuals and couples. If we determine you have PCOS, we offer infertility treatments that may help you conceive. 

These include: 

• Fertility medications: Various oral drugs can help your ovaries produce and release eggs. Our goal is to get you on a regular and predictable ovulation cycle. Having sex during ovulation (timed intercourse) increases your chance of getting pregnant. 
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): In addition to using the drugs mentioned above, right before or after you ovulate we’ll use a catheter (thin tube) to place sperm directly into your uterus. You may benefit from IUI if you haven’t been able to get pregnant with fertility medications alone. It’s also an option if you’re trying to conceive with donor sperm, or your male partner also has infertility challenges. 
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): We combine eggs and sperm outside of your body, in a laboratory. The sperm fertilizes the eggs to create embryos. Then we place an embryo directly into your uterus. We may recommend IVF if you’re still unable to get pregnant despite trying the treatments mentioned above.