What is the best overall treatment strategy for PCOS to improve chances of getting pregnant?
The main treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome for infertility is to induce ovulation since anovulation is the primary mechanism by which PCOS causes infertility. In order to induce ovulation, there are two main strategies – weight loss and clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or other ovulation induction medications. Weight loss restores ovulation and can result in as high as a 33% pregnancy rate. Clomiphene is more effective in inducing ovulation and in general, in a good infertility treatment program, a pregnancy rate of 70% may be attained. To decrease the tendency toward baldness and improve ovulation in order to get pregnant, weight reduction to a body mass index of less than 27 should be a cornerstone of treatment. Taking saw palmetto or a prescription for flutamide may help the hair growth until weight loss kicks in. Then, a trial of clomiphene under a doctor’s direction can help induce ovulation if the other measures have not yet worked.
