Getting Started
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), also increasingly referred to as PMOS, is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting people of reproductive age. It can have a significant impact on fertility, but with the right support, many people go on to conceive naturally or with treatment.
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work. It is typically diagnosed when two or more of the following are present:
Common symptoms include irregular or long menstrual cycles, acne or oily skin, excess hair growth, weight changes, and difficulty tracking ovulation. Some people also experience mood changes, fatigue or challenges regulating blood sugar.
PCOS can affect fertility in several ways, most commonly through irregular or inconsistent ovulation. If ovulation does not happen regularly, there are fewer opportunities for conception each cycle.
Other factors of PCOS that may influence fertility include:
Each case of PCOS is individual, and treatment will depend on your symptoms, ovulation pattern, and overall health. A fertility specialist will guide you through the options most suitable for your situation.
For some patients with PCOS, fertility treatments can help improve the chance of conception. IVF offers close monitoring of egg development, while IUI may be suitable for those who ovulate with medication support. Because PCOS varies from person to person, your specialist will recommend the approach that best suits your individual needs.
Improving sleep, movement, and nutrition can help regulate cycles and support ovulation. Even small changes in weight or activity level can have a positive impact for some patients.
Some patients benefit from medication to help regulate cycles or stimulate ovulation, such as letrozole or clomiphene. These are often combined with IUI. Your specialist will carefully monitor your response to medication throughout, as people with PCOS can sometimes respond more strongly to ovarian stimulation.
PCOS can make conception more challenging, but it does not mean you are infertile. With the right approach – whether lifestyle adjustments, medication or fertility treatments like IVF – many patients with PCOS achieve healthy pregnancies.
PCOS looks different for everyone, which is why personalised care is essential.
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of:
Review your personal medical and menstrual history to understand patterns.
Evaluate hormone levels to identify potential imbalances affecting fertility.
Examine ovarian appearance to detect potential cysts.
Compare symptoms and overall health with typical PCOS indicators for accurate diagnosis.
You may have seen PCOS referred to by a new name: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian syndrome or PMOS. A landmark 2025 Lancet paper proposed this updated term to better reflect the full hormonal and metabolic nature of the condition, moving away from the focus on ovarian cysts as a defining feature. While PCOS remains the term most people will recognise, PMOS is increasingly being adopted in clinical practice.
As understanding of this condition continues to evolve, we'll always make sure you have the clearest, most current information to help you move forward with confidence.
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Some people are told they have polycystic ovaries (PCO) or polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) following an ultrasound scan. This means the ovaries have a polycystic appearance, but it does not automatically mean you have PCOS.
PCO refers specifically to how the ovaries look, whereas PCOS is a broader hormonal condition diagnosed based on a combination of ovulation patterns, hormone levels and symptoms. It’s also possible to have PCOS without polycystic-appearing ovaries on a scan.
Many people with PCO have regular cycles, normal hormone levels and no symptoms, and do not experience fertility problems. If polycystic ovaries are seen on ultrasound, further assessment is important to understand whether this is part of PCOS or simply a variation of normal ovarian structure.
Being diagnosed with PCOS can raise many questions about your hormones, your symptoms and your future fertility. While PCOS can make conception more challenging, many people go on to have healthy pregnancies with the right support. Our team provides personalised, evidence-based care to help you understand your options and take confident next steps.
With decades of experience in fertility care, our specialists combine proven clinical expertise with the latest techniques to deliver leading, patient-focused treatment designed around your individual needs.
Our state-of-the-art laboratories use advanced technology designed to support better outcomes, including AI-assisted embryo selection and time-lapse imaging to carefully monitor embryo development.
No two fertility journeys are the same. We offer a wide range of treatment options, carefully tailored to your diagnosis, medical history and personal goals whether you are at the beginning of your journey or considering advanced treatment.
We have a long history of supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, as well as single patients. Our team provides respectful, inclusive care for people of all backgrounds
If you’re concerned about fertility with PCOS, a fertility health assessment is the best first step. Our specialists will review your symptoms, investigate ovulation, and guide you through tailored treatment options.
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Yes, IVF is often highly successful for patients with PCOS because it allows careful monitoring of ovarian response and embryo development. Your care team will tailor your IVF protocol to minimise risks and maximise success.
Yes, many people with PCOS do conceive naturally. Because ovulation can be irregular, tracking your cycle, making lifestyle adjustments, and supporting metabolic health can improve your chances. If natural conception doesn’t happen, medical treatments – such as ovulation induction, IUI or IVF – can be very effective.
Yes, IVF is often highly successful for patients with PCOS because it allows careful monitoring of ovarian response and embryo development. Your care team will tailor your IVF protocol to minimise risks and maximise success.
Treatment depends on the individual. Options may include ovulation induction (using medications like letrozole or clomiphene), IUI for those who ovulate with medication, and IVF for patients who need more direct support. Your specialist will recommend the most appropriate pathway based on your symptoms and test results.
No. PCOS does not mean you are infertile. It can affect ovulation and make conception take longer, but many people with PCOS are able to conceive naturally or through treatment.
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David Williams OBE, Chair of JD Healthcare Group, has retired after more than 20 years of transformative leadership, guiding the growth of London Women’s Clinic from a single Harley Street clinic to over 20 UK locations. He leaves a lasting legacy of clinical excellence, mentorship, and dedication to both colleagues and patients.
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