Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Hyperstimulation is a condition that occurs in two to five per cent of fertility treatment cycles. The ovaries 'over-respond' to the stimulating drugs and produce large numbers of follicles and this can cause abdominal swelling, pain, nausea and breathlessness. If pregnancy occurs then the woman can require hospitalisation for pain control and drainage of excess fluid from the abdomen.

LOD also offers an opportunity to check that the Fallopian tubes are healthy as a dye insufflation test can be performed at the same time as the LOD. This is when a blue dye is introduced through the cervix into the uterus. It then travels through the Fallopian tubes and rapidly emerges at the open end near the ovaries. If the tubes swell or the dye fails to come out, then it is likely the tubes are blocked.

Approximately 60% of women with PCOS will have regular, ovular cycles after LOD and these may last for six to nine months during which time pregnancy should occur if there are no other fertility problems.

A successful outcome
If a woman with PCOS fails to achieve a pregnancy after she has tried clomiphene, LOD and gonadotropins, she may choose to try IVF. In spite of the many problems associated with PCOS, it is nevertheless one of the most successfully treated infertility diagnoses, and women with PCOS can be reassured that they are very likely to achieve a successful pregnancy.