PCOS and Fertility: How Early Diagnosis and Treatment Can Improve Your Chances of Pregnancy

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of female infertility, affecting up to 13% of women worldwide.

Many women only discover they have PCOS after months of unsuccessfully trying to conceive. The good news is that with early diagnosis and timely treatment, women in Singapore can significantly improve their chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.

What Is PCOS and How Does It Affect Fertility?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that typically begins during a woman’s reproductive years. It disrupts ovulation, i.e. the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries, making conception more difficult.

It’s important to note that PCOS is not the same as polycystic ovaries (PCO). PCO refers to the presence of multiple small follicles seen on ultrasound, which can occur in healthy women without any hormonal issues.

Doctors use the Modified Rotterdam criteria to diagnose PCOS, after ruling out other medical conditions. A diagnosis requires at least two of the following key features:

• Ovulatory Dysfunction: Menstrual cycles longer than 35 days apart or having fewer than eight periods a year.

• Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound: Presence of 20 or more follicles in at least one ovary or an ovarian volume greater than 10 cm³.

• Clinical or Biochemical hyperandrogenism: Presence of excessive acne or facial/body hair growth or elevated male hormones on laboratory tests.

These hormonal imbalances interfere with normal egg development and release, often causing irregular ovulation or anovulation (no ovulation)—a major barrier to natural conception.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Recognising PCOS early offers multiple benefits:

• Better symptom management: Timely treatment can regulate periods, reduce acne, manage weight, and enhance overall well-being.

• Reduced long-term health risks: Early intervention lowers the risk of complications such as diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol, and endometrial cancer.

• Improved fertility outcomes: Restoring hormonal balance improves ovulation, boosts conception chances, and reduces miscarriage risk.

How Early Treatment Improves Fertility

Treating PCOS early helps restore ovulation before fertility is significantly affected.

Key treatment approaches include:

• Lifestyle modifications – Healthy weight management, balanced diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and good sleep improve insulin sensitivity and support ovulation.

• Insulin-sensitising therapy – Medications such as metformin or supplements like myo-inositol enhance insulin sensitivity and promote ovulation.

• Ovulation induction medications – Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or letrozole stimulate egg release, increasing conception chances.

Fertility Treatment Options for PCOS in Singapore

If lifestyle changes and first-line medications are not enough, advanced fertility treatments can help:

• Ovulation induction – Using oral or injectable medications (e.g., gonadotropins) to stimulate egg release.

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) – Prepared sperm are placed directly into the uterus during ovulation to enhance fertilisation chances.

• IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) – Eggs are fertilised in the lab and transferred into the uterus, bypassing ovulation issues and allowing optimal embryo selection.

If you are struggling to conceive with PCOS, you may consult Dr Daniel Koh, an MOH-accredited fertility gynaecologist in Singapore, who offers personalised treatment plans tailored to your fertility goals.

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Lifestyle Tips to Support Fertility with PCOS

Alongside medical treatment, small changes can make a big difference:

• Choose a low-GI diet – Focus on vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins.

• Stay active – Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

• Manage stress – Practice mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation breathing.

• Prioritise quality sleep – Essential for hormonal balance.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol – Both can affect egg quality and hormone production.

PCOS Treatment in Singapore at Daniel Koh Clinic for Women and Fertility Services

Dr Daniel Koh is a consultant gynaecologist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, with subspecialty training in reproductive medicine and maternal–fetal medicine.

He provides:

• Evidence-based, guideline-driven fertility care.

• Full-service fertility assessments.

• Transparent treatment plans with clear discussions on cost and success rates.

Dr Koh has helped many women with PCOS achieve pregnancy through tailored treatments such as ovulation induction, IUI, and IVF.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr Daniel Koh and take the first step toward parenthood