Is IVF good for PCOS?
Yes! Some essential facts about how often IVF works for PCOS:
- Over 20–40% of people with PCOS who try IVF are successful.
- People with PCOS usually have more eggs taken out during IVF.
- The rates of pregnancy and live birth are the same for IVF patients with and without PCOS.
- Success rates vary on age, BMI, how bad the PCOS is, and ovarian reserve.
Read more: Is IVF Good?
Can I get IVF if I have PCOS?
Yes, people who have PCOS can get IVF treatment. IVF is often suggested to people with PCOS who have tried other methods, like ovulation induction, but still can’t get pregnant.
Essential things to think about:
- PCOS patients may be more likely to get ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during IVF, so methods are changed to lower this risk.
- PCOS people may have better IVF results if they follow healthy lifestyle habits like staying at a healthy weight.
- Seeking advice from a fertility expert is essential to figure out if IVF is the best way to treat your specific issue.
Read more: How can you increase your chances of getting pregnant with IVF?
Which IVF protocol is best for PCOS?
A fertility expert should be able to tell you what the best IVF protocol is for your specific case of PCOS. The following are some frequently used protocols:
- Antagonist protocol: Gonadotropins stimulate the ovaries, and a GnRH antagonist stops ovulation from happening too early. The protocol lasts less time and has a lower chance of side effects.
- Long Lupron protocol: Lupron stops the body from making its hormones. It controls ovulation well, but it takes longer and requires more significant doses of medicine.
Taking metformin for at least one month before IVF can help make the ovaries more sensitive and lower the risk of OHSS.
When choosing the best protocol, the expert will consider factors such as age, the severity of PCOS, BMI, and ovarian reserve.
| IVF Protocol | Description | Benefits | Considerations |
| Antagonist Protocol | It involves ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins and a GnRH antagonist to prevent premature ovulation. | Shorter treatment duration, reduced medication doses, lower risk of OHSS. | Requires frequent monitoring to prevent premature ovulation. |
| Long Lupron Protocol | Lupron is used to suppress natural hormone synthesis before stimulation. | Reasonable control over ovulation and hormone levels. | Longer treatment duration, higher medication doses, and potential for cycle cancellation. |
| Step-Up Protocol | Gradually increases gonadotropin doses based on ovarian response. | It provides better control over ovarian stimulation and is tailored to individual responses. | Requires careful monitoring to adjust doses appropriately. |
| IVF Freeze-All Protocol | All embryos formed are cryopreserved for future transfer cycles. | Reduces the risk of OHSS and allows for optimal endometrial receptivity in subsequent cycles. | Requires additional cycles for embryo transfer, which may involve more planning. |
| Ganirelix with Lupron Trigger | Combines Ganirelix to prevent premature ovulation with a Lupron trigger for final maturation. | It helps avoid OHSS and is effective for controlling ovarian response. | Requires careful monitoring of ovarian response and medication adjustments. |
Diclimare: this is the general information. Consultation with your doctor is more important than anything else.
Read more: How do you get pregnant through IVF?
Which is better for PCOS: IVF or IUI?
When it comes to PCOS, IVF usually works better than IUI. IUI, on the other hand, can be an excellent first choice before IVF:
- When compared to IVF, IUI has lower success rates, but it is less invasive and costs less.
- IUI can work for people with PCOS; the overall clinical pregnancy rate is 39.14% per patient and 22.38% per cycle.
- For PCOS patients who have failed multiple ovulation induction cycles, it may make sense to try IUI three times before IVF.
In the end, the choice between IUI and IVF relies on things like age, length of infertility, ovarian reserve, and how well the previous treatment worked. The best way to figure out what to do next is to talk to a fertility expert.
Read more: What is the most successful treatment for infertility?
Comparison table of IVF vs IUI for PCOS:
As we mentioned above, IVF for PCOS is more successful than IUI for PCOS. Let’s examine the details in the table below.
Factor |
IVF |
IUI |
Success Rate (per cycle) |
60%-63% |
38.49% |
Cumulative Success Rate |
Higher over three cycles |
39.14% per patient |
Invasiveness |
Invasive |
Less invasive |
Cost |
Higher |
Lower |
Timeframe |
Longer |
Shorter |
Ideal Candidates |
Women with severe infertility or previous unsuccessful treatments |
Women with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility |
First Step Consideration |
Usually recommended after other treatments fail |
Often, the first step before considering IVF |
Read more: IUI vs. IVF | Which is Better for You?
IVF for PCOS in Iran
IVF for PCOS Overview:
The success of IVF in women with PCOS in Iran can vary based on several factors, including age and the presence of metabolic syndrome, which is common among PCOS patients.
The success rate can be around 40% for women younger than 35, but it drops to about 32% to 33% for women 35 to 37. The success rates drop a lot for women over 38, which shows how important age is in fertility treatments.
Read more: Best IVF centers in Iran
Medical Tourism in Iran
Iran has become a hub for medical tourism, especially for fertility treatments, due to:
- Cost-Effectiveness: The cost of IVF in Iran typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,500 per cycle, significantly lower than in many Western countries where prices can exceed $15,000.
- Quality of Care: Iran boasts over 70 specialized fertility clinics equipped with advanced technologies and staffed by experienced professionals. This includes renowned centers like the Royan Institute and MOM Fertility Center, which are known for their high success rates in IVF procedures.
- Cultural Acceptance: Assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF and egg/sperm donation, are widely accepted in Iran, supported by religious authorities, making it an attractive option for couples from various backgrounds.
Read more: IVF in Iran
Role of Medical Tourism Agencies
IranHealthAgency as a medical tourism company in Iran and other fertility centers such as MomFertility , play a crucial role in facilitating IVF treatments in Iran. They offer comprehensive services that include:
- Travel Arrangements: Assistance with flight bookings, visa support, and transportation within Iran.
- Accommodation: Arranging stays in hotels that cater to medical tourists, ensuring comfort during the treatment process.
- Consultation and Coordination: Helping patients navigate the medical system, including scheduling appointments with fertility specialists and providing pre-treatment consultations.
- Aftercare Support: Ensuring that patients receive appropriate follow-up care and support after their IVF procedures.
Are you ready do IVF for PCOS? Contact us via link below to schedule the treatment process!
