Ep 308: What Questions Do You Have About PCOS? Answering listener questions from real patients about PCOS

Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. This episode answers key patient questions about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility. We answer:

· How is PCOS diagnosed? Using the Rotterdam criteria: irregular cycles, more than 12 microfollicles per ovary, or elevated male hormones. Two of three confirm the diagnosis.

· Does stopping birth control pills help fertility? No. PCOS cycles return to baseline because the hormonal system does not reset.

· Why don’t patients with PCOS ovulate regularly? The brain does not release enough FSH to trigger ovulation.

· What fertility treatments work? Oral ovulation-induction medications succeed in about 80% of patients.

· Do patients with PCOS have ovarian cysts? No. Small follicles are normal; true cysts are a different condition.

· Does weight affect PCOS? Yes. Weight gain or loss can influence hormone balance and ovulation.

We also clarify why the name “polycystic ovary syndrome” is misleading. Patients with PCOS do not have true ovarian cysts. Instead, they have many small follicles, each containing an immature egg, which are a normal part of ovarian anatomy. True ovarian cysts, such as desmoids or endometriomas, represent entirely different medical conditions and are not part of PCOS. This episode provides clear, evidence-based guidance on PCOS diagnosis, myths, and effective fertility treatment.