Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting 10-20% of women, though it is estimated that 70% remain undiagnosed. At the 2023 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) conference in Copenhagen, new guidelines were presented, offering important insights into diagnosing and managing PCOS, especially for those struggling with fertility.
What is PCOS and How Does It Impact Fertility?
PCOS is characterized by anovulation (lack of ovulation), high androgen levels (leading to symptoms like acne and excessive hair growth), and insulin resistance. It is a leading cause of anovulation-related infertility. Women with PCOS often have irregular menstrual cycles, making it difficult to track ovulation. Additionally, they may face challenges when trying to conceive, though fertility outcomes are often positive with the right treatment.
Recent updates emphasize that PCOS can affect women of all body types—not just those with a higher body mass index. This reinforces the importance of early detection and regular monitoring to prevent long-term complications like diabetes and heart disease.
Diagnosing PCOS
Diagnosis in women post-puberty requires two of the following three criteria:
• Irregular menstrual cycles (less than 21 or more than 35 days apart, or fewer than 8 cycles per year)
• Clinical or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism (e.g., acne, excess hair growth, or elevated testosterone)
• Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or elevated Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels
The AMH test is a valuable diagnostic tool, as women with PCOS often have high AMH levels, reflecting a higher ovarian reserve. This can be helpful when assessing fertility potential, as women with PCOS typically have more eggs available for IVF or egg freezing.
Fertility and Treatment Options
For women with PCOS who are trying to conceive, the focus is on restoring ovulation. Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, are crucial for managing the condition and improving fertility. Weight loss, even modest, can help regulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception without other interventions.
If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, simple fertility treatments like oral letrozole can help induce ovulation. Letrozole is effective, with a low risk profile and minimal side effects. In cases where letrozole is unsuccessful, gonadotropin injections (used in IVF) can be administered at lower doses to stimulate ovulation. However, this approach increases the risk of multiple pregnancies.
For women who do not respond to medication, ovarian drilling—a surgical procedure that helps restore ovulation by reducing androgens and improving insulin sensitivity—can be considered. IVF is also an option for women with good ovarian reserve, as PCOS often results in a larger number of eggs available for fertilization.
Managing Insulin Resistance and Hormonal Imbalance
In addition to fertility treatments, managing insulin resistance with medications like metformin can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve ovulation. Metformin lowers insulin levels, which can reduce androgen production and help restore hormonal balance. However, it is typically prescribed for women who are overweight or obese. For those who cannot tolerate metformin, inositol may be considered, though it has not been shown to be as effective for improving ovulation.
For women who are not yet trying to conceive, oral contraceptives are commonly used to regulate menstrual cycles and manage hyperandrogenism symptoms like acne and excessive hair growth.
Pregnancy Considerations
PCOS-related pregnancies can have higher risks, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. Therefore, women with PCOS who become pregnant should be closely monitored throughout their pregnancy. However, with proper care, most women with PCOS will go on to have healthy pregnancies.
Conclusion
While PCOS can pose challenges for women trying to conceive, it is important to know that fertility outcomes are generally positive. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and appropriate treatment can greatly improve fertility and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. Women with PCOS should feel reassured that with the right support and treatment, pregnancy is very achievable. For those not trying to conceive, contraception options should be discussed, as ovulation can occur without a period.
Ultimately, the key to managing PCOS and improving fertility is a personalized treatment plan that addresses both the hormonal imbalances and lifestyle factors that impact reproductive health.
More information available at Life Fertility
The cycle of life: fertility deserves to be part of it
Life moves in cycles. Some are daily, some monthly, some marked by seasons and life stages. Fertility is no different — it is part of the natural cycle of life.
Yet too often, fertility has been treated as something clinical, hidden, or even taboo. At bébé bloom, we believe this cycle deserves visibility, dignity, and care. Fertility isn’t separate from health; it belongs within the bigger picture of how we understand and care for our bodies.
Why fertility should be visible
When conversations around fertility are hidden, women often feel isolated or uncertain about what their bodies are telling them. Understanding your cycle is more than just knowing when you might conceive. It’s about recognising how your hormones shift, how ovulation works, and how this affects your overall wellbeing.
Just as we talk about periods, menopause, nutrition, and exercise, fertility belongs in the same everyday conversations. Normalising this helps break down stigma and makes support more accessible.
Beyond trying to conceive
Fertility is often only talked about in the context of pregnancy planning. But your cycle matters regardless of whether you’re actively trying to conceive. Tracking ovulation can:
- Provide insight into hormonal health
- Help identify irregularities that may need medical support
- Empower women with knowledge about their bodies at every stage of life
When fertility is viewed as part of general health, not just reproduction, it opens the door to better care and confidence.
Tools that support clarity
We know fertility can feel complicated. That’s why our TGA-listed ovulation and pregnancy tests are designed to make things clearer, not harder.
Semi-quantitative ovulation tests track your Luteinising Hormone (LH) surge with accuracy, showing when you’re most fertile.
Pregnancy tests — including early detection — give results you can trust.
And because we know how much weight a single line can hold, we’re here to help you see the line. At bébé bloom, you are not alone in this journey — we’re with you, every step of the way.
All our kits are plastic-free where it matters, recyclable where it counts, and created by women who have walked this journey themselves. Because when you understand your cycle, you can approach fertility with calm, clarity, and confidence.
Fertility as part of everyday health
We believe fertility care should be as accessible as any other health product. You shouldn’t have to search hidden pharmacy aisles or late-night online forums to find answers. Instead, fertility tools should sit alongside everyday wellbeing — visible, supportive, and stigma-free.
That’s why we’re proud to join the Australian Fertility Summit this November: to show how fertility can become visible, accessible, and celebrated as part of everyday health.
Because fertility isn’t separate — it’s part of the natural cycle of life.
www.bebebloom.com.au
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance regarding your fertility, reproductive health, or use of diagnostic tools. For clinical accuracy data or questions about our products, please contact the manufacturer directly.
Every fertility journey is unique – filled with hope, strength, and moments that shape who we are. For most, IVF, pregnancy, and/or loss is not just a medical process but an emotional path that deserves to be honoured. That’s why I created Tiny Beginnings Co, where I transform ultrasound and embryo images into timeless paintings that celebrate your story.
Unlike generic keepsakes, these pieces are hand-painted with care and empathy, designed to give you something meaningful to hold onto – whether you’re celebrating the start of new life, honouring an angel baby, or cherishing the moment an embryo was first seen.
Why Custom Ultrasound and Embryo Paintings?
Many families keep ultrasound photos tucked away in a drawer, slowly fading with time. But what if that moment could be turned into something lasting and beautiful?
A custom ultrasound painting captures the excitement of seeing your baby for the first time, while an embryo painting is a powerful tribute to the hope and courage behind fertility treatment. These works are more than art—they’re a reflection of love, resilience, and connection.
For parents who have experienced loss, a painting can also serve as a gentle, healing reminder of the life that mattered, even if only for a short while. Many of my clients describe their artwork as a source of comfort and peace – something tangible to honour their baby’s memory.
Similarly, custom embryo paintings make deeply personal gifts to remember an unsuccessful embryo transfer, or to celebrate the excitement of that first embaby that sticks!
These pieces are a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift that goes beyond flowers or cards, and often become treasured heirlooms. Art that hangs on the wall not just as decoration, but as a daily reminder of resilience and love.
As someone who’s been through it, and understands the emotional weight of fertility journeys, I approach every painting with sensitivity. Each piece is:
Handmade with detail and precision – capturing every unique shape, shadow, and moment.
Personalised – colours, background, and styles can be tailored to your preferences.
Meaningful – created with the awareness that this is not “just art,” but a symbol of love, hope, or remembrance.
When you order from Tiny Beginnings Co. you’re not just purchasing artwork – you’re trusting me with a part of your heart, and I never take that lightly.
Bringing Your Painting to Life
Ordering your artwork is simple:
Choose your artwork style on my Etsy
Select your colours and other personalisations
Send me your ultrasound or embryo photo
Receive a hand-painted, one-of-a-kind piece made just for you.
Each painting is packaged with care and delivered safely to your door, ready to be displayed or gifted.
The journey through fertility treatment, pregnancy, or loss is never easy. But within those moments are stories of courage, resilience, and love that deserve to be remembered.
A custom ultrasound or embryo painting is more than just art—it’s a way of saying this mattered, this is part of me, and this love will always remain.
If you’re ready to celebrate your journey, honour your angel, or give a gift that will truly touch someone’s heart, visit Tiny Beginnings Co today.
Empowering Parenthood: Fertility Services That Reflect Modern Realities
In today’s evolving landscape of family building, fertility care is no longer a one-size-fits-all journey. Whether you’re navigating parenthood solo, with a partner, or as part of the LGBTQ+ community, Australia’s leading fertility providers are reshaping access, inclusivity, and empowerment. At the heart of this transformation is the City Fertility Network — a collective of specialised services designed to meet people where they are, with compassion, innovation, and choice.
City Fertility: Science Meets Sensitivity
City Fertility is one of Australia’s largest IVF and fertility service groups, with over 18 clinics nationwide and a reputation for clinical excellence. Their approach blends cutting-edge reproductive technology with personalised care, offering everything from fertility testing and IVF to donor programs and fertility preservation. With over 21,000 babies born through their services, City Fertility is more than a clinic — it’s a trusted partner in the path to parenthood.
What sets City Fertility apart is its commitment to accessibility. Patients can explore options like artificial insemination, ICSI, and genetic testing, while also receiving support from dietitians, counsellors, and complementary therapies. And for those seeking donor services, City Fertility’s partnerships with Addam and Eeve offer streamlined, secure access to sperm and egg donors.
Rainbow Fertility: Inclusive Care for LGBTQ+ Families
As Australia’s first dedicated fertility provider for the LGBTQ+ community, Rainbow Fertility is a beacon of inclusive care. Proudly part of the City Fertility Network, Rainbow Fertility offers tailored services such as reciprocal IVF, donor insemination, surrogacy, and fertility preservation for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
Rainbow Fertility understands that family structures are diverse — and so are the paths to parenthood. Their clinics provide a safe, affirming space where patients can explore their options with specialists who respect their identities and dreams. From legal considerations to emotional support, Rainbow Fertility ensures that every step is informed, compassionate, and empowering.
Chill: Egg Freezing on Your Terms
For women who want to preserve their fertility without compromising their current life path, Chill is a game-changer. This dedicated egg freezing service, also part of the City Fertility Network, offers flexible, affordable programs designed for those pursuing careers, education, or simply waiting for the right time.
Chill uses advanced vitrification technology — pioneered by CHA Medical Group — to ensure high-quality preservation. With personalised treatment plans and transparent pricing, Chill makes it easier for women to invest in their reproductive future. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or medically transitioning, Chill offers peace of mind and agency over your fertility timeline.
Addam: Sperm Donation Made Simple
Addam Donor Bank is Australia’s leading clinic-recruited sperm donor platform, offering a secure and user-friendly way to find the right donor. Through the Addam app, individuals and couples can filter donors by traits like height, eye colour, and ancestry, and access extended profiles with medical and family history.
What makes Addam unique is its commitment to safety and transparency. All donors undergo rigorous screening, counselling, and legal education, ensuring ethical and informed choices for recipients. With no waiting lists and a diverse donor pool, Addam empowers users to take control of their parenthood journey — privately and confidently.
Eeve: Egg Donation with Heart
Eeve Donor Bank complements Addam by offering Australia’s largest clinic-recruited egg donor database. Like Addam, Eeve provides a swipe-to-match experience via its app, allowing users to browse donor profiles from the comfort of home. With filters for physical traits and access to detailed medical histories, Eeve simplifies what was once a daunting process.
Eeve’s donors are thoroughly screened and counselled, and the service is designed to support all family types — including single parents, LGBTQ+ couples, and those facing medical infertility. With expert guidance and compassionate care, Eeve helps turn the dream of parenthood into a tangible, supported reality.
https://www.cityfertility.com.au/
