PCOS can make ovulation irregular, which can affect how easily pregnancy happens. For many patients, the uncertainty comes from not knowing when — or if — ovulation is taking place.
The important part is that there are clear ways to manage this. At Plan Your Baby, we guide you step by step, so you understand what is happening and what your options are at each stage.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries function. Diagnosis is usually based on the presence of at least two of the following criteria:
Cycles longer than 35 days, or fewer than eight cycles a year, can point to irregular ovulation. Tracking your cycle helps your doctor understand the pattern.
This can show up in blood tests or physical signs like persistent acne or unusual hair growth. A simple hormone panel helps confirm it.
A scan may show many small follicles on one or both ovaries. On its own this isn't a diagnosis — it's one piece of the picture, considered alongside your cycle and hormone results.
In practice, many PCOS patients have irregular or absent ovulation.
Ovulation is the process by which an egg is released from the ovary.
Without regular ovulation, identifying the fertile window and achieving conception can become more challenging.
Many patients with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, which can affect hormone balance and egg development.
This is why PCOS is one of the most common causes of fertility challenges — but also one where structured treatment can make a clear difference.
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The main challenge with PCOS is unpredictability. Ovulation may not happen every cycle, or it may happen later than expected. This can mean:
- Fewer opportunities for conception
- Difficulty identifying fertile days
- Inconsistent hormone patterns
Some patients also experience:
- Changes in egg development
- Differences in how the uterine lining forms
- Metabolic factors such as insulin resistance
These factors vary. Two patients with PCOS may have very different fertility journeys.The goal is to first understand your individual cycle pattern, and then create a tailored plan to improve regularity and optimise the chances of ovulation and conception.
Plan Your Baby is the only fertility clinic in the UK offering IVF and fertility treatments built around your lifestyle, supported by a holding-hand approach so you never face your journey alone.
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From your first consultation to same‑day results and treatment recommendations, we guide you through each stage of your fertility assessment.
Treatment is usually approached step by step. You do not start with everything at once. Instead, care progresses depending on how your body responds and what is most appropriate for your situation.
If ovulation is not regular, medication is used to support it. This is often done using letrozole. A typical cycle includes:
- Starting medication early in the cycle
- Monitoring response with ultrasound scans and blood tests
- Triggering ovulation when follicles are ready
- Timing intercourse accordingly
The focus is on creating a predictable ovulation window. Cycles are monitored closely (every 2-3 days), so that treatment can be adjusted as needed, while minimising risks such as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.
On average, around 38% of patients under 38 conceive within the first three cycles of ovulation induction with timed intercourse.
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If earlier steps are not successful, IVF may be considered. This involves:
- Stimulating the ovaries
- Collecting eggs
- Fertilising the eggs with sperm in a laboratory
- Transferring an embryo into the uterus
For PCOS patients, IVF can bypass many of the challenges related to ovulation.
Because ovaries often respond strongly, treatment is carefully adjusted and monitored. In some cases, all embryos are frozen and transferred in a later cycle (a “freeze-all” approach) to further improve safety and optimise the uterine environment.Nationally, around 1 in 3 IVF cycles result in pregnancy, with higher rates in younger patients.
Lauren Coleshill
Baby Cora Rose
The biggest thank you to Plan Your Baby for completing our family. They made us feel safe, supported & confident when our trust in the process had been completely destroyed. They also made us feel extremely well cared for & humanised in an industry that can make you feel like a number. I needed a lot of personal support & Marija was always there to give it to me. Dr Sami threw everything at this attempt, knowing it was our last & I am just so grateful that he took no chances with our care. I really felt his human investment in our family, it wasn’t that he wanted the numbers for his clinic, he wanted this baby for us. Thank you again to the PYB team. We are beyond grateful.
Lindsay Grey
Baby Katie
Plan your baby provided us with support and reassurance at a very tricky time. Their early pregnancy monitoring was thorough and Marija was always quick to respond to any questions, worries or concerns. I had been looking for exactly what plan your baby offers, someone to guide you through the unknown of a new pregnancy after recurrent loss from the ease of your local area.
Victoria Christie
Baby Innis
Since the first interaction with Dr Sami and Marija trying to conceive through to their early pregnancy support we wouldn't be staring at our beautiful 8 day old. Having previous miscarriage and struggles, when I finally saw those double lines I was left feeling anxious and terrified . Immediately, I got support throughout my first trimester and I truly do believe the plan in place meant she is here today. Couldn't be more grateful. Thank you Plan my Baby.
Abigail Moorcock
Baby Rowan
I came to Plan Your Baby after a missed miscarriage, knowing I wanted to do everything I could to support my next pregnancy. I initially had advice on fertility testing, which was thankfully not needed as we conceived quickly the second time round.
I had support from PYB in the first 3 months of my pregnancy — regular blood tests and scans and medication to help the pregnancy. Marija and Dr Sami were supportive, knowledgeable and kind throughout the whole period, providing me with much needed emotional support, especially with some early bleeding in the first few weeks.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend PYB, especially for the flexible, remote support aspect.
My little boy is here now, so thank you from the two of us.
Veronica Einloft
Baby Celine
I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received from Plan Your Baby during the early stages of my pregnancy. Their team was always available—no matter the time—to guide me, recommend trusted labs and professionals, and help me navigate this delicate and uncertain period with peace of mind.
One of the things that made a huge difference for me was the convenience of their at-home services, including blood collection and progesterone injections. It took a great weight off my shoulders during a time when rest and reassurance were so important.
I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone going through the early phases of pregnancy, especially after an embryo transfer. Their care and responsiveness made me feel calmer, more secure, and truly supported.
A very special thank you to Dr. Sami and Marija—without your dedication and kindness, my journey would have been much more difficult.
Aisling O’Keeffe
Baby Teddy
We came to Plan Your Baby following a number of years of failed fertility treatments. From the start Marija and Dr Sami made us feel supported, heard and reassured. We felt immediately that PYB could be the people to help us have a baby. Throughout the IVF process they were always available to support us and we felt confident in their care.
Their unique approach to fertility treatment made IVF more accessible, less stressful and less of a burden when also trying to juggle work. Our son was born in May and we simply couldn’t be more grateful to them for getting us here.
Jade German
Baby Vienna
Plan your baby have been amazing with me throughout my time with them and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be 20 weeks in with my rainbow baby. There very attentive and fast with there replies and quick on helping with all your needs.
Deffo recommend plan your baby if you are struggling with getting pregnant and keeping babies there truly amazing and the support is unreal.
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Jonny Campbell
Baby Molly
Dr. Sami and his team were nothing short of incredible. They gave us clarity, care and hope when we were afraid to believe this pregnancy could work out. They are the reason we have our gorgeous girl, Molly.
Our fertility team brings together leading consultants, nurses, embryologists, and specialists in genetics, nutrition, and wellbeing — providing complete care at every stage of your journey.
Medical Director and Leading Fertility Consultant at Plan Your Baby MBBS, MRCOG
Take the first step towards parenthood today. Our expert team is ready to guide you through your fertility journey with personalized care and support.
Available 24/7
No waiting list
Fast response guaranteed
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Comprehensive fertility care with expert support throughout your journey to parenthood.
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Lauren Coleshill
Baby Cora Rose
The biggest thank you to Plan Your Baby for completing our family. They made us feel safe, supported & confident when our trust in the process had been completely destroyed. They also made us feel extremely well cared for & humanised in an industry that can make you feel like a number. I needed a lot of personal support & Marija was always there to give it to me. Dr Sami threw everything at this attempt, knowing it was our last & I am just so grateful that he took no chances with our care. I really felt his human investment in our family, it wasn’t that he wanted the numbers for his clinic, he wanted this baby for us. Thank you again to the PYB team. We are beyond grateful.
Lindsay Grey
Baby Katie
Plan your baby provided us with support and reassurance at a very tricky time. Their early pregnancy monitoring was thorough and Marija was always quick to respond to any questions, worries or concerns. I had been looking for exactly what plan your baby offers, someone to guide you through the unknown of a new pregnancy after recurrent loss from the ease of your local area.
Victoria Christie
Baby Innis
Since the first interaction with Dr Sami and Marija trying to conceive through to their early pregnancy support we wouldn't be staring at our beautiful 8 day old. Having previous miscarriage and struggles, when I finally saw those double lines I was left feeling anxious and terrified . Immediately, I got support throughout my first trimester and I truly do believe the plan in place meant she is here today. Couldn't be more grateful. Thank you Plan my Baby.
Abigail Moorcock
Baby Rowan
I came to Plan Your Baby after a missed miscarriage, knowing I wanted to do everything I could to support my next pregnancy. I initially had advice on fertility testing, which was thankfully not needed as we conceived quickly the second time round.
I had support from PYB in the first 3 months of my pregnancy — regular blood tests and scans and medication to help the pregnancy. Marija and Dr Sami were supportive, knowledgeable and kind throughout the whole period, providing me with much needed emotional support, especially with some early bleeding in the first few weeks.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend PYB, especially for the flexible, remote support aspect.
My little boy is here now, so thank you from the two of us.
Veronica Einloft
Baby Celine
I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received from Plan Your Baby during the early stages of my pregnancy. Their team was always available—no matter the time—to guide me, recommend trusted labs and professionals, and help me navigate this delicate and uncertain period with peace of mind.
One of the things that made a huge difference for me was the convenience of their at-home services, including blood collection and progesterone injections. It took a great weight off my shoulders during a time when rest and reassurance were so important.
I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone going through the early phases of pregnancy, especially after an embryo transfer. Their care and responsiveness made me feel calmer, more secure, and truly supported.
A very special thank you to Dr. Sami and Marija—without your dedication and kindness, my journey would have been much more difficult.
Aisling O’Keeffe
Baby Teddy
We came to Plan Your Baby following a number of years of failed fertility treatments. From the start Marija and Dr Sami made us feel supported, heard and reassured. We felt immediately that PYB could be the people to help us have a baby. Throughout the IVF process they were always available to support us and we felt confident in their care.
Their unique approach to fertility treatment made IVF more accessible, less stressful and less of a burden when also trying to juggle work. Our son was born in May and we simply couldn’t be more grateful to them for getting us here.
Jade German
Baby Vienna
Plan your baby have been amazing with me throughout my time with them and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be 20 weeks in with my rainbow baby. There very attentive and fast with there replies and quick on helping with all your needs.
Deffo recommend plan your baby if you are struggling with getting pregnant and keeping babies there truly amazing and the support is unreal.
Jonny Campbell
Baby Molly
Dr. Sami and his team were nothing short of incredible. They gave us clarity, care and hope when we were afraid to believe this pregnancy could work out. They are the reason we have our gorgeous girl, Molly.
Choose suitable option
Speak to our senior nurse or fertility coordinator
15 min online video consultation
Initial guidance on our approach and treatments
Treatment options overview and next steps
Price
£0
Price
£0
Choose suitable option
Choose a doctor
Dr. Nora Sahly
Speciality Doctor in Fertility, Sexual and Reproductive Health
Dr Sami Almusawa
Medical Director and Leading Fertility Consultant
45 min online video consultation
Review of your medical history and personal fertility goals
Expert guidance on all available treatment options
Personalised treatment plan
Price
£125
45 min online video consultation
Review of your medical history and personal fertility goals
Expert guidance on all available treatment options
Personalised treatment plan
Price
£125
Speak to our senior nurse or fertility coordinator
15 min online video consultation
Initial guidance on our approach and treatments
Treatment options overview and next steps
Price
£0
Price
£0
Choose a doctor
Dr. Nora Sahly
Speciality Doctor in Fertility, Sexual and Reproductive Health
Dr Sami Almusawa
Medical Director and Leading Fertility Consultant
45 min online video consultation
Review of your medical history and personal fertility goals
Expert guidance on all available treatment options
Personalised treatment plan
Price
£125
45 min online video consultation
Review of your medical history and personal fertility goals
Expert guidance on all available treatment options
Personalised treatment plan
Price
£125
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