Conditions We Treat: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that can cause irregular and infrequent ovulation and make it difficult to become pregnant.

PCOS Treatment: Why Choose Johns Hopkins

  • The fertility experts at the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center provide comprehensive, patient-centered care for the management and treatment of PCOS.
  • Our physicians have extensive experience with all advanced infertility treatment techniques and develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. If you do not respond to more standard treatment approaches, we will adjust our plan to help you achieve your goal of parenthood.
  • As a patient within the Johns Hopkins medical system, you will also have access to specialists in associated conditions, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Treating any complications of PCOS you may be experiencing before beginning infertility treatments will be important to having a healthy pregnancy.

 

PCOS Treatment: What to Expect

At your initial consultation, you will meet with our fertility experts and undergo a laboratory and physical evaluation to determine if you have any associated conditions that require treatment beyond your fertility care. We will also evaluate you and your partner for any additional causes of infertility.

If we recommend optimizing your health before treatment, we will refer you to other specialists across the Johns Hopkins network who can help you. After your treatment with those teams, we will treat your PCOS, and any other causes of infertility, to help you meet your family planning goals.

We typically start treatment with ovulation induction, a process that helps you release eggs in order to increase your chances of conceiving each month. This involves oral medication and ultrasound monitoring of your progress. If you are not responsive to this treatment method, we will pursue other options including injectable medications or in vitro fertilization (IVF) to maximize your chances of pregnancy.

Our Team of PCOS Specialists

We have several fertility experts with the expertise to treat PCOS.
  • Valerie Lynn Baker, M.D.

    • Director, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
    • Practice Director, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
    • TeLinde-Wallach Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics
    • Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics
  • Chantel Ianthe Cross, M.D.

    • Director, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowships
    • Director, Patient Education
    • Assistant Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics
  • Howard A Zacur, M.D., Ph.D.

    • Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics