What is a polycystic ovary? How does a polycystic ovary affect my fertility?

Polycystic ovary is a metabolic illness which is characterised by ovaries which are slow or “lazy” in their performance as well as producing more male hormones (androgens, which can produce an increase in hair, obesity, acne, etc.). This slowing-down of the ovary is associated with late menstruation (sometimes months) and therefore difficulties in becoming pregnant. For example, if a woman with a normal cycle ovulates once a month, she’ll have 12 chances to conceive during a year. A patient with a polycystic ovary and a cycle every three months will only have 4 ovulations and 4 chances to conceive during the year.