The PCO-syndrome can be diagnosed using ultrasound. Many small oocytes in the ovaries which have lost the ability to grow to become mature follicles are visible on the ultrasound. The small follicles stay in the pre-stage and give the ovary the appearance of a “Swiss cheese”, with many holes that correspond to the immature oocytes. That is why the polycystic ovary should be called poly-follicular ovary syndrome instead.

This problem is generally linked to faulty ovulation and is often the cause of childlessness. Patients suffer from infrequent menstrual bleeding.

The development of the PCO-syndrome is due, on one hand, to excessive weight and its connection to insulin resistance and, on the other hand, to an increase in the number of male hormones which can lead to the multiplication of oocytes and subsequent cyst formation.

In many cases the PCO-syndrome can also be due to a flaw in the metabolism. This can lead to circulatory system problems in the future and therefore PCO patients should be carefully examined and receive the necessary therapy. The treatment for increased insulin resistance through Metformin is available alongside the laparoscopy of immature oocytes.

Foreign patients suffering from PCO receive financial aid from the IVF-Fonds and only have to pay 30% of the treatment costs as long as they have been working (and insured) in Austria for at least three months!