HEALTH
HOW CAN THE EFFECTS OF PCOS BE MANAGED?
While a PCOS diagnosis may feel like a lot to deal with, Dr Ndhlovu assures that there are ways to manage its effects.
“ Up to three-quarters of women with PCOS carry excess weight, but losing five to ten per cent of their body mass increases the likelihood of ovulation to up to 80 % of the time. Exercise is paramount, as is eating a healthy diet.”
He also advises smokers to quit and drinkers to limit their alcohol intake.
PCOS can also affect patients’ mental health.“ Some women may develop sleep or eating disorders, so we would refer patients for counselling where necessary. There’ s no need to go through this alone.”
He says some patients are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension.
Others may notice the appearance of dark, velvety skin patches known as acanthosis nigricans.
“ Sharing everything you’ re experiencing, both physically and mentally, with your medical practitioner will enable them to put you on the right path to manage the effects of PCOS,” Dr Ndhlovu says.
He urges women under 35 who haven’ t been able to conceive after a year to seek help by consulting a medical practitioner.
“ But women older than that should see their medical practitioner as soon as they become concerned, because time is of the essence in that age group.”
If lifestyle changes don’ t help, their medical practitioner may prescribe medication or injections to induce ovulation.
“ These must always be administered under close medical supervision due to their potency and possible side effects,” Dr Ndhlovu cautions.
However, if these measures are unsuccessful after six months, all hope is not lost.“ There are still other options to be considered, like in vitro fertilisation( IVF). We would conduct other routine medical checks and likely check the partner’ s semen to ensure it is within the parameters needed for pregnancy to occur.”
Women aged 44 and over should consider egg donation, as the chances of a healthy, full-term pregnancy can diminish to less than five per cent per cycle.
“ We strongly recommend counselling to ensure the patient manage their expectations of IVF,” Dr Ndhlovu says.
“ FIND AN UNDERSTANDING MEDICAL PRACTITIONER WITH THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE, AND DON’ T BE SHY ABOUT OPENING UP TO THEM.”
ADDRESSING MISCONCEPTIONS
He further stresses that IVF cannot guarantee a pregnancy, as many factors, such as the woman’ s age and the semen used, can influence the outcome.
Dr Ndhlovu says it is also incorrect to assume that IVF will lead to multiple births.“ We believe it is better to transfer a single embryo at a time to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.”
Dr Ndhlovu has a final, important piece of advice for women who are struggling with PCOS or infertility.
“ Find an understanding medical practitioner with the right experience, and don’ t be shy about opening up to them.” IB
FEBRUARY 2026 / INBOUND SA 51