When should couples with PCOS consider stopping attempts to conceive due to secondary infertility?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Couples with PCOS may consider stopping conception attempts under several circumstances: when fertility treatments have been unsuccessful over an extended period, when the emotional toll of ongoing efforts becomes overwhelming, or when the financial burden of continued treatment is no longer sustainable. This decision is deeply personal and often benefits from guidance by a fertility specialist, mental health professional, or support group.

If you're navigating PCOS and questioning your next steps, understanding your symptoms is a critical first move. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what your body may be signaling, identify potential concerns, and empower you with information to guide your next conversation with a healthcare provider—no appointment or cost required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if PCOS is causing infertility Learn what may be affecting conception See if your infertility needs care Find OTC options for PCOS symptoms Find a PCOS fertility specialist Discover home remedies for PCOS support Understand possible causes of secondary infertility

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Deciding when to stop trying to conceive can be difficult for couples with PCOS. Based on the provided references, it is important to consider several factors.

Duration and Success of Treatment: If a couple has been undergoing treatment for a long time without success, they might consider stopping. This could mean multiple cycles of treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) without achieving pregnancy.
Emotional and Financial Considerations: The emotional toll and financial cost of ongoing fertility treatments can be significant. Couples should weigh the stress and financial strain against the desire to continue trying.
Medical Advice: Consultation with healthcare providers can help couples understand their specific situation better. Using a free symptom checker can be a helpful first step to better understand PCOS-related symptoms before your appointment, allowing for more informed discussions with medical professionals who can provide insights based on the couple's medical history and the likelihood of success with continued treatment.

Ultimately, the decision should involve open discussions between partners and their healthcare team. It is a personal decision that should consider the couple's emotional, financial, and physical well-being.

(References)

Cakmak H. (2022). When is the right time to stop autologous in vitro fertilization .... Fertility and sterility, 35367012.
Brandes M, van der Steen JO, Bokdam SB, Hamilton CJ, de Bruin JP, Nelen WL, & Kremer JA. (2009). When and why do subfertile couples discontinue their .... Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 19783833.
Kadu KS, More A, Choudhary N, Dutta S, Shrivastava J, & Gajabe G. (2024). Application of Physiological Sperm Selection in Assisted .... Cureus, 38410342.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.