Current evidences and future perspectives on patient-oriented treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome: An overview

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder that typically affects women of childbearing age. Several factors are involved in the genesis of this disease but a common agreement on its etiology is still far to be reached. According to Rotterdam criteria, PCOS is characterized by oligo and/ or anovulation, biochemical hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound; following main clinical features and symptoms, women with PCOS are distinguished in four different phenotypes. The combination of different medical and, in specific cases, surgical treatments is necessary to properly reduce symptoms and restore fertility. This review points out the last evidences on medical and surgical treatments for PCOS, especially it focuses on the most common assisted reproductive techniques currently performed in case of infertility due to this syndrome. We put a special attention on the possible approaches useful for sterile women who do not respond to first line medical and/or surgical treatments.