Diagnosis and management of infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): guidelines from the Italian Society of Human Reproduction (SIRU) and the Italian Centers for the Study and Conservation of Eggs and Sperm (CECOS Italy).

Abstract

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaced disease of the reproductive age associated with several comorbidities including infertility. Very few documents regarding the management of the infertility in women with PCOS, including guidelines, position papers and consensus conferences, are available in the literature. The Italian Law indicates that health professionals must comply with the recommendations set out in the guidelines developed by public and private bodies and institutions, as well as scientific societies and technical-scientific associations of the health professions, except for specific cases. Unfortunately, no guideline for the diagnosis and the management of infertility in women with PCOS is currently available in Italy. In 2024, the Italian Society of Human Reproduction (SIRU) and the Italian Centers for the Study and Conservation of Eggs and Sperm (CECOS Italy) pointed out the need to produce Italian guidelines on this topic and established a specific working group to develop those guidelines. The working group chose to adapt the guideline with highest quality to the Italian context rather than developing a de novo document. The International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS guidelines were selected. All recommendations regarding the diagnosis and the management of women with PCOS and infertility extracted, adapted to the Italian context and improved incorporating new recommendations or practical comments and suggestions where needed.