Illustration of an ovary with PCOS
Home/Cycle Matters / Reproductive Health

What is PCOS?

Jack in a suit and tie holding a microphone and giving a presentation.

Written by Jack Pearson

Jack Pearson

Dr. Jack Pearson is a previously HCPC registered Embryologist with a PhD in reproductive medicine. Prior to joining Natural Cycles leading Medical Affairs, he worked for more than 10 years in a clinical setting working at some of the busiest fertility clinics in the UK. Today he spends most of his time working with experts at the world’s leading institutions to carry out important research with the vision to further the field of female health. He earned his PhD from the University of Sheffield specializing in Sperm Metabolism and currently lives in London.

Last updated:

5 min read

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. Consider your ovaries as bunches of seeded grapes on a much smaller scale. The seed in the centre of the grape is an immature egg cell and the flesh of the grape is what we call the fluid-filled follicle. They’re like little sacs that contain the immature eggs. PCOS is when some of these sacs are unable to release an egg, which means that ovulation does not take place.

Did you enjoy reading this article?

Discover Natural Cycles° today

Start my journey
How does it work?

Featured Posts

Period & Bleeding

11 Signs your period is coming

11 min read

Period & Bleeding

What does the color of period blood mean?

9 min read

Sex & Pleasure

Different types of sex & sexual acts: Oral, anal defined

9 min read

Want to learn more about a hormone-free future?

Subscribe to our newsletter for access to our latest articles, exclusive promotions and more.

Keep reading...

Reproductive Health

5 Female egg cell facts: How many eggs does a woman have?

Get ready to learn some surprising facts about the female egg cell! In this article, we’ll dive deep inside the workings of the menstrual cycle and explore the small and fragile cell that’s crucially important when it comes to fertility. Read on to find out why human eggs are so special and how the life of the egg cell is closely tied to planning or preventing pregnancy.

12 min read

Reproductive Health

Ovulation and temperature: find your fertility

In this article, we’ll look at the link between your body’s temperature and the menstrual cycle, how basal body temperature changes around ovulation, and how tracking basal body temperature can help you either prevent or plan pregnancy. Read on to find out more about this natural method, whether you’re looking to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy.

12 min read

Reproductive Health

5 Misconceptions about miscarriage

In this guest article, Dr. Susie Kilshaw walks us through the different cultural perceptions of miscarriage and some of the most common misconceptions she’s encountered, including how miscarriage is treated and what the aftermath looks like. It’s important to highlight that miscarriage and pregnancy loss are different for everyone. This article aims to shine a light on the range of experiences, offer a better understanding of miscarriage, and help you reach a position where you feel more adequately prepared. Whether you’ve experienced miscarriage firsthand, know someone who has, or have no experience on the subject, this article is written for you…

11 min read