PCOS: The Silent Barrier to Fertility and Employee Well-being

Stork Club Team -

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders, affecting up to 20% of women. Despite its prevalence, PCOS often goes undiagnosed or untreated, leading to significant reproductive and metabolic health challenges. Characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, missed ovulation, and hormonal imbalances, PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, impacting between 70–80% of women who experience ovulatory infertility (WHO). It is also associated with long-term health risks such as endometrial hyperplasia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The reason benefits leaders now focus on addressing this condition is that it contributes to higher infertility rates, drives more people to seek fertility treatments vs. being able to conceive naturally, and becomes a significant mental and physical health burden. Without proactive intervention, employees with PCOS may face unnecessary barriers to conception and experience symptoms that affect their overall well-being and workplace productivity. Incorporating PCOS into a comprehensive family-building benefits strategy is essential for improving reproductive outcomes and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

The Impact of PCOS on Fertility and Productivity

PCOS is a leading cause of anovulatory infertility, meaning that those affected often struggle to conceive naturally due to inconsistent or absent ovulation. In addition to fertility challenges, PCOS symptoms extend beyond reproduction and can significantly affect workplace performance, including:

  • Chronic Fatigue and Brain Fog: Hormonal imbalances can lead to energy fluctuations and difficulty concentrating.
  • Weight Management Challenges: Insulin resistance associated with PCOS increases the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders.
  • Mental Health Concerns: Higher rates of anxiety and depression impact engagement and productivity.
  • Menstrual Irregularities: Heavy or prolonged periods may result in discomfort and time away from work.

Why Employers Should Take Action

Reproductive health isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and employees with PCOS require proactive, condition-specific care to support fertility and overall health. By addressing PCOS early, employers can:

  • Enhance Natural Conception Rates: Support employees in managing ovulation through proactive health interventions.
  • Reduce Long-Term Health Risks: Lower the prevalence of related conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
  • Improve Productivity and Retention: Addressing symptoms holistically can help employees feel supported and stay engaged in their work.

How Stork Club Provides Comprehensive PCOS Support

Stork Club offers a proactive and personalized approach to PCOS care, ensuring employees receive the right guidance at the right time. Our evidence-based solutions include:

  • Proactive Care Plans: Employees receive structured, clinically-driven care pathways designed to optimize fertility and overall health.
  • Guidance on Diagnostics: Support in accessing appropriate tests to identify hormonal imbalances and metabolic concerns.
  • Virtual Expert Access: Direct connections with OB-GYNs, reproductive endocrinologists, and nutritionists to create individualized care strategies.
  • Curated, Clinically-Vetted Resources: Educational materials that empower employees to take control of their condition and maximize natural conception potential before considering assisted reproductive technologies.

By integrating condition-based reproductive care into benefits strategies, employers can improve outcomes for employees struggling with PCOS while also reducing long-term healthcare costs. Proactive intervention not only increases the likelihood of natural conception but also enhances overall employee well-being, ensuring a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Want to learn more? Contact our team for a live demo to see how it works so we can help your team.