Which condition is a risk factor that increases a woman's chance of having a miscarriage?

• A. Polycystic ovary syndrome
• B. Endometriosis
• C. Cryptorchidism
• D. Varicocele

Answer: (A)

Polycystic ovary syndrome often comes with hormonal and metabolic imbalances—irregular ovulation, insulin resistance, and higher androgens. These factors can affect how the endometrium supports an early pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of a first-trimester miscarriage, especially when combined with obesity or metabolic issues. Many women with PCOS have successful pregnancies, but overall risk is higher than in women without PCOS.

The other options don’t fit as miscarriage risk factors in this context: the first two are male reproductive issues and don’t directly raise a woman’s miscarriage risk, and while endometriosis can affect fertility and some pregnancy outcomes, it isn’t as strongly linked to miscarriage risk as PCOS.