Dr Chris Steele of TheFamilyGP.com discusses polycystic ovaries. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known as the Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a condition associated with multiple cysts in the ovaries. Approximately one in ten British women have PCOS to some degree, and of those referred for an ultrasound examination, about 25% are found to have polycystic ovaries. PCOS is now recognised as the most common cause of ovulation failure, leading to infertility, in women who have not yet reached the menopause. For more information please visit http://www.thefamilygp.com/health_encyclopaedia_entry/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome