Pregnancy with PCOS can be difficult for many women who are trying to get pregnant. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders that can affect fertility. However, having PCOS doesn’t mean that pregnancy is impossible. There are many women with PCOS who also have healthy pregnancies with the right guidance. So, it’s important to know everything about PCOS and pregnancy.
Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist at RISAA IVF has 35+ years of experience and has helped many women with PCOS to get pregnant. Today, this blog will explain all aspects of PCOS and pregnancy in simple words. We’ll talk about everything, including the causes, treatment options, and more.
What is PCOS?
PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common health condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. In this condition, the ovaries may not release eggs regularly and this can cause problems to get pregnant. Women with PCOS often have small fluid-filled sacs that are called cysts. This forms in their ovaries but not always.
It happens due to a hormone imbalance, where the body produces higher levels of male hormones (androgens) than normal. This imbalance can affect the menstrual cycle, cause acne, unwanted hair growth, weight gain, and sometimes make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS is one of the main causes of infertility. However, many women with PCOS can become pregnant and have a healthy baby with the right treatment.
How PCOS Affects Fertility?
Pregnancy with PCOS can be more difficult because this condition affects the body’s natural hormone balance. PCOS affects the way ovaries function and this can also stop the release of eggs regularly. Additionally, it gets difficult to get pregnant without ovulation. It also affects menstrual cycles and egg quality.
Here’s how PCOS can affect fertility:
- Irregular or no ovulation: Eggs may not be released regularly and this can make it harder to get pregnant.
- Irregular periods: Unpredictable cycles can affect the timing of ovulation.
- Higher male hormone levels: This can stop normal egg development and release.
- Poor egg quality: The eggs may not be suitable for fertilization.
- Insulin resistance: This can happen if someone has PCOS and it can also disturb the hormone levels and fertility.
Signs and Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a health problem that affects how a woman’s ovaries work. The signs can be different for each woman. There are some women who may have many symptoms and some others may have only a few.
Here are the most common signs of PCOS:
- Irregular periods: Your periods may not come every month or may also stop for a few months.
- Extra hair growth: You may get unwanted hair on your face, chest, or stomach.
- Pimples and oily skin: There are many women who get acne or oily skin due to hormone changes.
- Weight gain: Someone may also gain weight easily or have issues to lose weight and this is common.
- Hair thinning: The hair on your head may become thin or even fall out more than usual.
- Dark skin patches: You may also see dark or thick skin on your neck, underarms, or inner thighs.
- Trouble getting pregnant: PCOS can make it difficult to have a baby because it affects ovulation.
Can You Get Pregnant Naturally with PCOS?
Yes, there are many women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome who can get pregnant naturally. PCOS can make it difficult to get pregnant due to irregular ovulation but it doesn’t mean that pregnancy is impossible. Additionally, the chances of natural pregnancy can improve with healthy lifestyle changes.
It’s also important to eat a balanced diet, stay active, manage weight, and reduce stress. This can help to regulate your periods and can also boost fertility. Sometimes, these small changes can also help the body to start ovulating regularly again. However, if natural methods don’t work then doctors may also suggest simple treatments to help in pregnancy with PCOS.
Every woman’s journey is different, so it’s always best to talk to a fertility expert to understand your body better and plan the right steps.
Medical Treatments for Pregnancy with PCOS
There are some medical treatments that can help pregnancy with PCOS when natural methods are not enough. These treatments help the body to ovulate regularly and also support overall fertility.
Some common medical options include:
- Ovulation Induction: Medicines like clomiphene citrate or letrozole are used to help the ovaries to release eggs regularly.
- Hormone Therapy: Sometimes hormonal imbalances are treated to improve ovulation and prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
- Metformin: This medicine helps to control insulin levels and this can also improve ovulation in women with PCOS who have insulin resistance.
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART): There are some other options like IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in vitro fertilization) that can be recommended to help in getting pregnant.
Lifestyle Changes to Boost Fertility in PCOS
It’s important to make healthy lifestyle changes that can improve fertility for women with PCOS. These changes can help to balance hormones, support regular ovulation, and can also increase the chances to get pregnant.
Here are some important lifestyle tips that you can follow:
- Healthy Diet: Eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This can help you to control weight and insulin levels.
- Regular Exercise: Do moderate exercise, like walking or yoga. This helps to improve hormone balance and insulin sensitivity.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: You can also lose a small amount of weight because it can also improve ovulation and fertility in PCOS.
- Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing because stress can also affect the hormone levels.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These can make the PCOS symptoms worse and can also lower fertility.
Pregnancy Risks and PCOS
Women with PCOS can also have a healthy pregnancy but they may also face a higher risk of certain complications. This is mainly because PCOS affects hormone levels, metabolism, and ovulation, which can sometimes make pregnancy more difficult.
Some possible pregnancy risks with PCOS include:
- Gestational Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Premature Birth
- Miscarriage Risk
- C-Section Delivery
When to See a Fertility Specialist?
If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while and it hasn’t happened yet, it might be time to speak to a fertility specialist. It’s important to know when to ask for help especially if you have health issues like PCOS, irregular periods, or a history of miscarriage.
Here are some signs you should consider seeing a fertility expert:
- You’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying.
- You’re over 35 and haven’t conceived after 6 months of regular, unprotected intercourse.
- Your periods are irregular or missing, which may mean you’re not ovulating regularly.
- You or your partner have known fertility issues, like low sperm count or PCOS.
- You’ve had multiple miscarriages, which could point to an underlying problem.
- You’re planning to start a family later, and want to explore options like egg or sperm freezing.
Final Words
Pregnancy with PCOS can be a difficult journey for many women who are trying to conceive. In this blog, we have covered everything about what PCOS is, how it affects fertility, its symptoms, medical treatments, lifestyle changes, pregnancy risks, and when to see a specialist. This information can help you to understand your condition better and prepare for the next steps.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has guided many women with PCOS toward successful pregnancies through the right advice and treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling and looking for support, feel free to reach out to us. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at doctor@risaaivf.com.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can PCOS affect pregnancy?
Yes, PCOS can make it harder to conceive and may increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Can a PCOS patient get pregnant naturally?
Yes, many women with PCOS conceive naturally with lifestyle changes and ovulation tracking.
Can I have normal delivery with PCOS?
Yes, normal delivery is possible, but depends on overall health and pregnancy progress.
How long can PCOS delay your period?
PCOS can delay periods by weeks or even months due to irregular ovulation.
What is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS?
Early 20s to early 30s is often better, as fertility declines with age.