Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common problem related to hormones that can cause difficulty in getting pregnant.

According to Tommy’s.org, this condition affects about 1 in every 5 women in the UK.

Though it is challenging to conceive with PCOS, it is still very much possible.

There are various kinds of technologies and ways to increase the chance of pregnancy in women with PCOS.

With the proper knowledge and strategies, one can fulfill the dream of starting a family.

This article will explore the correct approaches to help women with PCOS conceive with effective treatment options and lifestyle modifications.

Understanding PCOS and its impact on fertility

A hormonal condition, PCOS affects the ovaries and may result in insulin resistance or a male hormone imbalance.

Fertility problems are experienced by almost 70% of PCOS sufferers, making pregnancy more challenging.

If you have this condition, you may experience irregular periods and difficulty ovulating, making it challenging to get pregnant.

Acne, weight gain, excessive hair growth, and mood changes are typical signs of PCOS.

There is a greater risk of miscarriage, and gestational diabetes exists in women with PCOS.

A study investigated the effects of PCOS on pregnancy outcomes and complications in infertile women having their first IVF treatment.

Researchers reviewed data from 7,678 women who received IVF therapy between 2010 and 2017, including 666 with PCOS.

It was concluded that women with PCOS had a higher risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage and preterm delivery.

However, they also had higher clinical pregnancy rates and successful embryo implantation.

This shows the need for additional monitoring and care for women with PCOS during pregnancy and childbirth.

Can you get pregnant with PCOS

Having PCOS doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. 

It’s a common cause of infertility, but it can be treated.

PCOS affects the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).

If you’re not ovulating, it becomes harder to become pregnant.

Treating PCOS can help your body ovulate regularly and increase the chances of getting pregnant.

Warning
Talk to your doctor for guidance, as they can discuss various ways to help you ovulate and raise the likelihood of getting pregnant.

How to get pregnant with PCOS quickly

There are various options that show favorable success rates for PCOS women seeking to conceive.

Here are some ways to help you get pregnant with PCOS quickly:

Medications

Blood Tests
Blood Tests (to check Dihydrotestosterone)

PCOS can lead to an imbalance of hormones, including higher Testosterone and Estrogen levels.

These hormone imbalances can make it difficult to get pregnant.

To address this, your doctor may prescribe medications to help regulate and balance your hormone levels.

Medications that can help in getting pregnant with PCOS include:

Fertility treatment options

If you have irregular periods, it means you might not be ovulating regularly, which can make it difficult to get pregnant.

To help you conceive, doctors can use a treatment called ovulation induction.

This treatment involves taking pills or getting injections that stimulate your ovaries to release an egg.

Once the egg is released, you can try to conceive through sex or a procedure called Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI).

If it doesn’t work, you may need In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment or In Vitro Maturation (IVM) to help you conceive.

What are IVF and IVM?
IVF is a fertility treatment where eggs and sperm are mixed in a lab to make embryos. These embryos are then put into the uterus.
IVM is a similar treatment, but the eggs are collected before fully grown and matured.

Your fertility doctor will do a checkup to diagnose your condition and decide the best course of action.

Blood tests, ultrasounds, and physical exams could be part of the checkup.

These examinations and tests will provide essential information about your fertility and support the treatment strategy.

Balance blood sugar levels

High Blood Sugar
Self Blood Sugar Test Kit

Your doctor may check your blood sugar levels if you’re having problems getting pregnant.

Infertility may be impacted by PCOS, which can alter blood sugar levels and raise the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Insulin, an important hormone that transfers sugar from the blood into cells for energy, can be disturbed by PCOS.

Your body becomes less responsive to insulin due to PCOS, making it more difficult to control blood sugar efficiently.

You must check your blood sugar levels regularly at home if you have Type 2 Diabetes or high blood sugar levels.

Track your menstrual cycle

PCOS often results in irregular menstrual cycles.

It is sometimes hard to track ovulation and identify fertile days.

For PCOS-affected women, controlling the menstrual cycle increases their chances of getting pregnant.

The menstrual cycle can be regulated by prescription drugs like birth control pills or by changing one’s lifestyle.

These treatments can promote hormonal balance and raise the possibility of fertilization.

Tips to boost fertility with PCOS naturally

It is possible to improve your fertility by making some lifestyle modifications to your routine.

A few ways to boost fertility are listed below:

Weight loss

The symptoms of PCOS are aggravated by weight gain, which makes conception more difficult.

The National Library of Medicine published a study investigating the IVF cycles of 653 PCOS patients under the age of forty.

This study analyzes changes in clinical pregnancy rates and IVF cycle traits based on BMI (Body Mass Index) and age.

Depending on their BMI, the patients were divided into three groups: average weight, overweight, and obese.

Based on the research, being overweight may negatively impact the patient’s clinical pregnancy rates in IVF cycles, particularly in older age groups. 

Recommended Article:
Also, read our article to learn How to Lose Weight with PCOS: Your Ultimate Guide for a Healthy Lifestyle.

Make a proper diet

Diet plays a significant role in increasing fertility and managing PCOS symptoms.

The wrong foods can disrupt hormone balance and cause inflammation, leading to higher insulin levels and weight gain.

An anti-inflammatory diet can help balance hormones and regulate blood sugar.

You can include these dietary changes in your routine.

  • Limiting consumption of red meat
  • Avoiding sugary foods
  • Opting for green tea instead of daily tea or coffee
  • Eating omega-3-rich fish like salmon or tuna regularly
  • Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals
  • Using herbs and spices like ginger and cumin when cooking
  • Consuming healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, and olive oil
  • Incorporating beans into your diet at least once a week

Exercise

Yoga
Yoga class

For women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, regular exercise can be a helpful way to boost fertility.

You must focus on workouts that combine strength training and cardiovascular exercise when practicing for PCOS.

Perform the activities that get your heart pumping, such as yoga, pilates, and light cardio.

It can help make your body more sensitive to insulin, control weight, and balance hormones.

Conclusion

Getting pregnant with PCOS may be challenging, but it is still possible with the proper treatment and lifestyle changes. 

Medications like Metformin, Clomiphene Citrate, and fertility drugs can help regulate hormone levels and stimulate ovulation.

Fertility treatments such as ovulation induction, IUI, IVF, and IVM may be necessary for conception.

Blood sugar levels should be monitored, and lifestyle changes like weight loss and a healthy diet can improve fertility.

Regular exercise, including strength training and cardiovascular workouts, can boost fertility in women with PCOS.

Stay hopeful and know that with the right support and determination, you can achieve your dream of having a family.

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