Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting upto one in five women during their reproductive years. 

Irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgen levels, and multiple small ovarian cysts distinguish it. 

The journey can be challenging for women with PCOS hoping to conceive.

However, it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy with PCOS with appropriate management and support. 

To know more about PCOS and pregnancy, continue reading the article.

Does PCOS affect pregnancy?

PCOS, when left unmanaged, negatively affects fertility in several ways. 

It disrupts ovulation and reduces the quality of eggs, particularly when combined with excess weight. 

Additionally, PCOS affects the receptiveness of the uterus during implantation.

Some women with PCOS can have certain complications and increased risks during pregnancy, including:

Miscarriage or early loss of pregnancy

Women with PCOS have a threefold higher risk of experiencing early miscarriages than women without PCOS during the initial stages of pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes

Pregnant women diagnosed with PCOS have more than twice the likelihood of developing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) compared to women without PCOS.

It is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

Infants that are born to mothers with gestational diabetes may have a higher chance of being greater in size, experiencing low blood sugar, and having respiratory difficulties.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. 

If it is not treated, it can lead to Eclampsia, which can cause organ damage, seizures, and even death.

Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure

This can happen due to increased high blood pressure during the second half of pregnancy.

It can also lead to Preeclampsia if left untreated.

Preterm birth

Women with PCOS are more likely to experience preterm birth. 

Infants that are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered preterm. 

These babies face various health risks immediately after birth and in the long term. 

Some of these risks can be serious and may affect the baby’s health throughout their life.

Cesarean or C-section delivery

Pregnant women with PCOS are more likely to deliver their babies via C-section.

This is due to the increased risk of pregnancy complications associated with PCOS, such as pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.

Can you get pregnant with PCOS?

PCOS can make it harder to conceive because it disrupts ovulation, the release of eggs from the ovaries. 

However, knowing that PCOS doesn’t make pregnancy impossible is essential.

With proper treatments like IVF, women with PCOS can have higher chances of having a successful pregnancy. 

PCOS pregnancy success rate depends on various factors, including the type of treatment used, the woman’s age, and whether other infertility factors are present in the couple.

Fact
The best age to get pregnant with PCOS is generally considered to be before the age of 35, and ideally before the age of 32.

How to get pregnant with PCOS

If you’re diagnosed with PCOS and trying to get pregnant, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Some of them include:

Consult an expert

It is essential to consult a specialist if you have difficulties conceiving due to PCOS. 

They can help in giving proper guidance and treatment.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Leading a healthy lifestyle can positively affect fertility. 

This involves maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and weight management.

A nutritious diet consisting of whole foods and physical activity can improve fertility. 

Additionally, if necessary, weight management plays a role in optimizing fertility. 

By adopting these healthy lifestyle practices, individuals can enhance their overall reproductive health and increase their chances of conceiving.

Keep track of your ovulation

Use an ovulation calendar or app to track your menstrual cycle. 

It can help determine the most fertile days of the month for a potential pregnancy. 

By monitoring your period, you can make more informed predictions about when ovulation will likely occur. 

This can help you identify the optimal time for intercourse to increase the chances of getting pregnant. 

Consider fertility treatments

Healthcare providers may recommend treatments like IVF or ovulation induction for PCOS-related fertility issues. 

IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, and transferring them to the uterus. 

Ovulation induction stimulates egg release. 

These treatments can help in enhancing the chances of successful pregnancy during PCOS.

Caution
Consult a specialist if you are having difficulties conceiving during PCOS.

Consider medications

There are a number of medications that can help with conceiving during PCOS. Some of them include:

  • Clomifene citrate – stimulates the ovaries to release eggs.
  • Metformin – to correct insulin resistance which is often present during PCOS
  • A combination of the above medications.
  • Gonadotrophins – a fertility drug
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Takeaway

PCOS can significantly affect pregnancy, including an increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, Preeclampsia, preterm birth, and the need for a C-section delivery. 

However, it is still possible to conceive with PCOS through various interventions and treatments. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, tracking ovulation, and considering fertility treatments such as IVF or ovulation induction can improve the chances of getting pregnant. 

It’s essential to seek guidance from healthcare professionals specializing in fertility to receive personalized advice and explore suitable options. 

With the right approach and support, many women with PCOS can successfully navigate their journey to pregnancy and parenthood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS?

The optimal age to conceive for women with PCOS is typically recommended to be under 35 years old, preferably before 32 years old. It is generally advised to plan for pregnancy earlier due to the potential challenges and complications associated with PCOS.

How to get pregnant with PCOS quickly?

To enhance your chances of getting pregnant quickly with PCOS, maintain a healthy weight, follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, track ovulation using calendars or apps, and consider fertility treatments if needed. A healthcare professional specializing in fertility can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process.

Can a woman with PCOS get pregnant?

Yes, women with PCOS can get pregnant. While PCOS may make it more challenging to conceive due to irregular ovulation, hormonal imbalances, and other factors, various medical interventions and lifestyle changes can increase the likelihood of successful pregnancy for women with PCOS.

What are the chances of getting pregnant with PCOS?

The chances of getting pregnant with PCOS can vary depending on various factors such as age, overall health, and individual circumstances. With proper medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and fertility treatments, women with PCOS can improve their chances of conceiving. However, the success rates may vary from person to person.

Is it difficult to conceive in PCOS?

Conceiving PCOS can be more challenging due to hormonal imbalances, irregular ovulation, and other factors. However, with appropriate medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and fertility treatments, many women with PCOS can overcome these difficulties and successfully conceive.

Citations:
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