Getting pregnant with PCOS
PCOS affects the female reproductive system and without proper treatment, it can harm your chances of getting pregnant. However, because of treatment, many end up getting pregnant. Continue reading to learn how.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also called PCOS, is a common disorder that affects the hormonal balance in the menstrual cycle, making it difficult to conceive naturally. PCOS can also lead to multiple small cysts on the ovaries.
What causes PCOS?
PCOS is a complex disorder, and no studies have found a single cause. However, most fertility doctors believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors causes PCOS.
Let us help you on your journey to parenthood
At Cryos, we give you full access to all donor profiles including pictures, voice recordings, handwritten letters, and more. Just create an online account by providing only your name, email, and country. A Cryos account is free and non-binding.
Symptoms of PCOS
The most common symptom of PCOS is an irregular or absent menstrual cycle. However, other symptoms of PCOS are:
- Acne
- Excessive hair growth
- Weight gain
- Type 2 diabetes
How does PCOS affect fertility?
In general, PCOS harms your chances of conceiving, as it disrupts the menstrual cycle. Sometimes, PCOS can also result in an absent menstrual cycle, meaning that no egg is released.
Other articles for women struggling with infertility
5 ways of getting pregnant with PCOS
Here are 5 ways to improve your chances of getting pregnant with PCOS.
1. Lifestyle changes
Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can help improve your hormonal imbalance, possibly making your ovulation appear more regularly. You can begin tracking your ovulation if you want to see whether your lifestyle changes have affected your menstrual cycle.
2. Medical treatment
There are various medical treatments for PCOS, but the most common ones are:
- Hormonal treatment: Hormonal treatment can restore the hormonal balance to help ovulation occur regularly.
- Insulin or anti-androgen medications: You can also treat PCOS by addressing insulin sensitivity through medical treatments.
- Ovulation stimulation: Another way to conceive is to use ovulation induction medications to ensure that ovulation occurs around the time of intercourse.
Before you consider any medical treatments, we recommend consulting your doctor to ensure that you receive proper treatment.
3. Fertility treatment
Fertility treatments like ICI and IUI are simple and non-invasive, making them a good place for women with PCOS to start. If a few rounds of ICI or IUI are not enough to create a pregnancy, another option is to use IVF.
If you plan to begin fertility treatment, we recommend contacting your doctor for professional evaluation and guidance.
4. Treatment with donor eggs
In some cases, PCOS can cause severe damage to egg production and egg quality, making it impossible to conceive using your eggs. If this is the case, treatment with donor eggs is an option to consider. If you are considering treatment using an egg donor, feel free to contact our Customer Care Consultants with any questions you might have.
5. Adoption
Adoption is another option to enter parenthood for women unable to use their eggs.
FAQ about getting pregnant with PCOS
What are my chances of getting pregnant with PCOS
Your chances of getting pregnant with PCOS depend on many different factors like age, fertility, and the severity of your disorder. However, most women struggling with PCOS end up conceiving, often through fertility treatments.
How to increase the chances of getting pregnant with PCOS?
- Healthy weight: A healthy weight improves fertility and can improve insulin sensitivity, hopefully resulting in regular ovulation.
- Balanced diet: Focus on a balanced diet with whole foods, lean proteins, and high-fiber carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Consult a healthcare professional: If you suspect struggling with PCOS we recommend seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional, as many with PCOS end up conceiving eventually.