Can You Get Pregnant with PCOS?

If you're here on this blog, chances are you've been diagnosed with PCOS or at least suspect you might have. 

You've probably Googled symptoms, watched a few reels, and now you're confused about the big question: "Can I still get pregnant with PCOS?" 

We get you. PCOS and pregnancy, these two words don't often go together. 

PCOS surely makes pregnancy or conceiving a little trickier, but it doesn't make it all (even nearly) impossible for you. 

Without making it further complicated, let's break down what you need to know. 

So, Can You Get Pregnant With PCOS? 

Short answer: Yes, you can get pregnant with PCOS.  

But it's a little harder since PCOS makes ovulation (your period cycle) irregular. What does it mean? There are fewer chances of conceiving each month compared to healthy women. 

Lost that ray of hope? Please don't. Many women with PCOS still conceive naturally with little or some extra medical support. And that's what this blog talks about. 

Read More: Everything About Female Sex Hormones 

But Why PCOS Makes Pregnancy Tricky 

In a healthy cycle, here's what happens: 

The brain releases hormones: FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), that signal the ovaries to mature and release an egg. It matures, you ovulate, and if sperm meets the egg, hello, pregnancy! 

However, PCOS interferes with this natural cycle. How? 

A healthy woman's ovaries release an egg approximately two weeks before the start of her next period. PCOS can delay or stop egg release. This happens because, 

High androgen levels also interfere with follicle function (a female reproductive organ that stores an immature egg). Therefore, it affects egg development or release. 

Many women (50-90%) with PCOS experience insulin resistance. It's a metabolic dysfunction when the body can't use enough insulin to regulate glucose. Results? Unexplained weight gain and high blood sugar levels. But that's not all. Insulin resistance significantly decreases your chances of conceiving naturally. 

That's how with fewer eggs, unpredictable timing, and greater health risks, PCOS makes conception harder. 

Want to Boost Your Pregnancy Chances With PCOS? Start Naturally 

Good news? PCOS doesn't mean never. Without medical intervention, 80% women take around two years to conceive naturally. You can boost your chances by implementing some lifestyle changes. 

The worst part of PCOS is that 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed or realize the truth while trying to conceive. Don't be one among those. Stay aware, watch for the symptoms, and consider regular medical tests. Here is the list of common hallmarks of PCOS: 

Moreover, if you have underlying chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes or obesity, consult an expert gynaecologist (even if you have no other symptoms). The earlier you identify, the better preventative care you can seek. 

Please remember, insulin resistance is the worst enemy of your pregnancy. Balance your blood sugar levels by: 

In case of chronic diabetic conditions, consider medication (upon doctor's recommendation), and track your blood glucose levels every day. 

Your body mass index (BMI) plays a vital role in deciding your fertility chances. High BMI can often interfere with ovulation and even lead to pregnancy complications. Though PCOS increases weight (due to hormonal imbalance) in most women, try to shed those extra pounds. 

Gym, intermittent fasting, low-calorie diet, exercise, follow whatever works for you. You might be surprised to find out, but you can improve your fertility and other PCOS symptoms by losing just 5% of your weight. 

PCOS menstrual cycles are often irregular, but they form a pattern over time. Try to track down your ovulation signs to find your most fertile windows. You may use DIY methods like: 

Or use a custom ovulation kit or calendar tracking for PCOS, though these methods are not often reliable. 

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which throws off your hormones even more. It may contribute to pregnancy complications or even PCOS itself. Try activities that relax your body and hormones, like 

You can also add happy habits, like spending time dancing, singing, painting, gardening, or anything you love. Guess what? Sometimes even a conversation with your best friend works like a miracle. 

Also Read: Signs that You Have High Cortisol As Mom 

To support your ovarian function naturally, consider research-backed supplements like: 

You can also consider natural alternatives like curcumin, cinnamon, probiotics, and ashwagandha. Always consult your doctor first. 

Read More: Best Vitamins for Women 

Seek Medical Help When You Need It 

Sometimes lifestyle changes alone aren't enough, especially if you have been trying for 6-12 months or want quicker results. But you can always seek necessary medical help. Your doctor may recommend you: 

If your condition isn't severe, your doctor will approach the treatment through ovulation induction. Almost 80% of PCOS-affected women, when treated with medication, successfully ovulate. Moreover, half of them conceive within the first six menstrual cycles. 

When medications and other lifestyle modifications don't work, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) turns into your savior. In IVF, your eggs are retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and then placed back in the uterus. Though the success rate is good, almost 60% consider it only if nothing works. 

The Bottom Line 

PCOS can feel overwhelming. It's unpredictable, frustrating, and it looks different for every woman. Still, it doesn't define your motherhood journey. You may not control the hormonal fluctuations going on inside you. But with the right lifestyle changes, timely medical help, and a little patience, you can still expect a little life within you. 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q1. What is PCOS? 

PCOS is a disorder that imbalances hormones, disrupting your menstrual and fertility cycle. 

Q2. Is a PCOS pregnancy high risk? 

Yes. Most PCOS pregnancies are flagged as high-risk due to the health complications involved for the mother and the baby. 

Q3. Can I carry a baby with PCOS? 

Yes, you may carry a healthy baby with PCOS by making necessary lifestyle and dietary changes. 

Q4. What can trigger PCOS? 

Low-grade inflammation, processed food, lack of exercise, and genetic factors can trigger PCOS. 

Q5. Can I cure PCOS? 

There is no permanent treatment or cure to PCOS. But you can manage its symptoms and severity through a healthy lifestyle and necessary medical intervention. 

References