Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly referred to as PCOS, is a hormonal imbalance condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of childbearing age worldwide.

The hormonal irregularity caused by PCOS often leads to irregular periods, the growth of small cysts in the ovaries, and difficulty in conceiving or getting pregnant for women. Owing to these reasons, many women with PCOS are concerned about their fertility and if they can still conceive a child.

What are the chances of conceiving with PCOS?

Women with PCOS face various challenges in getting pregnant compared to women without the condition.

Due to hormonal imbalances, such as having higher levels of androgens and insulin resistance, women with PCOS tend to experience difficulties with ovulation, which makes fertilization and conception more challenging.

Despite these challenges, women who have PCOS can still conceive naturally. The likelihood of getting pregnant varies based on the severity of the condition’s symptoms and the woman’s age.

How to increase chances of getting pregnant with PCOS

There are several steps that women with PCOS can take to increase their chances of conceiving naturally, including:.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes like healthy eating, maintaining healthy weight, and regular exercises can help in managing PCOS and boost the chances of getting pregnant.

For instance, being overweight exacerbates insulin resistance, which negatively impacts fertility. Therefore, practicing a healthy lifestyle can help regularize menstrual cycles and ovulation, increasing the chances of conceiving.

Medications

Medical treatments such as ovulation induction medication or insulin-sensitizing drugs can help regulate the menstrual cycle of those having PCOS. Additionally, gonadotropin therapy can help in stimulating ovulation.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

For women with severe PCOS symptoms, such as blocking fallopian tubes or decreased ovarian reserve, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment may be the most effective chance of having a baby.

IVF involves fertilizing an egg outside the womb and then transplanting it into the uterus.

Conclusion

While PCOS can make it challenging for women to conceive, especially when left untreated, there are still various options that women can explore to increase their chances of having a baby.

Regardless of the path chosen, women with PCOS who are trying to conceive should seek support and guidance from a medical professional and maintain a healthy lifestyle.