PCOS and Infertility: How to Manage and Get Pregnant with PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Understanding PCOS and its impact on fertility is crucial for women trying to conceive.
How PCOS Affects Fertility
- Irregular Ovulation: PCOS often causes infrequent or absent ovulation
- Hormonal Imbalances: Elevated androgens (male hormones) can disrupt the menstrual cycle
- Insulin Resistance: Common in PCOS, can further disrupt reproductive hormones
- Ovarian Cysts: While not dangerous, they're a sign of the hormonal imbalance
Diagnosing PCOS
PCOS is diagnosed when at least two of the following are present:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Clinical or biochemical signs of elevated androgens
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (though some women with PCOS don't have cysts)
Treatment Options for PCOS-Related Infertility
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight loss (even 5-10% of body weight) can restore ovulation in overweight women.
Ovulation Induction
Medications like Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole stimulate ovulation.
Metformin
Improves insulin sensitivity and may help restore regular cycles.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
For women who don't respond to other treatments.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling
A surgical option that can trigger ovulation in some women.
Inositol Supplements
May improve insulin sensitivity and ovarian function.
Managing PCOS for Better Fertility Outcomes
- Balanced Diet: Focus on low-glycemic index foods and healthy fats
- Regular Exercise: Helps with insulin sensitivity and weight management
- Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can worsen PCOS symptoms
- Sleep Hygiene: Poor sleep can exacerbate insulin resistance
- Monitoring: Tracking cycles and ovulation patterns
Success Rates with PCOS
With proper treatment, many women with PCOS can conceive:
- About 80% of women with PCOS will ovulate with medication
- Approximately 50-60% will conceive within 6 cycles of ovulation induction
- IVF success rates for PCOS patients are often comparable to other infertility causes
