Is pregnancy possible when suffering from PCOS? The answer is …Yes.
However unlikely this may sound, the possibility of a natural pregnancy exists for the women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome provided the condition is discovered early in life and the right treatment is applied.
Since ovulation is absent or very irregular (anovulation) in many women with PCOS, those women are usually unable to get pregnant when suffering from the condition.
However, not all women with PCOS suffer from infertility. Such women can take ovulation stimulation treatment which can include diet and lifestyle modification and weight loss as well as fertile treatment in order to become mothers.
What does PCOS imply?
Polycystic ovaries are the ovaries developing more follicles than normal every month, most of which enlarge and ripen but do not release an egg.
However, not all women with polycystic ovaries have the polycystic ovarian syndrome, which develops when the hormonal balance is severely disrupted and in many cases the process of ovulation either does not occur or happens very irregularly.
In this case, the number of periods also decreases and
Treating PCOS the right way
Hormone therapy
In the view of a future pregnancy, the polycystic ovary syndrome can be treated by restoring the hormonal balance of the female body. The treatment consists of a regular hormonal therapy with estrogen and progesterone administered as pills, patches or vaginal rings.
Reducing androgen hormones
PCOS usually comes with excessive hair growth which is a result of the abnormal level of androgen hormones. This can be fixed with the appropriate progestin treatment which causes the shedding of the endometrium restoring an ovulation course close to the natural one.
The use of spironolactone is also common in the treatment of polycystic ovary since this drug is able to reduce male pattern hairloss and the hirsutism specific to this health issue.
Insulin resistance therapy
PCOS is usually associated with insulin resistance and also diabetes and heart disease. This is why it comes as no surprise that metformin – a type 2 diabetes drug – is very successful in treating PCOS.
This drug works on reducing insulin resistance, lowering blood sugar and also contributing to the reduction of androgen hormones.
Ovulation trigger therapy
Normally, women ovulate post menstruation which implies the shedding of the uterine lining. The lack of menstruation in polycystic ovary syndrome can be fixed with the help of clomiphene that in relation with metformin can result in stimulating ovulation and regulating the menstrual cycle.
PCOS and IVF – How effective is it?
In vitro fertilization treatment is known to be both exhausting and expensive and it comes as a last resort for women suffering from severe forms of PCOS.
However hard it may be, you must be aware that the odds of getting pregnant with IVF when suffering from PCOS are increased 4% compared to the chances of a naturally occurred pregnancy when suffering from this health issue.
Also, in the case you opt for an IVF procedure you must be aware that your age is a very important factor. The recent studies have concluded that over the age of 40 the risk of miscarriage post an IVF increases 70% for women suffering from PCOS.
Do lifestyle changes help?
Normally a change in lifestyle is decisive on the evolution of any health problem. In the case of PCOS, the women undergoing fertility treatment are encouraged to change their lifestyle too.
These changes refer to diet modifications and exercising meant to help with weight loss but also with psychological therapy for emotional support.
You are pregnant with PCOS. Now what?
Pregnancy issues may appear even if the mother is perfectly healthy. Even more so, in the case of a PCOS pregnancy, these issues have increased chances to appear.
The mother to be must be very careful during the pregnancy because the odds of developing gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced high blood pressure are very high.
Other problems that might become a danger to your difficultly earned pregnancy are preeclampsia and macrosomia, but also miscarriage or premature birth.
You may get scared knowing this but you have to remember that you achieved something you really dreamed off and if you are a responsible mother to be you will be wise to remain under medical care during your pregnancy.
Maintain a positive attitude and ask about the things that worry you and you will experience the joy of motherhood.
Some helpful links to know more about PCOS and Pregnancy:
Pregnancy Is Possible With PCOS
Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome Equates To Infertility! PCOS Treatment Options To Stimulate Ovulation!
Is PCOS Treatable Or Untreatable? Know The Facts About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome!
What Is the Connection Between Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Pregnancy?
The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Treatment and Its Consequences
View Comments (28)
Hi,
Iam Married 9 months old..iam having some problem in stomach,
In Ovaries A Cyst mesuring 32/2 mm was observed in the echo field of right ovary.Left ovary imaged and appeared to be polycystic mesured 31/28 mm..Kindly send me the suggestions plz wat medicines i have to take..Because im eggerly waiting for baby..with this problem will i get pregnant or not plz reply..
Ganga please do not worry. I have PCOS and have for many years. I also have type 2 diabetes and very erratic periods. My new doctor has assured me that with the proper meds I should be able to concieve (I have been married for 13 years and no natural pregnancy) and that with ladies like us it just takes some more work. It may take many different attempts but we are sure we will manage it. The worst thing you can do is become stressed :) The best thing is to find a doctor you trust and be honest with them. There are many options. The best of luck to you.
No matter what your health status, age or level of fitness you can do something to exercise your body and mind enough to maintain a decent level of immune function, vital organ strength and systemic protection. Even moderate exercise such as walking or swimming for 30 minutes each day, or weight bearing exercise such as gym work are all extremely beneficial.
Hi,
I am ananya, I am 20yrs old girl, I am writting down my sonography report here:
"Left Ovary is normal in size. Right ovary is bulky. Volume of left ovary 7.6ml & right ovary 9ml. Uniform size follicle seen in both ovaries (suggest PCO)"
Does that indicate danger, infertility? please help.
i have polycystic ovary for 8 years,both right and left ovary are polycystic.one 45.5 and another 37.4.i have got married before 6 months.now i am 26 years old.can i conceive.how much time will required for it.is it possible for me to give birth to a baby.
hi
i am 24y old 5y old marriage i have pcos i did laproschopic also but still iam waiting for peregnancy what can i do further
This blog post hits the spot. I've been craving for some excellent information and finally discovered it right here. I've been browsing around the entire morning to find a good post to tell me what I need to know, but I have determined like 34 other blogs that just gave me senseless information!
hi, im maried since 2yrs,i hav polycystic ovarien disease.can i get pregnant after treatment.plz advice, im stressed. thanking you.
hello,
i'm 21 years old. I have swollen legs from past one month so had ben to doc, he sugested for scanning n blood test.
in scanning i've found dat my ovaries are bigger than normal. right ovary measures 3.6 x 2.1 cm and left ovary measures 3.4 x 1.8 cm. and i'm obese. i'm getting scared and tensed coz i'll be getting married in 6 months.
HI I AM MARRIED SINCE 2008
THERE IS SOLITARY NABOTHIAN FOLLICLE MEASURING UP TO 6.3MM
IN CERVIX RIGHT OVEARY MEASURE 35.9* 19.5MM VOLUME IS 7.1 ML
LEFT OVEARY MEASURE 27.9 * 17.6MM.VOLUME IS 4.6 MM THERE ARE MULTIPLE PERIPHERAL CIYSTS WITH RAISED STROMAL
ECHO GENICITY SEEN IN BOTH OVEARIES .
I AM TAKING METFORMIN & EBEXID
can i get pregnant after treatment.plz advice, im stressed. thanking you.