In this article:
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a health disorder caused by a hormonal imbalance in the reproductive system that affects about one in every ten women of childbearing age. may induce irregular periods, resulting in infertility and the formation of ovarian cysts. Most women discover they have the condition in their 20s or 30s when they are having problems becoming pregnant, although it may develop at any moment after puberty.Can You Get Pregnant With PCOS?
The quick answer is yes; however, it may be more challenging because of irregular ovulation. Successful ovulation is essential in getting pregnant. Achieving pregnancy is also more successful when intercourse can be timed properly around ovulation, so it can be hard for patients with PCOS to figure out this timing with unpredictable cycle length.Male hormones, or androgens, are produced in excess by the ovaries in PCOS patients. This leads to the growth of several tiny ovarian follicles and inhibits the usual development of one dominant follicle, which would otherwise release an egg during ovulation. This explains why during certain menstrual cycles you may not ovulate or have a period.
What Are The Possibilities Of Becoming Pregnant With PCOS?
Pregnancy rates for PCOS vary tremendously and depend on the clinical presentation of the syndrome and its severity. According to research, around 70 to 80 per cent of women with PCOS experience infertility.The PCOS pregnancy rate, or probability of conceiving, is determined by a variety of circumstances. No two individuals with PCOS are identical.
How To Get Pregnant With PCOS?
Getting pregnant with PCOS is difficult, but fully achievable. Because PCOS increases the risk of infertility, experts suggest consulting with a reproductive endocrinology and infertility expert as soon as you decide you want to conceive. According to experts, the following strategies may increase your chances of conceiving:Ovulation-stimulating medications
Your doctor may prescribe clomiphene or letrozole as oral medication to help stimulate . (Letrozole has been linked to greater rates of ovulation and birth.) If they do not work, your doctor may prescribe gonadotropins, which are injectable hormones that directly stimulate the ovaries. According to research, over 70% of women with PCOS who use ovulation-stimulating drugs ultimately conceive a baby. It is observed that all of these drugs increase the risk of conceiving twins or multiples.In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
If medicine fails, your doctor may offer , according to experts. If you want to reduce your chance of having twins or multiples, IVF may help.Surgery
If other measures fail, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure that may temporarily restore ovulation.PCOS and Breastfeeding
If you are diagnosed with PCOS, you may need to continue treating your symptoms even after pregnancy. However, symptoms and intensity might differ. Hormonal variations during pregnancy and breastfeeding might alter symptoms, so it may take some time to adjust to your new "normal."Breast-feeding is safe with PCOS, even if you use insulin to regulate your blood sugar. Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to acquire type 2 diabetes later in life, although breastfeeding may help reduce that risk.
Breastfeeding offers several advantages for both you and your baby, so if it is a good match for your family, look into the alternatives and services available to help you have a successful breastfeeding journey.
Pregnancy Risks For Mother And Baby
According to experts, PCOS increases the risk of a variety of pregnancy problems, including gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and preeclampsia. It may also raise the likelihood of having a c-section. According to research, 40 to 50 per cent of pregnant individuals with PCOS develop gestational diabetes.Experts emphasise the importance of understanding that PCOS increases the risk of mood disorders, such as postpartum depression. If you suspect you have signs of anxiety or depression, consult with your doctor.
What Are The PCOS Symptoms?
The following are PCOS symptoms:- Irregular or missing periods (fewer than eight periods per year, or periods occurring more often than every 21 days)
- Extra body hair, or hirsutism
- Acne, especially on the face, chest, and upper back
- Thinning hair
- Weight gain
- Darkening of skin on certain body regions, notably along neck creases, in the crotch, and under the breasts
- Skin tags are little extra skin flaps on the armpits or neck
Treatment
There is presently no cure for PCOS. However, it is possible to control symptoms.Options for symptom management include:
- Birth control medications might lead to weight reduction
- Spironolactone and other androgen blockers
- Metformin, a blood sugar management medication, is often administered in conjunction with other reproductive medicines to assist in stimulating ovulation
The most crucial thing to understand regarding PCOS and pregnancy is that difficulties are real. That's why it's more crucial than ever to take precautions to ensure a safe pregnancy. Focus on lifestyle modification to enhance the results of any strategy.
Consult your doctor, follow a pregnancy-safe activity and food plan, and take your medicine as prescribed. These are all suggested regimens for managing PCOS during pregnancy.
FAQs on PCOS and Pregnancy: Can You Get Pregnant With PCOS?
- Can PCOS induce a miscarriage?
PCOS might increase the likelihood of pregnancy loss. According to research, 30 to 50 per cent of women with PCOS have a miscarriage, compared to 10 to 15 per cent of the general population. - Can PCOS result in birth defects?
PCOS doesn't cause birth defects. People with PCOS are more likely to develop diabetes, which may raise the risk of birth abnormalities because of increased blood sugar levels.
