In a world where family planning and fertility are significant aspects of many people’s lives, the question of whether a woman with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can become pregnant is of utmost importance. PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, and it often brings concerns about fertility challenges. However, there is hope, and this article aims to provide comprehensive insights into the topic, addressing frequently asked questions and shedding light on this critical issue.

Let us first try to understand why is it difficult to get pregnant with PCOS!

A woman’s ovary has many eggs. They are released from follicles. Every month, one follicle becomes dominant and releases an egg from the pool of these eggs. However, when a woman develops PCOS, she produces abnormally high levels of male hormone – which prevents opening of the follicle and release of egg from it. When this happens, her periods become irregular or absent altogether. The follicles then remain as cysts. Owing to this reason it becomes increasingly difficult (but not impossible) for the woman to conceive.

PCOS and Infertility goes hand in hand

Female hormones play vital role in her reproductive process – normal hormonal pathways, production of eggs, preparing the uterus for pregnancy. However, abnormal hormone production (excess androgen) as seen in PCOS can make it quite a bit challenging for a woman to conceive. Due to irregular periods or absence of periods and ovulation, getting pregnant and sustenance of pregnancy may become difficult. In these circumstances what is the possibility of improving the chances of pregnancy, let us try to understand.

How to improve the chances of pregnancy if you have PCOS?

Even if you have PCOS you should not worry at all as there are ways – both conventional, alternative and natural. The best bet is to see how is your lifestyle, diet and nutrition. If you pay attention to these factors, then your chances of getting pregnant become bright. Your diet, nutritional status and lifestyle play a vital role as far as your fertility is concerned when you have PCOS.

The recommendations are as follow:

Dietary Recommendation if you have PCOS

Low glycemic diet is a very important factor to manage hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance and to increase the prospects of fertility. To ensure this expert recommend diet which is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber and protein. The total carbohydrate intake should be less than 16 gm per meal or 7 g per snack. If you lead active life, then talk to your dietician regarding the apt value of carbohydrate intake daily. In addition, also include healthy fats, proteins and fiber in your diet along with carbohydrates.

Dietary restrictions

Processed, canned and preserved foods are strictly no to you if you have PCOS. Processed and preserved foods, artificially sweetened foods have high fructose, syrups and sugars – avoid them at any cost. And also, strictly avoid white rice, white floor, potatoes, starches, highly refined and processed sugars. This aspect of your diet management seems to be rather challenging, but it is highly effective in managing your PCOS. You should adopt this diet plan to normalize your hormonal levels, reduce insulin resistance and decrease androgen production and also to normalize menses and improve ovulation.

What about Obese women with PCOS?

Obese are overweight women are at risk of infertility due to PCOS owing to their elevated androgen, insulin and estrogen levels. Due to their abnormal hormonal levels, they have insulin resistance and infertility issues. Obesity and high waist to hip ratio is common in around 50 to 60% of women with PCOS. In such cases, the main objective should be to reduce at least 5% of weight regularly over a period of time. This will bring dramatic improvement in menstrual cycles and ovulation. In addition to opting the best exercise program, such women should also focus on reducing carbohydrate intake as discussed above. There should not be any delay in adopting a healthy lifestyle with a keen focus on reducing weight by means of some form of physical activity. This will help in substantially reducing insulin resistance and creating a positive effect on mind and the body.

Can a Woman with PCOS Get Pregnant? This question should not remain bothersome to you now!

Bottom Line

If you have PCOS and you are unable to conceive then consult your gynecologist and discuss your symptoms with her. If you delay consulting a gynecologist for no reason, then your condition can get worse. With every passing day, your symptoms become worse and pregnancy becomes more and more difficult.