How to Get Pregnant With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Can you get pregnant with PCOS? While it may seem difficult, with proper lifestyle changes, it is possible! Though the process is complex, you can have a healthy pregnancy with due medical care and the following tips.

Understanding PCOS and Its Impact on Fertility

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility among females of reproductive age. Many who suffer from PCOS do not experience any symptoms, while others face several challenges, including difficulty getting pregnant with PCOS.

PCOS is characterized by irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, and the appearance of fluid-filled cysts or egg sacs on the ovaries. This can result in irregular egg release from the ovary and impact fertility. Furthermore, the hormonal imbalance affects the cervical fluid, making it difficult for the sperm to fertilize. However, with advancements in medicine, there are ways to get pregnant with PCOS.

Also Read: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Medications and Treatments for PCOS and Infertility

Various medications and treatments can help improve your fertility when you have PCOS. Hormonal medicines and insulin-resistance medicines can boost the chances of pregnancy. Consult your medical provider to understand how to get pregnant with PCOS using these medications.

Listed Below are Some of the Medicines to Boost Your Chances of Conceiving:

• Birth Control Pills (Hormonal Medicines): These help reduce hormonal imbalance, maintain a regular menstrual cycle, and aid in ovulation.
• Fertility Medications: These medicines kickstart the ovaries to produce more eggs. Drugs like clomiphene and letrozole are taken orally to induce ovulation, increasing the chances of pregnancy with PCOS.
• Metformin: This helps reduce insulin resistance, due to which insulin functions efficiently and reduces the symptoms of PCOS.
• Surgery: Though rarely undertaken, the procedure involves removing the androgen-producing tissues of the ovary. Known as ovarian drilling, it helps bring about regular ovulation.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

If the steps mentioned above, such as medicines and lifestyle changes, fail to improve fertility and do not result in pregnancy, the next step is ART or assisted reproductive technologies. Your healthcare provider will help you understand the different procedures, for example, IVF (in vitro fertilization), IUI (intrauterine insemination), and other methods, and how to become pregnant with PCOS.

Coping With the Emotional Aspects of PCOS and Infertility

Some women accept the diagnosis of PCOS well and cope well with it. However, others might be prone to depression and anxiety, with not being able to get pregnant due to PCOS. Studies conducted reveal 27-49% of women with PCOS suffer from depression, while 50% of them have symptoms of anxiety. This affects them physically, socially, and psychologically, disrupting their sleep patterns, eating schedules, and relationships.

Seeking Support and Resources for Managing PCOS and Infertility

If you are in a dilemma on how to get pregnant with PCOS and are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, help is at hand. Your healthcare provider is the go-to person in such cases. They may prescribe counseling sessions, stress management techniques, and medicines to manage the condition.

Your healthcare provider will also help you manage these symptoms successfully with techniques such as de-stressing, lifestyle changes, yoga, and meditation. Yoga and meditation help restore the biological rhythm of the body and further help you relax mentally and physically.

Lifestyle Changes for Improving Fertility and Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy with PCOS

Investing in a healthy lifestyle is the first step toward enhancing your chances of having a baby. Here is how to get pregnant with PCOS and maintain it by adopting certain lifestyle changes:

• Weight Reduction: The majority of females with PCOS have obesity because of improper functioning of insulin (insulin resistance). Obesity leads to irregular ovulation. Thus, losing weight helps revive ovulation and restart regular menstruation, increasing the chances of pregnancy.
• Exercise: Exercises such as jogging and brisk walking are known to improve symptoms of PCOS and regularise the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
• Healthy Diet: A diet rich in nutrients is essential for PCOS patients. Eating more proteins and vegetables and having fewer carbs would be beneficial. However, complex carbohydrates like pulses and fruits are good for managing insulin resistance in PCOS.

• Keep Track of Your Blood Glucose Levels: Normal blood glucose levels is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor can guide you to ensure that your levels are maintained if you want to get pregnant with PCOS.

To Sum Up

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility. It is extremely important to seek help from your healthcare provider if your PCOS symptoms and infertility are affecting your quality of life. They can guide you through this situation. You can seek advice on how to get pregnant with PCOS and bring about necessary lifestyle changes. Medical management and assistive reproductive techniques are recommended that help improve your fertility, help you get pregnant, and achieve a healthy and successful pregnancy.