How To Get Pregnant With PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal condition that is common among women of reproductive age. PCOS can cause infrequent or irregular menstruation, which makes it difficult to track ovulation and conceive. Although PCOS can make it more challenging to become pregnant, it is not impossible. PCOS is a treatable condition, and there are many fertility services that can help individuals get pregnant with PCOS.
The fertility specialists from The Center for Fertility and Gynecology, which serves Los Angeles, CA, Tarzana, CA, Bakersfield, CA, and surrounding areas, help patients understand how PCOS affects the ability to become pregnant, and what can be done to assist them on their journey to parenthood.
How Does PCOS Affect My Ability To Get Pregnant?
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that causes androgen levels to be too high. Higher androgen levels can lead to a number of complications, including irregular periods (or a lack of periods) and the development of ovarian cysts. Both of these complications can make it more difficult to conceive. If the body isn’t releasing a healthy egg each month, sperm has nothing to fertilize, which means the patient will not get pregnant. Because PCOS often causes ovulation to be irregular, even if an egg is released, it is difficult to track the best times to attempt to conceive.
First Steps for Getting Pregnant With PCOS
Women with PCOS who are attempting to conceive should take many of the same steps as healthy women who would like to become pregnant. These actions promote overall health, give a window into fertile health, and put the body in the best shape to become pregnant.
- Check your body mass index (BMI). If someone’s BMI is too low or too high, getting pregnant can be more difficult.
- Start a healthy diet and exercise routine that includes a nutrient-rich diet and regular physical activity.
- Have blood sugar levels checked by a doctor to make sure they are balanced. If not, take appropriate measures to achieve ideal sugar levels.
- Use a calendar or app to track ovulation.
Medication for PCOS
By making appropriate lifestyle changes, some people are able to manage PCOS symptoms and become pregnant. However, many require medication to bring hormone levels into balance. Our fertility specialists can create an appropriate medication plan based on each patient’s needs. Medications may be used to balance blood sugar levels, balance estrogen or testosterone levels, or jump-start the ovaries to produce and release more eggs.
Fertility Treatment for PCOS
Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is one fertility treatment that can assist individuals with PCOS. During IUI, a concentrated and washed sperm sample is injected directly into the woman’s uterus so it is closer to the egg. Prior to IUI treatment, oral or injectable fertility medication can be used to stimulate the ovaries.
In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is another fertility treatment that is often used to help patients get pregnant with PCOS. IVF is a multi-step process that oversees all stages of conception. IVF is particularly helpful to patients with PCOS because it involves ovarian stimulation, which encourages the production and release of multiple mature eggs.
Get In Touch
If you suffer from PCOS and have struggled to conceive, the doctors at The Center for Fertility and Gynecology would like you to know that there is still hope. To learn how our fertility services can assist you in becoming pregnant, send us a message online at your earliest convenience.
