Are you worried about getting pregnant with PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common cause of female infertility. Getting pregnant with PCOS can be a challenge, but there is good news. Our San Antonio fertility specialists commonly reassure patients that it is possible for women with PCOS to become pregnant, and there are defined steps to take to improve fertility.

PCOS can cause irregular ovulation, which makes it difficult to become pregnant. Recommended treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome are geared toward reducing PCOS symptoms and helping with ovulation.

Lifestyle changes affect PCOS and female infertility

Positive lifestyle changes can reduce PCOS symptoms and improve fertility. Some people with mild PCOS may be able to become pregnant with lifestyle interventions alone, without the need for medications.

• Weight/Obesity – since women with PCOS often have insulin resistance, extra weight (and the insulin resistance it causes) can make it hard for the ovary to ovulate. With weight reduction, many women notice their periods resume normally, sometimes with as little as a 5-10% change in weight.
• Diet – A healthy diet is built on whole foods, including vegetables and fruit, lean proteins, high fiber, and low sugar. This type of diet helps manage weight, insulin, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Exercise – A regular exercise routine, including strength training and aerobic exercise, aids in weight management, insulin regulation, and stress reduction, all of which reduce PCOS symptoms.
• Smoking – Eliminate tobacco and marijuana from your lifestyle to further your efforts toward a healthy pregnancy.
• Stress management – Women with PCOS are at higher risk of anxiety and depression, so it is important to incorporate stress-relieving activities, such as meditation, breathing exercises, walking outside and stretching.
• Period trackers – Tracking cycle length may help identify your ovulation window over time, and it’s free! However, buying and using ovulation predicting kits are usually unreliable for women with PCOS, and can be frustrating to use when your periods are not regular.

Medications can help women with PCOS become pregnant

Medication can play a valuable role in getting pregnant with PCOS. Oral medications, including clomiphene and letrozole (known by the brand names Clomid and Femara) can be used to treat irregular ovulation.

Hormone injections are another option to regulate ovulation and help women with PCOS become pregnant. However, because they can cause multifollicular development and many eggs all at once, these are best used for patients doing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Exploring other treatments for getting pregnant with PCOS

If lifestyle changes and medication do not improve fertility, additional treatment options can include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Both treatments are highly effective for treating female infertility.

Texas Fertility Center San Antonio has fertility specialists available to help women with PCOS develop a treatment plan that will improve their health and regulate ovulation in preparation for pregnancy. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our San Antonio fertility specialists to discuss getting pregnant with PCOS.