Published:
October 11, 2022
While there are a number of reasons a couple may have trouble getting pregnant, there’s a common culprit that can affect a woman’s fertility: polycystic ovary syndrome. Also known as PCOS, this hormonal imbalance affects as many as one in ten women of childbearing age. The good news is that while fairly common, it’s a treatable cause of infertility. Here are a few things to know about PCOS.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is caused by imbalance of reproductive hormones, which can interfere with a woman’s ovulation. These hormonal disruptions can block normal ovulatory signals and prevent the eggs from progressing through normal maturation. On ultrasound, these immature eggs can give a cystic appearance to the ovaries—which is different than having ovarian cysts. The end result is that without the eggs maturing and ovulating, there is simply no egg for the sperm to fertilize and create a pregnancy.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of PCOS?
Symptoms of PCOS can include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles with missed or fewer periods
- Acne on the face, chest and back
- Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Excessive growth of facial or body hair (known as hirsutism)
PCOS can happen at any age after puberty, and can affect women of all races and ethnicities. You may have a higher risk of developing PCOS if have obesity, or if you have a mother, sister, or aunt with the condition.
Can I Get Pregnant if I Have PCOS?
You can! However, it’s also true that irregular ovulation due to PCOS can make getting pregnant more difficult. If you suspect you have PCOS or have been previously diagnosed, chat with your provider about your pregnancy goals. Your provider can do a physical exam and review your medical history, symptoms, and test results to better understand your situation. After this, they can create a plan for how to best manage your condition, help you ovulate, and raise your chances of getting pregnant.
Is PCOS a Serious Problem?
While being diagnosed with PCOS itself isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can lead to other serious health issues. Women with PCOS are more likely to develop conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and uterine cancer.
How Can Those with PCOS Increase Their Chances of Pregnancy?
There are several ways to manage PCOS that can increase your likelihood of getting pregnant. Treatments can include:
- Losing weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight through healthy eating and regular physical activity can help regulate your menstrual cycle.
- Medication: After ruling out other causes of infertility in you and your partner, your specialist might prescribe fertility medication to help you ovulate in a more predictable pattern, so that you can know when to try to conceive.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): While not a treatment for PCOS itself, IVF is a great route to help you and your partner conceive. If you haven’t had success with other treatments or fertility methods, you may be referred to a fertility specialist to discuss IVF. IVF is the most common (but definitely not the only) type of assisted reproductive technology treatment. During IVF, eggs and sperm are fertilized in a laboratory dish and then transferred directly to a woman's uterus.
- Surgery: Ovarian surgery is an option for those with severe symptoms, but is typically only recommended if other options haven’t worked. While about 15% of women get pregnant after ovarian surgery, there are risks involved.
If you have (or suspect you have) PCOS and aren’t getting pregnant, don’t give up hope! Our amazing team of fertility specialists will work with you to find a treatment and fertility plan to help you grow your family.