PCOS and Pregnancy – How to get pregnant with PCOS

PCOS and Pregnancy is a very important thing to know about. Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is a common hormonal condition in women. Women with PCOS can struggle to become pregnant and are at higher risk of developing complications during pregnancy.

However, by managing the symptoms, many women with PCOS can become pregnant and have a healthy baby.

What is PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome in short PCOS. PCOS is a condition where the ovaries produce higher than normal levels of male hormones (androgens). This can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, and appearance.

It affects up to almost 27 percent of women during their childbearing years. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is also a common and treatable cause of infertility.

Symptoms of PCOS

• Irregular periods – menstruation may be less or more frequent due to less frequent ovulation (release of an egg)
• Heavy periods – Heavy menstrual bleeding is a menstrual period with excessively heavy flow and falls under the larger category of abnormal uterine bleeding.
• No periods – some women with PCOS do not menstruate, in some cases for many years and it’s called amenorrhoea
• Excessive body hair both face and body
• Scalp hair loss
• Difficulty in becoming pregnant
• Mood changes
• Weight gain
• Sleep apnoea

How is PCOS treated?

There are two types of treatments. Many women will need a combination of treatments, including:
1Steps you can take home to help relieve your symptoms: 1. Increasing your physical activity levels and eating a healthy diet can both help to manage PCOS. 2. Weight reduction 2Medicines: the oral contraceptive pill – if you are suffering from irregular, heavy periods, the oral contraceptive pill is often prescribed for contraception, to regulate the cycle, reduce excess hair growth and acne.

Infertility medications – if infertility is a problem, clomiphene citrate may be taken orally to bring about ovulation.

How to get pregnant with PCOS?

It is difficult to get pregnant normally with PCOS but not impossible. There are a number of effective fertility treatments available, from Clomid to gonadotropins to IVF. Here are some of the options you and your doctor can explore.

Weight Loss and to Start Ovulation

Many women with PCOS struggle with obesity. This is because PCOS negatively affects how your body processes insulin, which causes weight gain.

One of the main reasons women with PCOS can’t conceive is they don’t ovulate, or they don’t ovulate regularly. Eating a healthy diet is really important for women with PCOS. This is partially due to the higher risk of becoming overweight, and partially due to their bodies’ trouble with insulin regulation.

A low-carb diet is the best one for PCOS.  The most important thing is to make sure your diet is rich in nutrient-rich foods and protein and low on high sugar foods. Avoiding junk food and processed foods are your best bet.

Metformin Treatment

Metformin is a diabetes medication used to treat insulin resistance. It is sometimes prescribed to women with PCOS. It helps to reduce fat and maintain insulin resistance, regular menstrual cycles,

 

 

Fertility medications

Fertility drugs may help symptoms of PCOS in an attempt to temporarily assist with ovulation. The traditional fertility agents Clomid, Serophene and various preparations of injectable gonadotropins create a “super”-physiologic situation where an ‘extra push’ is given for follicular

IVF

IVF is another great option for getting pregnant with PCOS. While IVF can be an expensive and time-consuming process.

Ovarian drilling

This is a laparoscopic surgery is referred to as “ovarian drilling” and involves puncturing the ovary with a small needle that carries an electric current. This procedure destroys a small portion of the ovary.

Conclusion: If you have PCOS and are pregnant, it is important you talk with your doctor. The risk of these complications can be reduced by monitoring PCOS symptoms and taking extra care during your pregnancy.
Find out more about PCOS complications.