The Unfortunate Connection Between PCOS And Pregnancy

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. One of the biggest concerns for women with PCOS is the impact it can have on their ability to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy.

PCOS is known to cause irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and ovarian cysts, all of which can make it difficult to conceive. Furthermore, women with PCOS are at a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. 

In this blog, we will explore the connection between PCOS and pregnancy, and what women with PCOS can do to improve their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Understanding PCOS: A Common Cause of Infertility

Many women of reproductive age experience the hormonal disease known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Up to 10% of women of reproductive age are affected by it, making it a common cause of infertility. Inconsistent menstrual cycles, anovulation (failure to ovulate), and high levels of androgens (male hormones) are common in women with PCOS, which can make it difficult to get pregnant.

When a woman exhibits at least two of the following symptoms, PCOS is identified as the cause: high levels of male hormones, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, and irregular periods or anovulation. Although the precise cause of PCOS is unknown, it is believed to be a result of a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

PCOS and Pregnancy Complications: What You Need to Know

When it comes to infertility, PCOS can make it more difficult for women to conceive due to irregular or absent ovulation. Here are some difficulties that someone with PCOS could experience when trying to get pregnant, have a look-

Irregular or absent ovulation

PCOS can cause irregular menstrual cycles or anovulation, which can make it difficult for women to conceive. Women with PCOS may ovulate infrequently or not at all, making it harder to predict when ovulation will occur.

Hormonal imbalances

Women with PCOS may have higher levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, which can affect ovulation and fertility. High levels of insulin can also interfere with ovulation and contribute to weight gain, which can further impact fertility.

Increased risk of miscarriage

Women with PCOS who do become pregnant may be at an increased risk of miscarriage due to hormonal imbalances, including high levels of male hormones and insulin resistance. Irregular ovulation may also contribute to an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the developing embryo.

Polycystic ovaries

The presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries is a defining feature of PCOS. These cysts can interfere with ovulation and contribute to fertility problems.

Gestational diabetes

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This is because PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.

Preeclampsia

Women with PCOS are also at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. It typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Preterm birth

Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of delivering prematurely. The exact mechanism by which PCOS increases the risk of preterm birth is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to hormonal imbalances and inflammation.

Premature birth can lead to a range of health problems for the baby, including respiratory distress and developmental delays.

Treatment Options for PCOS-Related Infertility

One of the main symptoms of PCOS is infertility. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for PCOS-related infertility. Here are some of the most common options, have a look-

Lifestyle Changes

In some cases, making certain lifestyle changes can help improve fertility in women with PCOS. This may include losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and eating a balanced diet.

Ovulation Induction

The goal of ovulation induction is to help increase the chances of conception by triggering the release of one or more mature eggs from the ovaries.

Ovulation induction can be achieved through the use of medications, such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or letrozole. These medications work by stimulating the release of hormones that trigger the growth and maturation of follicles in the ovaries. When the follicles are mature, they release an egg, which can then be fertilized by sperm.

Injectable Hormones

Injectable hormones, such as gonadotropins, may also be used to stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS. These medications are typically used in combination with regular monitoring of ovarian response.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF may be recommended for women with PCOS who have not had success with other fertility treatments. This procedure involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred back into the uterus.

Surgery

In some cases, a surgical procedure called ovarian drilling may be recommended for women with PCOS. In this procedure, a surgeon uses a laparoscope (a thin, lighted instrument with a camera attached) to make small holes or punctures in the surface of the ovaries using heat or a laser.

The aim of ovarian drilling is to reduce the number of small cysts in the ovaries and improve the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS.

It's important to note that treatment options for PCOS-related infertility can vary depending on individual factors, such as age, overall health, and fertility goals. 

Women with PCOS should work closely with their healthcare provider or consult an OB-GYN immediately to determine the best treatment plan for their specific needs.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Chances of Pregnancy If You Have PCOS?

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and are trying to conceive, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of pregnancy. Here are some suggestions-

Maintain a healthy weight

Women with PCOS are more likely to be overweight or obese, which can make it more difficult to conceive. Losing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help regulate ovulation and improve fertility.

Monitor ovulation

Women with PCOS may have irregular menstrual cycles or may not ovulate regularly. Monitoring ovulation through methods such as tracking basal body temperature or using ovulation predictor kits can help identify the most fertile days for intercourse.

Take medications

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole, to stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception. These medications are often used in combination with careful monitoring of ovulation.

Consider assisted reproductive technologies

In some cases, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended for women with PCOS who have not had success with other fertility treatments.

You can also go forward with one of the aforementioned treatment options. 

Manage insulin resistance

Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can affect fertility. Managing insulin resistance through medications such as metformin or making lifestyle changes such as reducing carbohydrate intake can improve fertility outcomes.

Address other health issues

Women with PCOS may also have other health issues such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies that can affect fertility. Working with a healthcare provider to address these issues can improve the chances of pregnancy.

Summing Up

PCOS can make it more difficult for women to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, lack of ovulation, and other fertility issues. However, with proper management and treatment, many women with PCOS are able to achieve successful pregnancies. And you will be glad to know that we have dedicated care plans for beautiful women like you!

Newmi Care offers specialized care plans for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive. These care plans are designed to address the specific hormonal imbalances and fertility issues associated with PCOS, and thus help in improving the chances of getting pregnant.

Check out our PCOS care plans and Preconception care plans now!