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Can you get pregnant with PCOS?
Yes. This word would have brought relief to a lot of you who were worried about being able to conceive due to PCOS. PCOS is one of the most common yet treatable causes of infertility in women. It is a hormonal imbalance present in lots of women but is often brought to the forefront when women trying to conceive have issues in doing so.
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What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal condition that can affect ovulation and other aspects of health. It is not diagnosed simply by finding ovarian cysts: people can have PCOS without polycystic-looking ovaries, and vice versa. A clinician assesses symptoms and appropriate tests. Hormones Australia explains PCOS.
If you feel you are pregnant, do take a pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy such as the Clearblue Rapid Detection Test (3 tests, Amazon Australia) or the First Response Early Detection Instream Test (3 tests, Amazon Australia).
Common symptoms of PCOS
PCOS symptoms vary and diagnosis requires medical assessment. There is no cure, but symptoms and health risks can be managed. Possible symptoms include:
- Increased body and facial hair
- Irregular menstrual cycle, though having a regulated period does not guarantee that you are free of PCOS
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Insulin resistance, which means the body responds less effectively to insulin and can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Sleep Apnea
- Difficulty in conception which is when most women discover that they have PCOS
- Male-pattern baldness or faint hair on the scalp
Many people with PCOS become pregnant, either without fertility treatment or with medical help. Individual chances and treatment needs vary.
Treatment and Care
Treatment depends on your symptoms, health and pregnancy plans. Hormonal contraception can help manage some PCOS symptoms but prevents pregnancy while used. Metformin may be appropriate for some people. Ask your clinician which treatment suits your goals; do not start or stop medicines yourself. PCOS treatment information.
Healthy eating and activity can support health with PCOS, even without weight loss. If weight management is part of your care, agree on an individual plan with your clinician.
Ask your clinician which follow-up checks you need. Tests and examinations should be based on your symptoms and individual health needs, with your consent.
So can you get pregnant with PCOS?
Pregnancy is possible with PCOS, but no treatment or lifestyle change guarantees it. Speak to your GP about your circumstances and whether fertility assessment would help.
Can you get pregnant by bringing it under control naturally?
Weight loss is not the only way to manage PCOS. Healthy eating, activity, medicines and fertility support can each have a role. Agree on a plan for your health and pregnancy goals with your clinician rather than relying on weight change to restore ovulation. Australian-led PCOS guideline.
Can you get pregnant with PCOS using medication?
Fertility medicines require assessment and monitoring. The 2023 international guideline recommends letrozole as first-line medication for ovulation induction in people with PCOS who are not ovulating and have no other infertility factors. This is not a prescription for every person with PCOS; your specialist should discuss suitable options and risks. See recommendation 5.3.1.
Can you get pregnant with PCOS if you undergo treatment or surgery?
Some people may need further fertility treatment, including IVF. Ovarian surgery is considered only in selected circumstances after specialist assessment; it is not a simple alternative to choosing other care. Ask about benefits, risks and your individual chance of success. See the fertility recommendations in the PCOS guideline.
Keep an eye out for these early pregnancy signs if you feel you are pregnant.
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Though it is yet to be determined how one gets PCOS or how it can be prevented, the good thing is that PCOS is treatable with the right care and medication. Women have received treatment, brought it under control and gone on to have healthy pregnancies.
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