Getting Pregnant with PCOS

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

She was devastated because she wanted nothing more than having a baby in her life.

Can you get pregnant with PCOS?

If you’re among the 5 million women who are affected by PCOS (8-10% of women of reproductive age), this is probably a question weighing on your mind.

The short answer is yes, even though you may have a number of hurdles to overcome.

PCOS is a Leading Cause of Female Infertility

First, let’s take a look at the fertility challenges posed by PCOS.

PCOS is a common cause of female infertility. A polycystic ovary incubates many small egg follicles (like a string of pearls). But none of them grow big enough to become a mature egg.

The result is anovulation (no ovulation) — and infertility.

Other symptoms may include irregular or absence of menstrual cycles, acne, weight gain, pelvic pain, onset of excess facial and body hair growth due to a higher level of male hormone testosterone, etc.

Primary Causes of PCOS

To find solutions to PCOS, we need to understand what causes this mysterious condition.

Though the specific causes may vary among individual women, PCOS is often influenced by the following three primary factors:

Genetics

It seems that PCOS can be passed on from one generation to another. For example, if your mother or grandmother has PCOS, you may be more prone to this condition than another woman who has no such family history.

Excess Insulin

A high level of insulin appears to increase androgen (testosterone) production, which tips the balance of female reproduction hormones essential for ovulation and fertility.

So if you have type 2 diabetes or are prediabetic with elevated blood sugars, you may have an increased risk for PCOS.

Overweight or Obese

Being overweight is linked to excess insulin, which also constitutes a risk factor for PCOS.

How to Get Pregnant with PCOS

Considering the risk factors, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping insulin levels under control are the keys to fertility with PCOS.

There are medications available to regulate insulin levels, and various fertility treatments to induce ovulation. You can work with your doctor and a fertility expert to explore those options.

At the same time you have to work harder at creating a healthy and balanced lifestyle, including proper nutrition (especially an insulin resistance diet), regular exercise, adequate sleep and rest, and effective stress management.

It’s also essential to cultivate positive emotions and an optimistic mindset.

Remember, though you cannot balance your hormones and cycles directly, you can do so by balancing yourself and your life.

PCOS is not the end of the road for a woman who wants to conceive. With the appropriate medical advice, healthy lifestyle changes, and the right frame of mind, getting pregnant with PCOS is entirely possible.

A Quick Tip:

Researches have shown that eating one teaspoon of cinnamon daily can help regulate insulin levels and promote ovulatory cycles. Give it a try!

Also check out these yoga poses that help promote fertility.

* Image source