Polycystic ovary syndrome: Can it affect fertility?

By Reproclinic Editorial Committee

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects approximately 1 in every 10 women of childbearing age. It is a hormonal disorder more frequent than we think.

 

Accurately, what the causes of the polycystic ovarian syndrome are, they still unknown, but many scientists agree that in these patients there is a high level of androgens and high levels of insulin that condition all clinical manifestations.

 

Symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome

 

One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is a very irregular menstruation that can manifest itself in two ways

 

• Amenorrhea, which is the absence of the menstrual period
• Oligomenorrhea, which are menstrual cycles of more than 35 days.

 

In addition, women who suffer from PCOS, usually experience other symptoms such as:

• Obesity
• Acne
• Greater amount of body hair
• Insulin resistance
• Sleep apnea
• Depression or anxiety

 

According to studies, more than the 50% of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome suffer from obesity. These complicates even more this condition.

 

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is not equal to infertility

 

Although Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is closely related to infertility due to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulatory disorders, having it does not mean you can not get pregnant.

 

Of course, women who suffer from Polycystic ovary syndrome and decide to become pregnant, may have it more difficult. The hormonal imbalance can directly interfere with the ovulation. Luckily, there are some methods to improve ovulatory function and so to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

 

Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome can present various complications during the gestation period:

 

• Risk of spontaneous abortion is higher, especially during the first trimester and especially with patients who have obesity.

 

• Preterm births

 

• Preeclampsia

 

How to treat the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

 

If you suffer from polycystic ovary and you want to reverse the symptoms it produces, you should first go to visit your doctor, especially if you want to get pregnant.

 

Although there is no cure for the polycystic ovarian syndrome, you can take some measures to combat its symptoms, for example having a healthier lifestyle. This will help you to feel better and if you combine it with a good nutrition and constant exercise, you will help to reduce your glucose levels and also to have normal hormone levels.

 

How to get pregnant with the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

 

As we have already said, suffering from SOP does not always make it impossible to get pregnant. Thanks to advances in technology, the possibility of having a child with polycystic ovarian syndrome has increased considerably.

 

To be able to get pregnant, you have to try to restore normal cycles and to do that you need to change your lifestyle making sure you practice exercise and following guidelines to lose weight as well as having a dietary habits control of the mother before the pregnancy.

 

Apart from trying to follow a healthier lifestyle, In Vitro Fertilization treatments with ovarian stimulation help women with PCOS to be more likely to become pregnant.

 

Ask for free consultation with our fertility specialists for more information!

Medical Director at Reproclinic
Specialist in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine