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Bcos PCOS matters: Everything you need to know about getting pregnant with PCOS

bryan99054

Updated: Aug 16, 2024

What is PCOS? 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal imbalance in women that affects the way the ovaries function.  

 

Many people pronounce PCOS as “pea cos” whilst others simply say the 4 letters of the acronym "P.C.O.S".

 

PCOS can occur any time after puberty and is often identified when 20 - 30 years old. If you have an ultrasound scan of the pelvic area, polycystic ovaries appear slightly larger than normal ovaries and can have around twice the number of follicles. These are fluid-filled sacs within each ovary where eggs grow. At ovulation, a single follicle usually ruptures to release an egg ready for fertilisation. 


Follicles in a normal ovary VS Follicles in a PCOS ovary



How common is PCOS? 

In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in every 10 women are affected by PCOS. Over 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed, as many simply do not exhibit any symptoms. 


The exact cause of PCOS is unknown but it often runs in families. There is no cure for PCOS, but it can be managed, and several treatment options are available.


It is important to bear in mind that many women who have PCOS can successfully conceive, so don’t lose hope whilst on your journey to pregnancy.  


PCOS & the Menstrual Cycle 

Ovulation is a process where a mature egg is released from an ovary. At this stage, the egg can be fertilised by a sperm. Alternatively, if the egg is not fertilised, a period will follow to shed the lining of the womb, ready for the next cycle.  This usually occurs 14 days after ovulation.

 

People with PCOS tend to produce lower levels of the hormone oestrogen. This adversely affects the levels of two hormones: FSH and LH, which are needed for follicle growth and ovulation. When ovulation doesn’t occur, small fluid-filled sacs can start to develop on the ovaries.  

 

In PCOS, more fluid-filled sacs develop on the ovaries than normal, making it difficult to release an egg. Therefore, ovulation does not take place and the chances of conception decreases. However, that doesn't mean natural conception isn't possible. Rather, it may just take a bit longer than expected to get there.  


Diagnosis

 

Three symptoms characterise PCOS: 

 

  1. Irregular periods – due to the ovaries not releasing eggs regularly (anovulation)


  1. Raised androgen hormone levels - e.g. hormones such as testosterone are at higher levels, which may cause acne and excess body or facial hair.


  1. Polycystic ovaries upon ultrasound examination - identifying the presence of fluid-filled sacs, containing immature eggs, on the ovaries, which are neither painful nor dangerous.






Getting Pregnant with PCOS: 

Firstly, yes you can get pregnant with PCOS. Although some couples with PCOS may experience a more difficult journey trying to conceive, it is important to note, not all pregnancies are problematic.


People with PCOS do get pregnant and having a good support system and a strong-willed mindset is vital to get you through the difficult times. With all its twists and turns, the long journey will be worth it.

 

Below are some routes people with PCOS may consider when trying to conceive:  

 

  1. Incorporate a healthy routine into your lifestyle to reduce your Body Mass Index (BMI). If you are overweight, a weight loss journey may help you to achieve more regular ovulation. In turn, your chances of getting pregnant can increase as you have more opportunities to track your ‘fertile window’.  Please see our link to Leicestershire County Council's free bespoke weight loss programme.

  2. Consider the supplement Inositol. This a carbohydrate found in certain foods such as fruit and vegetables. Inositol can help to improve metabolism alongside other health benefits. . As a supplement, it is often called myoinositol.


  3. Ovulation induction therapy can help you to release an egg so that fertilisation during intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI) can occur. Ovulation induction therapy requires either gonadotrophin injections or oral tablets such as clomiphene and letrozole. 

  4. IVF treatment is more invasive but may be offered if the above doesn’t work. With IVF, you receive a course of injections to stimulate egg production from the ovaries. Mature eggs are then retrieved via a minor surgical procedure and fertilised in a lab with sperm. An embryo is then formed and returned to the uterus a few days later so it can potentially continue to develop.  


  • There are a few implications associated with IVF that may need to be considered. Discussing IVF with a specialist is advised before deciding which route to take.  

  • In one study where 195 PCOS patients underwent IVF, 116 women reported to be clinically pregnant. 



What we can do for you at X&Y Fertility  

At X&Y Fertility we perform blood tests for various hormones which can help determine whether you have PCOS. We can also provide fertility consultations and direct you to the best route for getting pregnant.  

 


PCOS Support: 

Verity is a PCOS charity that aims to educate, support and empower those with PCOS through support groups, informative booklets, fundraisers and more! We recommend looking at their website if you are looking for more support.  



Blog written by Aarabi Ketheeswaranathan


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