Can You Get Pregnant with PCOS/PCOD? Here’s the Medical Truth

PCOD and PCOS are two hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age. These affect the levels of estr-ogen and pro-gesterone- the hormones governing the menstrual cycle, and impact the ovaries' functioning. Will they interfere with pregnancy? Let’s learn about this in this article. To understand the link between PCOS and PCOD with pregnancy, through this blog, a leading and professional female gynaecologist in Mumbai will guide you better.

Understanding PCOS/PCOD

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a common gynaecological condition where the ovaries of menstruating women delay releasing mature eggs. Consequently, multiple immature eggs start to build up in the ovaries and turn into cysts. Further, these cysts make the ovaries larger than usual and secrete end-rogen hormone in excess.

Due to excess aendr-ogen, the female experiences abnormal periods, sudden weight gain, acne, extra facial and body hair growth, and infertility. The condition is typically diagnosed through an abdominal ultrasound.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a severe metabolic disorder characterised by excessive production of and-rogen hormones. The higher level of aend-rogen imbalances female reproductive hormones- estrogen and proge-sterone, leading to irregular ovulation and multiple cyst formation. 

This makes it challenging to regulate the menstrual cycle and get pregnant. The condition is diagnosed through some blood tests and a physical examination.

Potential factors contributing to PCOD or PCOS include ins-ulin resistance, excess body fat, genetics, hormonal imbalance, and an unhealthy lifestyle. The typical first symptoms of PCOS include heavy menses, irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, mood swings, fatigue, abdominal weight gain, skin tags, hair thinning/loss, and fertility issues. In case of PCOD, affected women might not present all signs, and even if they do, the symptoms are mild.

Is Pregnancy Possible with PCOS/PCOD?

If diagnosed with PCOD or PCOS, don’t lose hope and seek a gynaecologist’s attention. Pregnancy is possible either naturally or with the proper, personalised medical support/guidance. Successful motherhood is achievable with advanced PCOD and fertility treatments in Mumbai in conjunction with appropriate medications and lifestyle alterations. For that, taking a gynaecologist's help is necessary.

How PCOS/PCOD Impacts Female Fertility?

PCOD/PCOS leads to:

1. Ovulatory Dysfunction- Women with PCOD/PCOS usually have irregular ovulation periods, and so they have less chance of getting pregnant.
2. Female Sex Hormonal Issues- In PCOD/PCOS-affected women, the normal egg maturation and its release are impaired. The high levels of luteinizing hormones affect the normal functioning of the ovaries, which brings challenges in conceiving.
3. Ins-ulin Resistance- PCOD/PCOS affected women have high levels of andr-ogens and high insu-lin levels in their bodies. This further contributes to ovulatory issues and makes pregnancy hard to achieve.
4. Poor Egg Quality- Women with PCOS can suffer from chronic anovulation- no egg maturation and release for months. This affects their fertility.

All of these can cause infertility- difficulty in conceiving.

Ways to Get Pregnant with PCOS/PCOD

The chances of getting pregnant and giving birth to a healthy child, even with PCOD/PCOS, are still high if affected women can very well manage their PCOD/PCOS symptoms. Generally, PCOD/PCOS treatments in Mumbai for women who are trying to conceive focus on restoring the monthly ovulation period, losing weight, and improving overall health and well-being.

The practical tips and treatments for PCOD/PCOS that gynaecologists usually suggest for a safe and healthy pregnancy are listed and briefed below:

• Lifestyle Changes- With a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet plan, an active routine, a good night's sleep, no stress, and no smoking/alcohol/narcotics addiction, women of childbearing age can maintain a healthy weight. Also, they can keep their hormones in balance, which ultimately improves their insu-lin sensitivity and restores regular ovulation.
• Medications- Letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) and clomiphene citrate (a blocking agent of estrogen receptors) are most commonly prescribed medications for ovulation induction. If these fail to work, gynaecologists may provide gonadotropin injections. These contain follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) and/or luteinizing hormones (LH), which have a role in stimulating ovaries to produce mature eggs. For women showing insu-lin resistance, an in-sulin-sensitizing agent (usually metfo-rmin) is prescribed by a gynaecologist to balance hormones and revive ovulation.
• Women with PCOS/PCOD must utilise ovulation predictor kits or keep track of their basal body temperature to check for their fertile window and to time their sexual intercourse so that they have higher chances of getting pregnant.
• Assisted Reproduction- When medications and lifestyle modifications fail to address infertility naturally, intrauterine insemination and in-vitro fertilisation are available to help women reproduce.
• Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling- In case ovulation induction is not achieved with medications, gynaecologists recommend this minimally invasive procedure. A gynecologist performs it at a gynecological clinic.

Facing Any Signs of PCOS/PCOD? Consult a Top-Rated Gynaecologist.

Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, a PCOS doctor in Mumbai, can help women with PCOS/PCOD overcome their challenges of infertility. She is available for regular gynecological check-ups and discussion about potential fertility treatments.

She offers advanced services at an affordable price. With her strong medical/emotional support and suitable treatment plans, PCOS can no longer be a hurdle to pregnancy. So, if experiencing any of the signs of PCOD/PCOS, get your symptoms evaluated, and if diagnosed with it, don’t delay in managing your condition with Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi. Book your consultation.

FAQs on PCOD/PCOS Treatment

What happens if PCOS is left untreated?

PCOS-affected women are at high risk of developing hypertension, infertility, hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, endometrial cancer, sleep apnea, or anxiety/depression.

Can I get pregnant with PCOS and regular menses?

Regular periods make pregnancy possible, but PCOS affects fertility and makes pregnancy challenging. Thankfully, with medical interventions like ovulation stimulation and IVF, conceiving is still possible.

What are my chances of getting pregnant with PCOS/PCOD?

As each case varies, learn about this by consulting with a gynaecologist at the earliest. Generally, there are higher chances of achieving pregnancy with fertility treatment when aged under 35.

Can PCOS put me at high risk of complications during pregnancy?

Yes, achieving pregnancy in a PCOS condition can increase the risk of hypertension, gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and premature birth. Such women may need a C-section delivery, and the baby delivered would require intensive care.

How to quickly conceive your child with PCOS?

Make necessary lifestyle adjustments, maintain a healthy weight, and check for the fertile window every month to have sex and increase the chances of getting pregnant faster. 

Consult a gynecologist in Mumbai, Dr. Chaitali Mahajan Trivedi, for further details on this condition and its management.