Can PCOS Affect Pregnancy? Here’s What You Need To Know
Many women first discover they have PCOS when they face difficulty in getting pregnant. Worried that PCOS is standing in the way of your dream of becoming a mother? You’re not alone; with the right care, pregnancy is possible. In this detailed guide, we explore how PCOS affects your fertility, menstrual cycle, and appearance, and what precautions to take during pregnancy with PCOS.
What is PCOD and PCOS?
The body of an AFAB (assigned female at birth) individual contains multiple egg sacs, or follicles, which release mature eggs in the fallopian tube every month. This process is referred to as ovulation. In PCOD and PCOS, the follicles build up in your ovaries and develop into cysts instead.
PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a specific condition primarily defined by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries, which can cause hormonal imbalances and irregular periods. On the other hand, PCOS is a broader endocrine disorder caused by an imbalance of hormones, insulin resistance, and metabolic issues, which can result in cysts forming on the ovaries.
While PCOD is relatively common and only mildly impacts female fertility, PCOS is rarer and is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
Do I Have PCOS? The Most Common PCOS Symptoms
PCOS symptoms typically appear between the late teens and early 20s, though their intensity varies from person to person.
The symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods or no periods
- Rapid weight gain
- Excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism)
- Oily skin and acne
- Thinning or balding head hair
- Flaps of skin (skin tags) in the armpits or neck area
- Infertility
- Ovarian cysts
- Insulin resistance
- Thick and darkened skin in body folds (Acanthosis nigricans)
When Should I See My Doctor?
It is possible to have PCOS even if you don’t experience any of the above symptoms. PCOS is very tricky to diagnose, mainly because doctors don’t really know what causes it. It has been linked to factors like genetics, inflammation levels in the body, and insulin resistance.
If you feel like the PCOS effect on pregnancy is making you infertile, contact the best fertility specialist in Mumbai at Bloom IVF and discuss your symptoms and fertility goals with us.
Can PCOS Affect Pregnancy? What Are My Chances Of Getting Pregnant With PCOS?
Can PCOS affect pregnancy? Yes, women with PCOS are likely to be obese or overweight, which can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. To prevent this risk, you should discuss your pregnancy with your fertility specialist and monitor your symptoms.
While PCOS definitely has a significant impact on female fertility and pregnancy, it is still possible for you to become pregnant. Your doctor can help you achieve pregnancy by suggesting certain methods and techniques.
If you plan on trying for a pregnancy, speak to your doctor or a fertility specialist as soon as possible to discuss the best fertility treatment options for you.
Will PCOS Affect Pregnancy Chances? How Can I Get Pregnant With PCOS?
Your PCOS treatment will focus on weight loss, improving your physical and mental health, and restoring regular ovulation and menstruation. You have better chances if you are under 35, but even older women with PCOS can conceive with the right treatment.
Medications
Certain medications can induce ovulation induction and help you get pregnant. Your physician may prescribe you medicines such as Clomiphene, Metformin, Letrozole, or Gonadotropins.
Lifestyle Changes
Losing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help regulate your periods, which can improve your symptoms and increase your chances of pregnancy.
Surgery
Surgery is usually reserved for cases where medications and other treatments do not work. In Polycystic ovary syndrome surgery, the tissue that produces androgens in your ovaries is removed.
Another procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling involves a doctor making a few holes in the outer layer of your ovaries with small needles or lasers. This temporarily restores ovulation.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
If medication is not an option, in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help women with PCOS become pregnant. In IVF, the female eggs are retrieved and fertilised in a laboratory, and the developed embryo is placed inside the woman’s body.
IVF is an assisted reproductive technique with a very high success rate. At Bloom IVF, the best IVF clinic in Mumbai, we offer IVF services at extremely affordable rates.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease and Pregnancy: Can PCOS Affect Pregnancy?
PCOS affects ovulation, which makes it harder for you to get pregnant. If you do get pregnant, PCOS can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. So, how do polycystic ovaries affect pregnancy? Let’s take a look.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure associated with pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension) is a spike in blood pressure that occurs during the second half of your pregnancy. If left untreated, your blood pressure can rise to dangerous levels and result in a condition called pre-eclampsia.
It is accompanied by swelling in the legs and protein in your urine. Pre-eclampsia can cause seizures and kidney damage and, if left untreated, can cause organ failure and even death. A fertility doctor can monitor your condition during pregnancy and prevent this complication from becoming dangerous.
Gestational Diabetes
In PCOS, your body may sometimes not be able to use insulin. Your blood sugar can rise during pregnancy and return to normal levels after your delivery.
This condition is called gestational diabetes, and it usually takes place in the latter half of pregnancy. It may also increase the risk of diabetes later in life.
Early Pregnancy Loss Or Miscarriage
Patients with PCOS are almost 3 times more likely to have a miscarriage or early pregnancy loss, but researchers state that the risk is due to factors like weight, age, and the use of medications for ovulation induction.
Premature Delivery
Those struggling with PCOS will often have preterm deliveries, especially if they have high androgen levels in their blood. High blood pressure and an incompetent cervix can also cause this. The chances of a premature birth are even higher in the case of multiple pregnancies.
Post-Pregnancy Risks
Symptoms of PCOS, like increased androgens and metabolic syndrome, can sometimes pose a danger to the health of newborns. Babies born to those with PCOS are also more likely to spend some time in the NICU (newborn intensive care unit).
Other Complications
Your baby is likely to be born larger than usual. This usually makes getting a caesarean delivery the best option.
Choose Bloom IVF For A Healthy Pregnancy With PCOS
Can PCOS affect pregnancy? The answer is yes. But not all women with PCOS will experience pregnancy complications. If you are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant or are concerned about PCOS pregnancy complications, an IVF centre in Mumbai can help you achieve a successful pregnancy.
Consult the best IVF doctors and fertility specialists at Bloom IVF clinics across India for the highest-quality services and stellar rates of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bilateral polycystic ovaries dangerous?
Yes, bilateral polycystic ovaries (PCO), particularly when part of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can lead to various complications and be a significant health concern if not managed.
Does PCOS go away after pregnancy?
No, pregnancy is not a cure for PCOS. Even if your symptoms go away after pregnancy, they can return soon after.
Does PCOS only affect overweight women?
No, PCOS can affect anyone. Being overweight is often a result of insulin resistance, which can cause weight gain and make it harder to lose weight.
Can PCOS be cured?
There is no cure for PCOS. PCOS symptoms can be managed by maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise and taking medications to regulate hormonal imbalances.
What are the PCOS patient pregnancy symptoms?
Those with PCOS will not be able to tell if they have missed their period since they may frequently skip them. For such patients, fatigue, breast tenderness, nausea, and increased urination are key indicators of a pregnancy.