Most women hope to have children at some point in their lives. But if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), you might worry and question whether you can become pregnant.
The good news is – you can get pregnant. It may just be a little trickier. But with a few lifestyle changes and a little help along the way, your dreams of motherhood can come true.
What is PCOS?
Before we dive into the treatment and care of PCOS, you must understand what it is.
PCOS is a result of hormonal imbalances within the endocrine system. These imbalances cause excessive production of testosterone while negatively affecting levels of the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH). This imbalance results in limited egg production, disrupting a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility.
The exact cause is unknown, but there are two possible factors.
- Genetic inheritance (from the mother).
- Disrupted signals from the brain to the ovaries affects hormone production.
Increasing your chances of natural pregnancy with PCOS
The international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome recommends the following as the initial steps to improve your chances of conception.
- Lifestyle changes (no smoking/reduced alcohol intake)
- Eating a healthy diet
- Regular, moderate exercise
- Plenty of sleep
- Looking after your emotional well-being
- Improving the quality of life
Often these simple lifestyle changes can help balance your hormones and improve your chances of falling pregnant naturally.
Alternative treatment options
Sometimes you might need a little extra help. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe clomiphene citrate or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injections for ovulation induction. Alternatively, depending on your circumstances, they may recommend IVF.
No matter the situation, the good news is there are highly effective treatments available.
Seeking medical advice and support
Before making any changes, you must get the right advice. Hence it is advised that if you are planning to get pregnant, you should have a preconception checkup. This will allow you to discuss any concerns and identify other underlying issues that may hinder your chances of natural conception.
If you are family planning and have PCOS, call 02 4225 1999 to book your preconception health check.
Dr Kothari will take the time to listen to and understand your concerns. After careful observation and diagnosis, he will provide you with a tailored treatment to suit your circumstances and will be there to guide you and support you throughout your journey.