Polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS, can interfere with a woman's ability to get pregnant. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women. While the cause of PCOS is unknown and while the disorder has no cure, its symptoms can still be managed. Women with PCOS do have a higher risk for pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and gestational diabetes. Despite this, however, many women with PCOS are able to get pregnant and deliver healthy babies with the help of medication and fertility treatments.
Step 1
Make lifestyle changes. Because it affects hormonal levels and insulin regulation, a common symptom of PCOS is weight gain. Diet and exercise, however, can help women with PCOS who want to get pregnant without the use of medication. The National Women's Health Information Center reports that many women with PCOS are at risk for obesity; however, a 10 percent weight loss may help menstrual cycles become more regular. This means a woman with PCOS may be able to ovulate again, greatly increasing her chances of getting pregnant.
Step 2
Try diabetes medications. For some women, lifestyle changes are not enough to regulate the body's insulin levels, or the levels of other hormones. Medications designed for diabetes can help. The Mayo Clinic reports that a doctor may prescribe metformin (also known by the brand name Glucophage) to lower insulin levels. This approach may also be combined with diet and exercise. Diabetes medications may help women regulate ovulation and their menstrual cycles after a few months, improving their chances of getting pregnant.
Step 3
Investigate fertility treatments. While other fertility problems may also prevent a woman with PCOS from getting pregnant, according to the American Pregnancy Association, the main problem is usually irregular ovulation (or a lack thereof). A fertility workup is recommended for women who have PCOS. However, many women can get pregnant simply by using medications that induce ovulation. Medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid or Serophene) or injected gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone or lutenizing hormone) stimulate follicle production and ovulation, which help increase a woman's chance of conceiving.
Step 4
Have a laparoscopy. A minor surgical procedure can help a woman with PCOS get pregnant: ovarian drilling. Ovarian drilling involves making a tiny incision in the abdomen and applying a light current to the ovary or ovaries. The National Women's Health Information Center reports that this procedure can help regulate hormone levels and may restore ovulation for women with PCOS. It is not without risks, however. Ovarian scarring is a concern during this procedure, and the effects may not last for more than a few months.
Step 5
Try in vitro fertilization. Some women with PCOS may not be able to get pregnant using fertility drugs. In vitro fertilization, or IVF, may help. IVF is a minor surgical procedure that is usually performed on an outpatient basis. During IVF, a fertilized egg (or several fertilized eggs) is placed into the uterus, bypassing a woman's need to ovulate in order to get pregnant. IVF treatments can be costly, but they may be a woman's best chance of becoming pregnant if she has PCOS.
Things You'll Need
- Lifestyle modifications
- Diabetes medications
- Fertility-enhancing drugs
- Surgical procedures
