PCOS is a common hormonal condition in women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common reasons for a woman to have trouble getting pregnant. They have a higher risk of having complications during pregnancy. Treating PCOS is not difficult; one can manage PCOS symptoms and have a healthy pregnancy with a healthy baby.
To treat PCOS, you need to understand what it is, how to diagnose it and how it affects your health. Lifestyle changes and focusing on yourself should be a priority. With the right doctor by your side, one needs to not worry about not getting pregnant. You can conceive within a year or even less. As long as your ovulation is regular, just start keeping a pregnancy test kit at home, and don’t wait another minute to get the good news.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes the ovaries to produce higher than normal levels of male hormones (androgens). This condition might affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, appearance and fertility. Androgens are the hormones that are important for developing male sex organs and male traits.
Symptoms & Diagnosis for PCOS
There is no particular test to diagnose PCOS. It is complex to identify PCOS as there are numerous symptoms, and not many women have the same set of symptoms. At different stages of your life, symptoms also vary. Symptoms of PCOS include
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Infertility
- Insulin resistance
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Cysts on the ovaries
- Excessive face and body hair
- Thinning or balding head hair
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above and think you might have PCOS, it’s best to see your doctor. The doctor will run some tests and have a proper diagnosis that will help treat symptoms of PCOS early.
Your doctor will take a blood test to measure hormone levels. They will review your medical history and your physical symptoms and weight. They will also carry out an ultrasound of the uterus, ovaries and pelvis. The doctor checks the thickness of the lining of the uterus and your ovaries' appearance.
PCOS and Infertility
Women having PCOS might struggle to get pregnant. High levels of male hormones interfere with ovulation, i.e. the development and release of the eggs. Ovulation does not happen each month regularly, which can also be a common reason for infertility. If a healthy egg isn’t released, then the fertilizations is not done by sperm which means you can’t get pregnant. Periods also become irregular and affect the egg quality with increased testosterone levels.
A woman can increase their chance of getting pregnant by choosing healthy eating habits and making time for doing any kind of physical activity to lose weight. Losing weight alone can help in restarting your ovulation. The doctor also prescribes some medications that help regulate your period and monitor your ovulation.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is recommended for anyone suffering from PCOS. Losing weight can be a difficulty for some, but doctors and trainers advise increasing exercise and intake of fewer calories each day. For anyone trying to become pregnant, being at a healthy weight helps avoid complications during pregnancy.
Can you get pregnant with PCOS?
Getting pregnant with PCOS isn’t impossible but can be complicated. Women having PCOS can either get pregnant on their own or might need the help of fertility treatment and medicines to cause ovulation. There are several risks and complications involved during pregnancy or delivery-
- Miscarriage-
- Mood disorders
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Preterm birth
- Caesarean delivery
During delivery, the mother and the baby both are at risk. According to the studies, if the baby is a girl, she has a 50% chance of having PCOS. If you have PCOS and get pregnant, it is advisable to consult a doctor at every step of the way to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. A woman's happiness from seeing two lines on a pregnancy test kit is beyond anything. Every woman should be able to embrace this journey with proper treatment and care.