Short answer – yes, you can.
PCOS makes pregnancy harder for some women but it doesn’t make it impossible.
The word “treatment” does not imply “easy.” It is important to plan ahead.
This article will provide insight into how PCOS affects your body, how to prepare prior to attempting to conceive and when to seek professional assistance.
Quick Response – Many women with PCOS will become pregnant (either naturally or through medical intervention)! The largest barrier to getting pregnant is inconsistent/irregular ovulation. You should get evaluated, make improvements to your health prior to attempting to conceive, monitor your menstrual cycle and seek assistance as soon as possible.
In this guide:
- What PCOS does to ovulation
- Signs your ovulation may be irregular
- A 7-step plan for trying to conceive
- Treatment options at a glance
- How to track ovulation with PCOS
- Pregnancy risks, and how to lower them
- Don’t forget the other half of the equation
- When to see a doctor
- How Precision OBGYN can help
- FAQs
What PCOS does to ovulation.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects about 1 out of every 10 women of reproductive age.
Here’s what happens. You’re supposed to develop and release an egg each month (that is called ovulation). In women with PCOS, this may not happen. If you don’t ovulate during a particular month, then you cannot become pregnant that same month.
In other words, because of the unpredictability of when you will ovulate, it doesn’t mean you can’t ovulate. It just means that you may not always ovulate.
Signs your ovulation may be irregular.
Watch for:
- Fewer than eight periods a year (a common marker of irregular cycles)
- Cycles that are very long or unpredictable
- Periods that stop for months
- Excess facial or body hair, acne, or thinning scalp hair
- Weight gain, or trouble losing weight
None of these proves you have PCOS. They’re reasons to get checked.
If your periods are irregular, our menstrual consultation is a good place to start.
A 7-step plan for trying to conceive.
- Obtain an accurate diagnosis. Only after all other potential diagnoses have been ruled out can PCOS be diagnosed. Typically you will need to demonstrate at least two of the four characteristics below: irregular menstrual cycles; signs of excessive androgen activity (e.g., increased body hair); high levels of androgen in your blood; or many cysts on your ovaries.
- Get your blood sugar checked. Insulin resistance is associated with PCOS.
- Begin taking folic acid at least four weeks prior to conceiving. Your doctor will likely recommend a dose of 400 mcg per day, however, some doctors may recommend higher doses.
- Review your medications and your other conditions. Some medicines aren’t safe in pregnancy. Thyroid issues can also affect fertility and pregnancy.
- Support your health with realistic changes. If you have overweight or obesity, losing about 10% of your body weight can help. That’s 15 pounds if you weigh 150. Small, steady changes beat crash diets.
- Track your cycle. More on this below.
- Know your timeline. Decide now when you’ll ask for help (see “When to see a doctor”).
Treatment options at a glance.
Treatment depends on whether you’re ovulating, your health, and how long you’ve been trying.
|
Option |
What It Does | Good to Know |
| Lifestyle changes | Can make cycles more regular and improve ovulation | Takes months, not weeks |
| Metformin | May help restart ovulation by improving insulin use | Not FDA-approved for PCOS; used off-label, so ask your doctor |
| Ovulation medicine (like clomiphene) | Helps the ovaries release eggs | Usually tried after other causes of infertility are ruled out |
| IVF | Egg and sperm are combined outside the body | Considered when medicine doesn’t work; allows a single embryo transfer to lower the chance of twins or triplets |
| Ovarian drilling (surgery) | Can restore ovulation |
Usually a last resort; effects last about 6 to 8 months |
How to track ovulation with PCOS?
Tracking can feel like a second job! Here’s what’s worth knowing.
- Cycle tracking app or calendar. Easy and free. Less reliable if your cycles are very irregular.
- Basal body temperature. Confirms that ovulation happened, but only after the fact.
- Ovulation predictor kits. These detect a hormone surge. With PCOS, hormone levels can run high so the results can be confusing. Ask your provider how to use them.
- Ultrasound and blood tests. Your provider can check if and when you’re ovulating.
If you track for a few months and see no sign of ovulation, that’s useful information. Bring it to your appointment.
Pregnancy risks, and how to lower them.
It’s better to know than to be surprised. The Office on Women’s Health says women with PCOS have higher rates of:
- Miscarriage
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Cesarean delivery
Their babies are also more likely to be large at birth or need neonatal intensive care.
This is not a prediction. Many women with PCOS have healthy pregnancies. But you can stack the odds in your favor:
- Aim for a healthy weight before conception
- Get blood sugar into a healthy range
- Take folic acid
- Keep up with prenatal visits once you’re pregnant
Don’t forget the other half of the equation.
Infertility isn’t always about PCOS. Before ovulation medicine, doctors generally look at other possible causes, including your partner’s sperm health, your fallopian tubes, and other conditions that affect fertility.
If you’re trying with a partner, testing them early can save months.
When to see a doctor?
Don’t wait for a bad month. See a provider if:
- You have fewer than eight periods a year, or you’ve gone months without one
- You’ve been trying for 12 months (6 months if you’re 35 or older), or sooner if your cycles are irregular
- You have thyroid problems, endometriosis, or fibroids
- You have pelvic pain, very heavy bleeding, or other symptoms that worry you
- You want to prepare before you start trying
Better yet, book a visit before you start trying.
PCOS and your mental health.
PCOS is linked to depression and anxiety, and trying to conceive can be stressful on its own. If you’re feeling low, overwhelmed, or stuck, say so. It’s a medical issue, not a weakness. Your care team can help or point you to someone who can.
How Precision Health and Cosmetic Surgery can help.
At Precision Health and Cosmetic Surgery, we offer preconception counseling and care for conditions like PCOS and fibroids. Together we can go over your cycle, your history, and your health goals, and build a plan.
We’ll also be upfront. Fertility treatment, like IVF, isn’t listed among our services. If you need a specialist, we’ll tell you.
If you’re not ready for pregnancy yet, we also offer birth control and contraception counseling, which is a common part of PCOS care.
You’ll find our offices in Miami and Aventura. See our team and check your insurance before you visit.
FAQ
Can I get pregnant naturally with PCOS?
Yes, many women are affected by PCOS! This disorder causes irregular ovulation, and therefore it could potentially take longer for some women to conceive.
However, if you have been diagnosed with PCOS and have not had a period or are having difficulty getting pregnant – there are treatments available to increase your likelihood of becoming pregnant.
How long does it take to get pregnant with PCOS?
Some women can become pregnant in a matter of months, while others will require medical intervention. If you are concerned about becoming pregnant, it is best to seek assistance sooner than later (by seeking assistance prior to a year).
Does losing weight help?
Yes for those who are overweight.
When women have a healthy diet and exercise – they will be able to control their menstrual cycle and increase their chances of becoming pregnant.-
Those women whose weights are currently within the normal limits should concentrate on:
- Controlling blood sugar levels
- Sleeping well
- Reducing stress
Is PCOS a cause of miscarriage?
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have an increased rate of spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.
Do I need medicine to ovulate?
Some women may be able to become pregnant with only changes to their daily routine. Other women may require prescription medication. A health care professional will help determine what type of treatment is most appropriate for each woman.
Can I have PCOS without cysts?
Yes. Doctors determine if you have PCOS based on multiple symptoms, such as irregular periods and signs of excess male hormones (androgens), as well as cysts.
Should I stop birth control before trying to conceive?
Birth control may hide an irregular period! You should consult with your doctor regarding when to discontinue taking birth control and what to anticipate after you do so.
Ready to plan with confidence?
- Book an appointment
- Call (305) 424-8622
- Read our FAQ or browse the Precision Health and Cosmetic Surgery blog.
This is a general educational resource. This is not medical advice. Consult with your physician prior to beginning, ending, or altering your usage of any prescription drug or dietary supplement.
