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Having a child is a momentous occasion in anyone's life. Deciding to start your fertility journey comes with its own challenges and hurdles! For women with polycystic ovary syndrom (PCOS), there are a few more barriers to overcome. This hormonal condition does affect pregnancy and your chances of getting pregnant. It does not, however, mean that cannot happen! Understanding the condition and how it affects fertility is the best place to start. Then, you can make certain changes and improve your chances of conceiving. Here is an overview from PatientsLikeMe on how weight loss in particular can increase fertility.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder. It primarily affects the ovaries and can disrupt normal ovulation, making conception harder for those with the condition. In PCOS, the body does not make enough of the hormones needed to ovulate. When this ovulation is paused, the ovaries can develop these small fluid filled sacs called cysts. The cysts then make hormones called androgens, which are found in high levels in men but usually low levels in women. Excess androgens can cause further issues with the menstrual cycle, as well as symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain.
Signs of PCOS
PCOS symptoms vary person to person. The most common are:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Acne and oily skin
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation
Diagnosing PCOS
How do doctors diagnose PCOS? Through a combination of observation and testing. To start, they will get a better understanding of your health history and symptoms. This is usually followed by a physical exam, part of which includes a pelvic exam. This is done to check your internal and external reproductive organs. Doctors will also use an ultrasound to look at your ovaries. They are checking for cysts, and to see the thickness of your uterine lining, also known as the endometrium. Blood tests can check for high levels of androgens and other hormones. Other blood testing can look at your cholesetrol and triglyceride levels, as well as your body's response to sugar.
PCOS Treatment
There is no cure for PCOS, but there are treatments focused on managing symptoms and improving fertility! They fall into a few categories: lifestyle changes, medications, and reproductive technology.
Lifestyle Changes
It helps to first focus on exercise. Regular activity helps with both insulin sensitivity and weight loss! Together these can restore ovulation. When it comes to diet, a low-glycemic, high-fiber diet can help regulate blood sugar and hormone levels. High stress can make hormonal imbalances worse. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are great things to try to deal with stress.
Medications
Certain medicatinos can also help, but always discuss these with your doctor. Metformin improves insulin resistance and may help restore ovulation. Fertility medications like clomiphene and letrozole are commonly prescribed to induce ovulation.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Researchers have made great strides made in the technologies available to help with fertility! There are two common practices to know. The first is intrauterine insemination (IUI). In IUI, doctors place sperm directly into the uterus. This can also be done in combination with medication. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the second method. In IVF, eggs and sperm are incubated together to make an embryo. Doctors then place the embryo into the uterus.
Does Losing Weight Increase Chances of a Successful Pregnancy?
Yes it does! Weight can play a big role in fertility, particularly for women with PCOS. Excess weight can worsen hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance, making it harder to ovulate. Studies suggest that losing even 5-10% of body weight can:
- Regulate menstrual cycles
- Improve ovulation frequency
- Enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments
- Reduce the risk of pregnancy complications
A balanced diet and regular exercise can help with weight loss and improve overall reproductive health. A PCOS-friendly diet should focus on balancing hormones and improving insulin sensitivity. Fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats are great in include. Limiting sugar and processed foods can help as well.
Does Everyone with PCOS Have Fertility Problems?
This is a common myth that people believe about women with PCOS. While PCOS is a common cause of ovulatory dysfunction, many women with PCOS can still conceive naturally, especially with lifestyle modifications and proper medical support. According to experts, many women with PCOS conceive with natural methods like tracking ovulation, improving diet, and managing stress. For those who need additional help, fertility treatments are available and often effective.
While PCOS can make getting pregnant more challenging, it doesn’t mean infertility is the final diagnosis. Lifestyle changes, weight management, a healthy diet, and medical support can significantly improve fertility. If you have PCOS and are trying to conceive, work closely with your doctor to develop a plan that increases your chances of a successful pregnancy.
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