Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition of reproductive hormone imbalance that affects a woman's ability to get pregnant and her overall health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), many are not aware they have this condition until they get the first diagnosis and have difficulty getting pregnant. Having PCOS doesn't mean a woman can't get pregnant. It's just that it takes more effort and steps to be taken.
Therefore, here are some things you need to know to increase the chances of pregnancy for women with PCOS.
The first step
In the same way for women without PCOS, here are some steps that women with PCOS need to take to have a healthy pregnancy:
- Weigh and measure body mass index (BMI). The numbers obtained from BMI calculations show whether we have a healthy weight.
- Adopt a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Record and pay attention to the menstrual cycle. Recording the menstrual cycle on a calendar or application can help us determine the best time for a greater chance of pregnancy.
- Check blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are important to pay attention to ensure good pregnancy and baby health.
Normal BMI is in the range of 18.5 - 25
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese is often associated with PCOS. Losing about 5% of body weight is sufficient to increase the chances of pregnancy and reduce the risk of symptoms and complications for women with PCOS who are overweight.
Eat For Health
All women trying to get pregnant need to fulfill certain nutritional needs. Replace foods high in sugar, simple carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats with better choices, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, adequate protein, and nuts.
Some specific vitamins and minerals are essential for ensuring pregnancy and healthy baby development, including folic acid, vitamins B6, B12, C, D, E, and coenzyme Q10.
Balance Blood Sugar Levels
Sometimes PCOS can lead to high blood sugar levels to type 2 diabetes, causing problems with fertility. This happens because PCOS makes the body less sensitive to insulin, which is important in converting sugar into an energy source.
Balancing blood sugar levels can help us increase our chances of pregnancy. Adopting a healthy diet by consuming more fiber, protein, and good fats coupled with physical activity can also increase the body's ability to use insulin better. In certain cases, the doctor may recommend certain medications that can be used to regulate blood sugar levels.
Make sure to take medicine according to the doctor's prescription, Ladies!
Medications
Someone who has PCOS tends to produce more testosterone and estrogen hormones. In fact, too much or too little amount of both hormones can make pregnancy more difficult.
The doctor may recommend a prescription for the following medicines to balance the hormone levels in the body:
- Metformin to balance insulin levels.
- Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) to balance estrogen levels.
- Birth control pills to balance levels of the hormones estrogen and testosterone.
- Gynecological fertility medications stimulate the ovaries to produce more egg cells.
A study in the health sector stated that almost 80% of women with PCOS were able to get pregnant after taking the medication clomiphene citrate. Half of them successfully got pregnant in the span of 6 menstrual cycles. Regardless of what treatment or effort you are undergoing, don't lose hope, Ladies!
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Source:
Iftikhar, N. & Nwadike, V. R. (2020). How to Get Pregnant with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/how-to-get-pregnant-with-pcos