Polycystic ovarian syndrome not only complicates the process of conception, but also requires special precautions during pregnancy so that a woman can carry a child to term.
Today, polycystic ovarian syndrome occurs in many women of childbearing age, so the question whether it is possible to get pregnant with PCOS is very relevant.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition in which many cysts form in the ovaries of a woman due to various disorders in the body, most often associated with endocrine disorders or imbalances in the hormonal system.
This disease makes it difficult for a woman to get pregnant, but difficult does not mean impossible. In this article, let’s look at the main tips on how to get pregnant and what are the chances of a favorable outcome.
See also: Ovary Pain on Left Side
Is it possible to get pregnant with polycystic ovaries
Is there a chance to get pregnant with polycystic ovaries? Definitely there is. Is it possible without treatment? It is possible, but the probability is quite low.
It is worth saying a little about the prevention of PCOS to prevent the development of the pathology in the early stages or not at all:
- annual check-up with a gynecologist and undergoing an ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
- Visiting an endocrinologist and taking a blood test for thyroid hormones;
- Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse, because polycystic disease often develops against a background of infections;
- Follow the daily routine, sleep the required number of hours, and stick to your biorhythms;
- Avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the body;
- to avoid the previous point, it is necessary to have a rich and balanced diet;
- avoid foods that greatly increase insulin in the blood as well as sugar;
- To be physically active.
Pregnancy planning for PCOS should be coordinated with the attending physician for successful conception and delivery.
Learn also about Symptoms of Ruptured Ovary Cyst
Nutrition in polycystic ovaries and pregnancy
Very often, the factor provoking the development of PCOS is overweight, so at the initial stage, if it is present, it is necessary to get rid of it.
The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is very important for the human body, so you can’t eat just one meal and be healthy. Here are a few dietary rules for planning a pregnancy with PCOS:
- Do not overeat, stick to your daily caloric intake;
- Eat plenty of foods high in protein;
- Consume foods rich in unrefined fats and foods rich in omega 3;
- minimize salty and spicy foods;
- Avoid heavily fried foods;
- avoid convenience foods and fast food;
- Limit alcohol consumption;
- Monitor the glycemic index (GI) of foods.
See also: When Is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
How to get pregnant with PCOS
Considering the question of how to get pregnant with polycystic ovaries, it should be said that this should take place under the supervision of a doctor. If a woman knows her diagnosis and is going to conceive a baby, she must first consult a doctor who will explain all the risks, the scheme of treatment and methods by which you can successfully conceive and bear a baby, and how high the chances of a favorable outcome in her case. You can, of course, try to get pregnant on your own, but the success rate will be much lower.
For the purpose of familiarization, let us consider the main ways of conceiving and getting pregnant naturally with PCOS:
- It is necessary to monitor the cycle to track the onset of ovulation. The main reason why a woman cannot get pregnant with polycystic ovarian syndrome is the absence or infrequent occurrence of ovulation. Most often, ovulation occurs, just, it does not happen with every cycle, so it is important to “catch” this period and the egg can be fertilized. Tracking is quite simple: by measuring the basal temperature during the whole cycle, using special tests for ovulation (available in the pharmacy), ultrasound method;
- The use of non-hormonal drug therapy. This treatment option for the diagnosis of PCOS may be if the disease was a consequence of endocrine disorders, such as insulin resistance. In such a case, it is necessary to take medications that will reduce the concentration of insulin in the blood in order to restore the sensitivity of tissue receptors to this hormone;
- Stimulation of ovulation with the help of hormone therapy. In the case of the disease, medications are prescribed that trigger the process of maturation of follicles, after maturation the doctor makes a special injection of hCG, due to which the rupture of mature follicles and the release of the egg should occur.
In addition to the above-mentioned procedures, there are two other procedures that are used for the purpose of pregnancy:
- Surgical intervention – laparoscopy. With this surgery, existing cysts in one or both ovaries can be quickly removed. The effectiveness of this method is very high and usually a pregnancy occurs within six months after surgery;
- IVF. This method implies artificial insemination and is the most expensive. It consists in the fact that an egg is fertilized outside the woman’s body, and then planted in the uterus for further development.
The method of pregnancy planning for PCOS should be coordinated with the attending physician and be based on the individual data of the patient for successful conception and delivery.
Good to know: Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy
Precautions during Pregnancy with PCOS
If a woman managed to get pregnant on her own or as a result of the methods described above, it is necessary to approach the course of pregnancy with special care and direct all efforts to its preservation, as the risk of termination of pregnancy with PCOS remains high.
According to statistics, today, women with diagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome have three times higher risk of not carrying a child than other women.
As before, a woman must follow a diet, consume even more healthy products, and closely monitor the daily regimen. In addition, it is necessary to constantly be under the supervision of a doctor.
Often, the doctor prescribes such women drugs that will reduce the likelihood of spontaneous miscarriage. Usually, progesterone-rich medications are prescribed as such therapy. This sex hormone is designed to:
- Strengthen the uterus, make it thicker and protect the fetus inside;
- Reduces the immune response of the woman’s body so that the embryo will take root;
- signals the beginning of lactation, etc.
Usually the drugs should be taken until the beginning of the 17th week, and in some cases until the 30th week.
How the pregnancy will proceed with PCOS depends on the individual performance of the woman and the competence of the doctor who supervises this period.
Which doctor treats PCOS?
The treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome is performed by a gynecologist or an endocrinologist. In some cases, consultations and recommendations from both specialists are necessary for successful treatment.
Since the causes of this disease may be different, and depending on them, the doctor who will treat it is determined.
If a woman is planning a pregnancy with PCOS, most often she needs to be monitored by both specialists.
