by Polycystic ovarian syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, affects women of childbearing age. It is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can disrupt ovulation. The most common symptoms are irregular periods or no periods at all. This can be frustrating in general, but can be worrying for those trying to conceive. PCOS often causes symptoms such as excessive facial and body hair, acne, and weight gain. These physical manifestations can have a significant impact on self-esteem and overall quality of life. One of the biggest challenges for women with PCOS is the impact it can have on their fertility. A large number of women with PCOS have difficulty conceiving, making it a deeply frustrating and emotionally taxing condition.
These are some of the reasons why PCOS tends to cause problems during pregnancy. Here’s everything you need to know.
How does PCOS affect pregnancy?
The key contributing factor to infertility in women with PCOS is anovulation, which means the ovaries do not release eggs regularly, if at all. This hormonal imbalance disrupts the normal menstrual cycle, making it difficult for these women to predict when they will ovulate and decreasing their chances of getting pregnant naturally.
Women with PCOS often have an irregular menstrual cycle or may not have a period at all, making it difficult to predict when they are most fertile. Additionally, hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can disrupt ovulation and lead to the cessation of development of growing follicles in the ovaries, thereby hindering fertility.
High levels of insulin in the blood affect the overall environment of the ovaries and may further interfere with the ability of the ovaries to produce mature eggs.
Can you conceive in your 30s with PCOS?
Many women with PCOS have fertility problems, but does that mean it’s impossible to get pregnant after 30? No, age alone does not determine the possibility of conception for women with PCOS. While it is true that fertility declines as women age, particularly after age 35, there are still opportunities for pregnancy. An additional advantage of these women with PCOS is that they have sufficient ovarian reserve.
Women over 30 with PCOS who also have ovarian disease are at higher risk of pregnancy, although it is still possible to have a healthy pregnancy. The key lies in managing and understanding the symptoms of PCOS and resolving the issues on time. A healthy diet and regular physical activity are essential for the management and prevention of this disease. Additionally, blood sugar testing during pregnancy can be beneficial for women with PCOS. Visit your doctor regularly to monitor the condition and avoid complications.
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Read also: 7 Expert-Recommended Tips for Managing PCOS at Home
The last word
It’s important to remember that PCOS affects every woman differently. While some may have greater difficulty conceiving due to their advanced age combined with this condition, others can become pregnant relatively easily. As every woman’s journey is different, seeking advice from a fertility specialist can help you overcome potential obstacles you may encounter along the way. In more serious cases where medications alone are not enough, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered a viable solution. Egg freezing, also known as egg cryopreservation, is another option. This allows women to store their eggs for future use. Technological advances have dramatically improved the success rates of getting pregnant.
