GauravBhamri
PCOS and getting pregnant
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormone disorder among women of reproductive age. While it can make conception more difficult, there's almost always a way to treat a woman with PCOS so she can ovulate normally, conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
What causes PCOS?
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
What are your treatment options for PCOS?
Can you get pregnant with PCOS?
What are the possible risks of PCOS to the mother and baby?
Can PCOS complicate your delivery?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Because it affects as many as 5 million American women, or about 5 to 10 percent of those of childbearing age, there's a good chance that someone you know has it.
While this condition can make conceiving more challenging - and it raises the risk of certain pregnancy complications once you do conceive - women with PCOS deliver healthy babies every day.
Here's what you need to know to boost your odds of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy with PCOS.
PCOS and getting pregnant
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS medical illustration
PCOS is a hormonal condition that results in problems ovulating. Ovulation is a process in which a mature egg is released from the tiny, fluid-filled sacs (follicles) in the ovaries each month.
Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal levels of the male hormone testosterone, which can hinder ovulation and causes irregular or absent periods.
More specifically, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the follicles' ability to release eggs, which instead remain in the ovaries as cysts - thus the name poly (meaning many)-cystic ovary syndrome.