Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age.

Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is one of the most common, but treatable, causes of infertility in women.

Having PCOS does not mean you can’t get pregnant.

In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation), each month due to an overproduction of estrogen by the ovaries.

Because ovulation does not occur regularly, periods become irregular and increased levels of hormones such as testosterone can affect egg quality, inhibit ovulation, lead to insulin resistance, and increase the risk disorders such as gestational diabetes.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET PREGNANT WITH PCOS?

While it’s not impossible for a woman with PCOS to get pregnant on her own, many women do need to seek care from a specialist.

HOW TO MANAGE ?

For those women trying to conceive a pregnancy, the first step in treatment of PCOS is lifestyle modification, including a healthy diet and exercise.

• The diets shown to be most successful in PCOS patients include those with lower carbohydrates, a reduced glycemic load.
• Recommended exercise in PCOS patients is at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times per week, with daily exercise being the ultimate goal.

Women who still have infrequent ovulation despite lifestyle modifications may require fertility medications to assist with the release of an egg from the ovary.