Pregnancy Tips for Overcoming PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can make it difficult to become pregnant.
At the Los Angeles Reproductive Center, Drs. Marc Kalan and Nurit Winkler help women with PCOS improve their chances of conceiving through education, lifestyle modifications, and fertility treatment. Here, we offer some PCOS pregnancy tips that have helped our patients in Encino, CA, Bakersfield, CA, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding areas increase their chances of becoming pregnant.
About Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS is a condition that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affects six to 12 percent of women of reproductive age in the United States. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of female infertility.
The symptoms of PCOS vary and may include irregular periods, no periods, weight gain, oily skin or acne, hair loss, or facial hair growth. For some women, PCOS can make it difficult to become pregnant. Making dietary changes and lifestyle changes are sometimes enough to improve fertility while others may need fertility treatment to conceive.
Diet Modifications
A healthy diet is important for any woman who wants to become pregnant, but especially for those with PCOS. Making diet modifications can help improve your overall health and may even boost your fertility.
Some diet modifications include eating a variety of fruits and colorful vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats instead of foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar. Vitamin supplements such as folic acid may also be beneficial.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or underweight can impact your fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for a woman trying to become pregnant, especially for women with PCOS who may have a more difficult time conceiving.
One way to determine if you're at a healthy weight is to have your body mass index (BMI) measured. Knowing your BMI can help you determine if any steps need to be taken to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise Regularly
Women with PCOS are encouraged to exercise regularly to help improve their condition. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, or other cardiovascular exercises at least three times a week is recommended.
Exercise can also help women with PCOS reach and maintain a healthy weight, especially when combined with a healthy diet.
Ovulation Induction
Some women with PCOS don't ovulate normally. While some may release an egg during ovulation, it may not happen every time or the egg may not develop as it should. This can make it difficult to time intercourse when trying to become pregnant.
Ovulation induction uses oral medication, like clomiphene citrate, to stimulate the production and release of eggs, which may help some women with PCOS conceive.
In Vitro Fertilization
For women with PCOS who have not been able to get pregnant, even after lifestyle modifications, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may provide a pathway to motherhood.
IVF is a fertility treatment in which eggs are harvested from a woman and combined with sperm outside of the body. One or more embryos can then be placed inside the uterus to implant and develop naturally.
Learn More about Your Treatment Options
For more information about PCOS and pregnancy, or to discuss which treatment options may be right for you, please call (818) 946-8051. You can also schedule a consultation online with one of our fertility doctors.