Can You Get Pregnant Naturally With PCOS?

Yes, it is possible, although it will involve making lifestyle changes like losing weight. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) do not ovulate regularly. If an egg is not released from the ovary, there is nothing for sperm to fertilize, hence the difficulties in falling pregnant. Doctors can help you ovulate more frequently using fertility drugs and other medicationsf and this process is known as ovulation induction. However, not everyone can afford to go this route, or they may prefer to try natural therapies first. In fact your healthcare provider may insist you make lifestyle changes first, before prescribing medications, to see if pregnancy occurs naturally. So what can you do to increase your fertility naturally?

1. Lose weight if you are overweight. Studies show that an average weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of total bodyweight over a period of 6 months will re-establish ovarian function in more than 50 percent of obese women with PCOS. So for example, if you weigh 200 pounds, this means losing 10 to 20 pounds. If you are overweight, reducing your weight to comfortably fit within the healthy BMI (body mass index) category for your height will also have significant benefits. A BMI of 20 to 25 is ideal. See, can I lose weight with PCOS?

2. Take an Inositol (also called vitamin B8) supplement. In one study, women with PCOS who were given 100mg twice a day over 14 weeks showed improved ovulation frequency. They also experienced better weight loss and higher levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol compared to participants who received the placebo pill.

3. Add the spice cinnamon to your food, it appears to help in the treatment for diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. Nearly 30 percent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance and this can impact on infertility.

4. Take a multi-B vitamin daily, studies show it can improve pregnancy rates in those with PCOS. Check that it contains inositol so there is no need to buy two different supplements.

5. Start acupuncture or reflexology treatments, many women report improved fertility and reduction in other unwanted PCOS symptoms with both therapies. Acupuncture has long been recommended for improving menstrual cycle irregularities and for relieving menstrual cramps.

6. If you are stressed, deal with it. Many couples who eventually give up trying to conceive and go on to adopt find that they suddenly become pregnant. Once the stress disappears it improves the chance of conception.

7. Learn how to identify your most fertile days and plan to have intercourse at the optimal time.

8. Consider other causes. Sometimes PCOS may not be the cause of a woman’s difficulties in becoming pregnant. It may be caused by other factors such as a blockage in a fallopian tube or a low sperm count in their partner. Before considering expensive fertility treatments, talk to a fertility clinic about being screened for non-PCOS causes. See, causes of infertility in women and causes of infertility in men.

For more tips see, how can I increase my fertility naturally? and natural treatment for PCOS.

Definition Of Infertility

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) defines infertility as the inability to fall pregnant within 12 months of having unprotected intercourse (in women under the age of 30 and within 6 months in those aged over 30); or the inability to carry a baby to delivery stage. Most women with infertility related to PCOS do become pregnant, although the majority requires medical assistance in the form of fertility drugs or assisted reproductive technology like IVF. See also, how long does it take to get pregnant with PCOS?

Related Questions
At what age does fertility go down in women?
How does a doctor test for infertility in women?
Treatment and therapies: Can PCOS be cured?
Signs and disorders: Can PCOS cause pain? or does PCOS cause fatigue?

IMPORTANT NOTE: Many women with PCOS report that it is easier to become pregnant second time around, and that their menstruation cycle regulated naturally after pregnancy.

• Need more information? See: PCOS Guide and Infertility Guide
• Got another question? See: Womens Health Questions

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