SGVP Holistic Hospital guides you through PCOS and fertility with compassionate, personalised care.
What is PCOS and How Does It Affect Fertility?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can make conception challenging and affect your daily life. It involves irregular periods, excess hormones, and small ovarian cysts, which may cause complications in fertility. Doctors use advanced medical tools to assess your health and create a plan tailored to your needs. We know fertility concerns can feel overwhelming and raise questions about your future. Contact us to begin your journey with care designed to support your health and conception goals, ensuring you feel confident and supported.
Hormonal Imbalances in PCOS
PCOS causes higher levels of androgens (male hormones) and disrupts oestrogen and progesterone balance. This can lead to:
- Irregular Periods: Infrequent or absent cycles can affect ovulation timing.
- Excess Hair Growth: Higher than usual hair growth on the face or body.
- Acne: Skin breakouts that can cause daily discomfort.
Gynecologists usually use blood tests to check hormone levels to determine the treatment of PCOS. After analyzing the test results, they will prescribe you appropriate medicines or other treatment procedures.
Irregular Ovulation and Egg Quality
PCOS often prevents regular ovulation, meaning eggs may not release each month. When ovulation occurs, egg quality may be affected by hormonal imbalances. This reduces conception chances. Doctors monitor ovulation with ultrasounds and blood tests. After assessing the test results, doctors will provide you guidance to improve ovulation and support your fertility, ensuring you feel hopeful and cared for.
How PCOS Affects the Uterus
PCOS can thicken the uterine lining (endometrium) due to irregular periods, making it harder for an embryo to implant. This may increase the risk of miscarriage. Gynaecologists use imaging tests to check uterine health. Depending on the test results, they will prescribe treatments to regulate cycles and prepare your uterus for pregnancy, keeping you informed and confident throughout.
Role of Insulin Resistance
Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, where the body struggles to use insulin effectively. This raises blood sugar and androgen levels, worsening PCOS symptoms. To see if you are affected by insulin resistance, doctors will test insulin levels and provide dietary advice to manage resistance. They will then provide with clear plans to improve your health and fertility, ensuring you feel empowered.
Common Challenges in Conceiving With PCOS
PCOS can create hurdles in conception, affecting your emotional and physical well-being. Gynaecologists use precise tests to identify challenges and offer tailored care. We know these issues can make planning a family feel stressful and uncertain.
Missed or Irregular Periods
Irregular or missed periods are common in PCOS and make it hard to predict ovulation. Cycles may be longer than 35 days or absent for months. To understand the pattern of your menstrual cycle, doctors will use ultrasounds and hormone tests. Depending on the results, they will give you clear advice for when to try and what treatments can be taken.
Weight Gain and Hormonal Fluctuations
Weight gain in PCOS can worsen hormonal imbalances, increasing androgen levels and disrupting ovulation. Even small weight changes can affect fertility. Your doctor will discuss your case and will offer dietary and exercise plans to manage weight. Skilled doctors provide constant support to improve your health and conception chances, ensuring you feel encouraged and cared for.
Difficulty Predicting Ovulation
Irregular ovulation makes it hard to know your fertile days. Ovulation predictor kits may be less reliable with PCOS. Therefore, many doctors use ultrasounds and blood tests to track ovulation accurately. They then guide you on timing conception attempts, providing clear advice to boost your confidence and success.
Increased Risk of Miscarriage
Miscarriage risk may be modestly increased in women with PCOS, especially if insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances are unaddressed. Early care reduces this risk. If you have had a miscarriage before and are concerned about future attempts, then consult a doctor and explain the situation. They will guide you after thoroughly assessing your case with supportive treatments.
Managing PCOS for Better Conception
Managing PCOS improves your chances of conceiving and supports your overall health. We know fertility struggles can feel daunting and affect your daily life. Ask doctors for personalised tips to help.
Medical Treatments for Ovulation Support
Here are some treatments to support ovulation:
- Clomiphene Citrate: Stimulates ovulation and helps release eggs.
- Metformin: Manages insulin resistance and improves ovulation.
- Letrozole: Often preferred over clomiphene for ovulation induction, especially in overweight women. Encourages egg release and supports fertility.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes
- Balanced Diet: Eat whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins and manage insulin levels.
- Regular Exercise: Walking or yoga daily can help improve hormonal balance.
- Weight Management: Losing 5-10% of body weight may boost ovulation in certain cases. Ask your doctor for a custom dietary plan and exercise tips.
Supplements and Natural Remedies
- Inositol: Supports insulin function and ovulation.
- Vitamin D: Improves hormonal balance and fertility.
- Omega-3: Reduces inflammation and supports health.
Specialists review your case and, if needed, prescribe safe supplements. We explain their role and combine them with other treatments to support your conception goals.
When to See a Fertility Specialist
See a fertility specialist if you don’t conceive after 6-12 months of trying or have irregular cycles. We know this can feel scary, but some simple tests can guide you to a healthy and safe future. Early consultation boosts success.
FAQs
Yes, many women with PCOS conceive naturally with lifestyle changes or treatments. Doctors monitor ovulation and provide one-to-one counselling to clear all your doubts. They will explain the steps to boost fertility clearly. This helps you feel hopeful.
PCOS disrupts ovulation by causing hormonal imbalances, leading to irregular or absent egg release. Specialists may use ultrasounds to track ovulation. Based on the results, they will guide you to time future conception attempts and prescribe some treatments, if required.
In some cases, losing 5-10% of body weight can improve ovulation and fertility in PCOS. Nutritionists provide dietary and exercise plans to manage weight.
Treatments like clomiphene, metformin, insulin or letrozole help stimulate ovulation. IVF may be an option for some. Skilled gynaecologists tailor treatments to your needs. They use precise tests to monitor progress and explain options. This ensures your confidence.
Conception time varies, often taking 6-12 months with PCOS, depending on treatment and lifestyle. Gyneacologists monitor your progress with world-class tests. They will provide clear guidance to support your journey. This helps you remain hopeful.
