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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Table of contents What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Symptoms of PCOS Do I have PCOS?How is PCOS Diagnosed? How Does PCOS Affect Fertility? How Can PCOS Affect Pregnancy? What is the Infertility Rate with PCOS? Can I still Conceive with PCOS? PCOS and Fertility Treatments How to Reduce Your Risks of Problems During Pregnancy with PCOS 0 min read If you have Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you might be worried about having a baby. While it’s true that PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, that doesn’t mean you cannot get pregnant. With the right approach, knowledge of your condition and support, many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies. Let’s dive into what PCOS is, how it impacts fertility, and what steps you can take to boost your chances of getting pregnant.What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects 8-13% of reproductive-aged women across the world, though close to 70% remain undiagnosed. PCOS can cause your body to produce too much androgen, a male sex hormone and insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. The hormonal imbalance can cause irregular periods, acne, irregular body hair, ovarian cysts and infertility. Symptoms of PCOSThe symptoms of PCOS can vary widely from person to person. Some women experience only mild symptoms, while others may have a broader range of more severe issues. Common symptoms include:Irregular or absent periods: Approximately 75-85% of women with PCOS have irregular periods.Increased facial or body hair (known as hirsutism): As many as 80% of women with PCOS have some form of hirsutism vs 4-11% of women in the general population.Hair thinning or loss on the scalpDifficulty getting pregnantOther signs can include small skin tags in the armpits or neck area and areas of darker, thickened skin called acanthosis nigricans. Just because you have one of the above symptoms doesn’t mean you have PCOS; you should seek out a medical professional for a diagnosis.Do I have PCOS?Because PCOS remains undiagnosed and many people have mild symptoms, you may not learn you have PCOS until you start trying to conceive. This is especially common if you’ve been on hormonal contraception. The hormones in the pill can actually help PCOS symptoms, creating a regular period and even stopping other symptoms like acne and hirsutism. That’s why hormonal contraception is often prescribed as a treatment for PCOS.How is PCOS Diagnosed?When diagnosing PCOS, doctors use a combination of tests and criteria. According to the Rotterdam criteria, a set of criteria created 20 years ago to diagnose PCOS, you need to meet at least two out of three of the below:Irregular menstrual cycles: Less frequent periods due to anovulation.Elevated androgen levels: Seen through symptoms or blood tests.Polycystic ovaries: Confirmed via ultrasound.Your doctor may also examine other factors, such as body hair, dark patches of skin, hormonal acne, and insulin resistance.How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?PCOS affects infertility in two ways: anovulation and hormonal imbalance. With PCOS, your body produces higher levels of
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