PCOS And Your Fertility

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that causes women to produce a higher amount of male hormones called androgens which affect their menstrual cycles and their possibilities of getting pregnant.

How Do You Know If You Have PCOS?

Diagnosis of PCOS can be difficult. According to the National Library of Medicine, 70% of women with PCOS haven’t been diagnosed. If you’re a woman between 15 and 44, some key symptoms that may indicate that you have PCOS are:

• Irregular periods
• Excess or irregular change in the growth of facial hair
• Severe acne
• Weight gain

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional to evaluate if PCOS treatment may be right for you.

How Does PCOS Affect My Fertility?

PCOS doesn’t make it impossible for you to get pregnant. However, there are various side effects that can affect your fertility journey. Women with PCOS have a 30% increase in miscarriages as well as an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes. If you believe you may have PCOS, a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist is the best person to diagnose and manage your PCOS while providing you with your options.

What Is An Irregular Menstrual Cycle?

A normal menstrual cycle for an average woman is 28 days. However, once a menstrual cycle averages 35 days or longer, or if there is no consistency in the number of days, it becomes classified as irregular.

What Can I Do To Help PCOS?

Treatment for PCOS generally starts with lifestyle changes in diet and exercise, as well as proactive weight loss for those with higher BMIs. As the same steps are linked to increased fertility as a whole, Dominion Fertility always recommends a well-balanced diet and making sure you exercise at least 30 minutes a day. For more tips and information on how you can incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into your routine, read our blog on naturally increasing your fertility.

We’re Here To Help

If you feel like you may be experiencing symptoms of PCOS or if you have questions on how PCOS might be impacting your fertility, schedule a consultation, or for more information about commonly asked questions see our video resources.