If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, there’s a fair chance that you might have heard is that getting pregnant will be “difficult”.

Ask any follow ups, and you may hear “You can worry about it when you’re married” or “Lose weight”, which is less helpful that saying nothing at all 🙄

The truth is… getting pregnant with PCOS is very possible. It might take longer, relative to other people, but many people with PCOS actually do conceive.

Sometimes through IVF and fertility assistance, but at times, even simple lifestyle adjustments can play a major role.

So what’s the situation when you’re wedged in between PCOS and trying to conceive?

Lets find out!

Does PCOS affect my fertility?

Short answer: yes. Along with PCOS usually comes increased androgen levels. That can interfere with your egg release/ovulation cycle. That’s why many people with PCOS have irregular periods — it's actually that their ovulation might be rare or non-existent.

Is there even good news? 😭

Yes! We’ve always got your back. Many of the challenges posed by PCOS on fertility can be managed with a little assistance. There are 4 main research-backed methods to increase your chances of getting pregnant with PCOS:

1. An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance and in many cases can cause [low-grade chronic inflammation in the body]. One great way to combat that and tackle the symptoms is to try an anti-inflammatory diet. It focuses on reducing saturated fats, processed meats and refined sugar to decrease inflammation and regulate ovulation.

Some great foods to incorporate into this diet are:

• Olive oil

• Protein rich dals

• Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, celery, and fennel

• Whole grains, like brown rice and sorghum

• (Non-veg) Omega-3-rich fish like salmon

• And whole fruit.

  
  

2. Movement

Incorporating any movement, whether that’s a complete workout or low-impact exercises into your daily routine can be a great way to manage PCOS symptoms. In fact, a combination of regular brisk walking with a healthy diet has been shown to improve menstrual cycles by 50%.

Experts recommend aiming for around [150 minutes] of physical activity per week (around 20 minutes per day). Even something as simple as a quick walk can reduce the risk of PCOS-related cardiovascular disease and improve your overall well being.

3. Acupuncture

According to research, acupuncture can tackle many of the usual PCOS symptoms. It has been shown to stimulate ovulation and regulate hormonal imbalances, especially those related to Testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which are key players in PCOS.

One study even found that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the ovaries, reduce cysts, improve insulin sensitivity, decrease blood glucose and lower cortisol levels (associated with stress).

4. Stress Management

Simply saying “Stress management” stressing you out? Us too. But if you’re struggling to get pregnant, it just might be the way to go. Chronic stress can make anovulation (no egg release) worse.

A study published in the ‘Stress’ journal even found that practising mindfulness everyday can improve stress, anxiety, depression and overall quality of life, especially for people with PCOS.

TL;DR:

• PCOS does affect fertility and ovulation

• It’s very possible to get pregnant with PCOS, through fertility assistance or sometimes simple lifestyle adjustments.

• There are 4 research-backed methods to improve your chances of pregnancy with PCOS:

  • Anti-Inflammatory Diets

  • Movement

  • Acupuncture

  • Stress Management