Can PCOS/PCOD lead to Infertility?

Introduction

“It’s been six months of trying, but nothing’s happening. Is something wrong with me? Can PCOS/PCOD lead to infertility?”

If this thought has crossed your mind more than once, you’re not alone. According to the data from NFHS-5, over 29% of Indian women experience infertility. And one common but often overlooked cause of it is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). To further prove this link, 1 in 5 Indian women with PCOS face hormone imbalance and irregular periods, thus increasing their risk of infertility (Science Direct, 2023).

But hold up, here’s the good news! While PCOS can’t be fully prevented, it’s completely manageable with the right lifestyle changes and medical support. So, in this blog, we’ll answer the big question: “Can PCOS women get pregnant?”, explore treatment for infertility in PCOS, and share practical tips on how to get pregnant in PCOS, whether naturally or with medical help.

What is PCOS?

Before we get down to the link between PCOS and infertility, it’s important to thoroughly understand what PCOS actually is and how it affects the female body. 

So, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age, characterised by elevated androgen levels (male hormones), menstrual cycle irregularity, and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. To better understand whether you might have PCOS, you can start by observing certain symptoms, such as: 

• Abnormally heavy, prolonged, irregular, or missed menses 
• Excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism)
• Acne and oily skin
• Thinning scalp hair
• Difficulty losing weight
• Trouble conceiving 

However, noticing these physical symptoms alone doesn’t confirm PCOS. You will need to consult a gynaecologist, who can recommend blood tests and an ultrasound to accurately diagnose your condition.

So, can PCOS women get pregnant?

Yes, you can still conceive with PCOS. However, some women may experience difficulty as PCOS may cause a hormonal imbalance in them. So, to further understand what happens in your body, let’s have a look at the table below:

But don’t be disheartened, having PCOS doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. In fact, many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies with the right support. So, let’s walk you through them as well!

To understand the relation between PCOS/PCOD and Infertility in detail, read: PCOS and Infertility- How PCOS can affect your fertility

How to Get Pregnant in PCOS?

As mentioned above, let’s break down the lifestyle changes and daily habits you can adopt to support your treatment for infertility in PCOS:

• Diet and nutrition

• Exercise

• Sleep and stress management

However, even after making the above-listed lifestyle changes, ovulation in PCOS can remain unpredictable. That’s because this condition directly affects your ovaries and egg development. So, if you have PCOS and also experience irregular periods, you should talk to your gynaecologist about conceiving through IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination).

To understand the difference between IVF and IUI in detail, read: IVF vs IUI: Which One Is Right for You?

So, can I get pregnant through IVF if I have PCOS?

The answer is yes. That’s because IVF doesn’t rely on your body’s natural cycle. Instead, it carefully controls and supports ovulation and fertilisation through the following steps:

• Ovarian Stimulation: You will receive hormonal injections daily for the stimulation of your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs instead of just one. (In PCOS, this process is carefully monitored to avoid the hyperstimulation of your ovaries.)
• Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, your IVF specialist will collect them after having given you anaesthesia. 
• Fertilisation: The retrieved eggs are then fertilised with your partner’s sperm in a lab to form embryos.
• Embryo Culture: The embryos are monitored for 3-5 days for their quality and development.
• Embryo Transfer: A healthy embryo is released directly into your uterus using a catheter (flexible tube).
• Pregnancy Test: After 10-14 days, a blood test confirms if the embryo has implanted successfully in your uterus. Depending on the test results, the fertility team will discuss the next steps with you

Conclusion

So, now you know that IVF offers a structured and controlled approach to conceiving, something that’s often missing when you’re dealing with irregular ovulation, hormonal imbalance, or poor egg quality, which are all caused by PCOS. 

That’s why, if you’ve been struggling to conceive with PCOS, you’re not out of options. At Femcare Fertility, the best fertility centre in Kolkata and Pune, we specialise in helping women take control of their reproductive health with personalised treatment plans and advanced fertility care. So, ring us at 9967050566 to begin your journey to motherhood.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Question: With PCOS, can I get pregnant?
Answer: Yes, you can still conceive if you have PCOS. Although it is one of the most common causes of ovulation-related infertility, many women with PCOS ovulate regularly or respond well to treatments like IVF or IUI at the best fertility centre.

 Question: Can PCOS be cured?
Answer: No, PCOS cannot be cured permanently, but it can be effectively managed. It is a chronic condition linked to hormone imbalance and insulin resistance. Lifestyle changes, medications, and early diagnosis help control symptoms, improve ovulation, and support better long-term health and fertility outcomes.

Question: How to get pregnant in PCOS?
Answer: Based on your ovulation in PCOS (absent or irregular), you can still conceive with treatments like IVF or IUI, which naturally control your ovulation. Moreover, you can also visit Femcare Fertility in Pune or Kolkata, which offers expert-guided treatment for infertility in PCOS.