Will PCOS Effect My Ability To Get Pregnant?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (known as PCOS) is a condition that can negatively affect the fertility because irregular menstrual periods are common. Some of these menstrual cycles may not have normal ovulation. Overall the data on this particular topic is very hard to find because there have been no randomized, controlled studies. We T1D Sugar Mommas and Medical Advisory Board love studies and data!
Can We Be Sure PCOS is My Issue?
Overall the short answer is No. One cannot blame PCOS alone for issues in getting pregnant due to lack of concrete studies. There is some data on fertility in type 1 diabetes without specifying presence or absence of PCOS symptoms or features. Studies showed that ovulation rate is similar to slightly lower in type 1 diabetes compared with women without diabetes. One study showed that getting pregnant from one menstrual cycle was 24% lower in women with T1D but again, there was No mention of PCOS.
One of the things that may contribute to more difficulty in getting pregnant when one lives with PCOS is the elevated male hormone level (testosterone) which is a part of the condition and contributes to unovulation and can affect egg quality. PCOS also predisposes women who have no diabetes before getting pregnant, to development of gestational diabetes.
It is not impossible for women with PCOS to get pregnant. Some women may need to see fertility specialist and discuss the options. First and the most important step in therapy is lifestyle modification with healthy diet and exercise. Check with your medical provider to find out what steps you should take to make this work best for you!
To see additional treatment plans we mentioned before, check out our article here “Is PCOS More Common In Women Who Live With Diabetes?”
