Decoding PCOS: How It Affects Your Chances Of Conceiving, Expert Weighs In

PCOS is not a disease but a common hormonal disorder that impacts a major population of women. According to WHO, 8-13% of women suffer from PCOS globally. Despite its high prevalence, a significant proportion—up to 70%—of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed, highlighting a critical gap in early detection and management. Furthermore, there are a lot of myths surrounding PCOS linking it with infertility and other pregnancy complications. In this PCOS awareness month, we spoke to Dr Sheetal Jindal-MBBS, MD OBG, EPHM (IIM Kolkata) Senior consultant and medical director, Director Medical Genetics program, Jindal IVF, Chandigarh to understand the link between PCOS and pregnancy.

What Is PCOS?

Dr Sheetal said, “PCOS is characterised by hormonal imbalances, including elevated levels of androgens and insulin resistance, which disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries. This disruption often leads to anovulation, where the ovaries fail to release eggs regularly.”

According to research published in Science Direct, PCOS is a leading cause of non-ovulatory infertility, which constitutes about 30% of all infertility cases. PCOS accounts for approximately 90% of these anovulatory infertility cases.

Understanding Related Between PCOS And Infertility

Dr Sheetal stresses that the intricate relationship between PCOS and infertility is rooted in the syndrome's impact on the reproductive endocrine axis.

Elevated androgen levels can impair follicular development, preventing ovulation and thereby reducing the chances of conception. Additionally, insulin resistance, commonly observed in PCOS, exacerbates the hormonal imbalance by increasing insulin levels, which further disrupts ovarian function. These factors collectively hinder the release of mature eggs necessary for fertilisation.

Don't Miss:PCOS Symptoms And Treatment; Gynaecologist Weighs In

How To Address Infertility Related TO PCOS

Addressing infertility related to PCOS requires a multifaceted approach. Dr Sheetal emphasises lifestyle modifications such as adopting a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and achieving a healthy weight. Pharmacological treatments like insulin-sensitising agents and ovulation-inducing medications play a critical role in restoring hormonal balance and promoting ovulation.

She mentioned strategies such as managing stress, monitoring and regulating menstrual cycles, and exploring advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be considered.

Don't Miss:Diets You Should Follow In New Year 2024 If You Have PCOS

Early diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan that incorporates these strategies are essential for improving reproductive outcomes and effectively managing PCOS-related infertility.

Image Courtsey: Freepik