How to Improve Fertility In Women With PCOS

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is generally termed as a hormonal disorder that affects the reproductive age of women. The symptoms of PCOS affect the ovaries and their functions related to the reproductive system of a female. Women with PCOS have high levels of androgens commonly known as male hormones that could lead to several symptoms such as irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and difficulty getting pregnant. It has been estimated that more than 70% of women diagnosed with PCOS face difficulty in conceiving. However, you can improve your fertility by using the right approach or method for getting pregnant successfully. 

This article will explore the causes of infertility in women with PCOS, along with natural and medical ways to enhance fertility.

Understanding PCOS and Fertility

PCOS directly affects ovaries which are required for the production of eggs in women. When a woman is diagnosed with PCOS, ovaries are prevented from releasing eggs on a regular basis due to hormonal imbalances. The irregular ovulation sets to be a major cause of infertility a,ong women with PCOS. Moreover, with this, women also experience the development of small cysts in their ovaries resulting from immature eggs that do not get released during ovulation.

Adding to this, it has also been seen that many women with PCOS have issues with insulin resistance. This results in higher insulin levels, contributing to weight gain, irregular cycles, and worsened ovulatory dysfunction. Higher level of androgen is another problem with PCOS women leading to several symptoms such as excessive hair growth, acne, and scalp hair thinning. Thus, women with PCOS need to keep their attention on changes driven in their cycles and symptoms so that the right steps can be taken at the right time to improve fertility with PCOS.

Steps to Improve Fertility in Women with PCOS

Fortunately, there are several strategies that women with PCOS can use to improve fertility. These range from lifestyle changes and natural remedies to medical treatments.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining your weight is the foremost factor that needs to be contemplated for enhancing fertility in women with PCOS. Your excess weight can worsen the situation of hormonal imbalance and insulin results, leading to ovulation dysfunction. Thus, it is pivotal for you to keep yourself healthy by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. It will help regulate insulin levels and improve the regularity of menstrual cycles and ovulation. 

Focus on a balanced and nutrition-rich diet including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Regular exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling can improve insulin sensitivity and support weight loss.

Even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can significantly improve menstrual cycles and increase the likelihood of ovulation.

2. Optimize Your Diet for Hormonal Balance

Your choice of food and diet can impact your fertility and PCOS positively.  Let’s see what could be incorporated into it-

• Low Glycemic Index (GI) Foods: you should have food such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables having low glycemic index. It helps in reducing insulin spikes and managing your blood sugar levels.
• Anti-inflammatory foods: Include food such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids as they help in reducing inflammation in the body.
• Increase fiber intake: High-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and legumes can help manage insulin resistance by slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
• Limit processed foods and sugars: you should limit your intake of processed food and limit sugar levels as it will help in stabilizing blood sugar levels and insulin levels. 

3. Use Supplements to Support Fertility

You should also have a balanced nutritional diet so that nutritional deficiencies can be controlled by adding vitamins and minerals to your diet. This supports your overall health by adding proper nutrition. 

• Focus on taking vitamin D as it helps in regulating hormone levels and improves ovulation. As seen, women with PCOS have a deficiency of vitamins quite often so it is better to add vitamin D to your diet to manage it timely. 
• Omega-3 fatty acids help in balancing hormones, reduce inflammation, and improve fertility so it is necessary to add it to your diet. 
• Folic acid is crucial for the development of fetal and also improves ovulation in women diagnosed with PCOS. So, if you are planning to get pregnant, consider folic acid to be an important aspect.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplementation regimen.

4. Try Ovulation-Inducing Medications

If you are struggling to ovulate due to PCOS, medication can help you in the same as it triggers ovulation. The common medication as follows- 

• Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid): Clomid is the first-line treatment for women with PCOS who are having difficulty ovulating. It works by stimulating the ovaries to release eggs.
• Letrozole (Femara): Another option, letrozole is often used if Clomid is ineffective. It also stimulates ovulation but works through a different mechanism.
• Gonadotropins: In some cases, injectable fertility medications such as gonadotropins may be prescribed to stimulate the ovaries.

Your doctor will guide you through the process of choosing and using these medications.

5. Consider Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

If you are not able to conceive with medication and lifestyle changes, you need to go for ART (assisted reproductive technologies), a defined option for successful pregnancy. The procedure is followed as-

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): The IUI procedure is a medical procedure used when the natural process of conception is impossible among couples. IUI is used where the motile sperm cells are injected into the uterus directly.  
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is a procedure where eggs from women are combined with sperm from males outside the human body in the laboratory.

ART can be considered the best option if other treatments do not prove to be successful for your pregnancy.

6. Manage Stress

Stress affects fertility and hormone levels directly and negatively. You should always try to remain stress-free by keeping yourself involved in meditation, and yoga and getting adequate sleep.

• Yoga and meditation help in promoting relaxation to both mind and body while reducing stress with time.
• Sleeping peacefully and having enough sleep regularly promotes overall health and manages hormonal levels.

7. Regular Monitoring and Support from a Fertility Specialist

If you are prone to PCOS and struggling with fertility issues, you should consult a fertility specialist their opinion will bring invaluable change. Regular monitoring or keeping an eye on your symptoms and conducting blood tests, and ultrasound will help in assessing hormone levels and also track ovulation. As per your situation and needs, you are provided with tailored recommendations that suit you best.

Conclusion

Improving fertility in women with PCOS is entirely possible with the right approach. By addressing lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as using medications and supplements to support ovulation, many women with PCOS can enhance their fertility. Working closely with a healthcare provider to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs is essential for maximizing your chances of conception. With patience, persistence, and proper medical care, many women with PCOS are able to achieve their dream of becoming mothers. At Aveya IVF Centre, we are here to help you at every step, so if you struggling with infertility due to PCOS, contact us today!!