Is Pregnancy Possible with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common hormonal condition that affects many women of reproductive age. This disorder can have a significant impact on fertility and pregnancy.
PCOS and Pregnancy?
Having PCOS does not prevent pregnancy, even though it is one of the most common causes of infertility in women and can be treated.
It should be noted that women with PCOS who conceive may be associated with certain pre-existing conditions and complications, such as miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia:
- Diabetes or Insulin Resistance: This type of diabetes occurs only in pregnant women. It is treatable and, if controlled, does not cause significant problems for either the mother or the fetus. In most cases, the condition disappears once the baby is born. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes can be very large (requiring a cesarean [surgical] delivery), have low blood sugar levels, and have breathing difficulties. Women with gestational diabetes, as well as their children, are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
- High Blood Pressure: This disease is due to an increase in blood pressure that can occur in the second half of pregnancy. If untreated, it can lead to preeclampsia. This type of hypertension can also affect the baby’s delivery.
- Preeclampsia: This is a sudden increase in blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy and can affect the mother’s kidneys, liver, and brain. If untreated, preeclampsia can turn into eclampsia, which can cause organ damage, seizures, and even death. Today, the main treatment for this disease is to deliver the baby, even prematurely if necessary.
- Sleep Apnea
- Mood Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, or Eating Disorders)
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Preterm or Cesarean Delivery
During pregnancy, regular monitoring is essential to detect any early complications and take preventive measures when necessary.
PCOS does cause hormonal imbalance, which interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). If a woman does not ovulate, she cannot become pregnant. However, PCOS and pregnancy are compatible. In most cases, the best option for achieving pregnancy is fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination (AI). Consult with a specialized doctor if you want to achieve a pregnancy.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
PCOS is a condition in which a woman has very high levels of hormones (androgens). Many problems can result from this hormone increase, such as:
- Menstrual Irregularities
- Infertility
- Skin Problems, such as Acne and Increased Hair Growth
- Increased Number of Small Cysts in the Ovaries
- Insulin Resistance, with a Higher Risk of Developing Diabetes
The symptoms of PCOS vary. The diagnosis of PCOS is made when you have at least two of the following:
- Irregular Menstrual Periods: Having few menstrual periods or having them irregularly are common signs of PCOS. The same goes for menstrual periods that last many days or longer than usual. For example, you might have fewer than nine menstrual periods a year, and they might be more than 35 days apart. This can cause problems getting pregnant.
- Excess Androgens: High levels of androgen hormone can cause excess facial and body hair, known as hirsutism. Sometimes severe acne and male-pattern baldness can also appear.
- Polycystic Ovaries: The ovaries may be larger than normal. Many follicles containing immature eggs can develop around the edge of the ovary. The ovaries may not function as they should.
PCOS can present additional challenges for women who want to conceive, but with proper management and medical follow-up, many women with PCOS can have successful pregnancies. It is crucial to work closely with healthcare professionals to optimize the chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy pregnancy to term.
What is UR Crea and How Can It Help You If You Have Infertility Problems?
UR Crea Reproductive Medicine has 30 years of experience in reproductive medicine and assisted reproduction services. We offer different types of treatments tailored to your needs; hence, we conduct a diagnostic protocol, which is the key to helping you. Our network consists of a team of specialized doctors in gynecology-obstetrics, reproductive biology, embryologists, perinatologists, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff, all trained to care for their patients. We nurture the dreams of those who long to become parents. Therefore, we provide a trustworthy environment, based on the ethics and professionalism of our team, who offer personal and humane treatment. Come and meet us!
References:
- MedlinePlus. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [Internet]. Consulted in august 2024. Available in: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000369.htm
- Office on Women’s Health. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [Internet]. Consulted in august 2024. Available in: https://espanol.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
- Amlab Barcelona. Polycystic Ovary and Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know [Internet]. Consulted in august 2024. Available in: https://ambar-lab.com/ovario-poliquistico/
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Affect Pregnancy? [Internet]. Consulted in august 2024. Available in: https://espanol.nichd.nih.gov/salud/temas/PCOS/masinformacion/embarazo#:~:text=Las%20complicaciones%20del%20embarazo%20relacionadas,las%20mujeres%20sin%20la%20enfermedad.
- Mayo Clinic. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [Internet]. Consulted in august 2024. Available in: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
- P. Teresa Sir Dr. et al. Elsevier.es. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management. 2013; 24(5):818-826 https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-revista-medica-clinica-las-condes-202-articulo-sindrome-ovario-poliquistico-diagnostico-manejo-S0716864013702293
