PCOS disrupts the delicate hormonal balance that governs your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and overall reproductive health. When that balance is off, fertility can take a hit. In fact, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility.
At Ideal Gynecology, LLC, serving women across Greater Atlanta, our team provides solutions for issues that impact fertility, including PCOS. To help women thrive throughout all phases of life, patients can rely on the Ideal Gynecology team for comprehensive care and guidance.
For women with PCOS, it’s crucial to know how the condition can impact fertility as well as what steps to take to improve their chances of conceiving.
PCOS is marked by irregular ovulation, and when ovulation fails to occur, conception can’t take place. In PCOS, high levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance interfere with this process, making ovulation sporadic or preventing it altogether.
Without regular ovulation, it’s harder to predict fertile windows or achieve pregnancy naturally. Fortunately, medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole can stimulate ovulation, and lifestyle changes such as weight management and improving insulin resistance can help regulate cycles.
PCOS affects timing and egg quality. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly excess insulin and testosterone, can disrupt follicle development in the ovaries. This means even when ovulation occurs, the eggs released may not be as healthy or viable, and these factors can reduce the chances of successful fertilization and implantation.
Managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and in some cases, medication such as metformin, is an important step in improving egg quality and overall reproductive health.
Even if ovulation occurs and the egg is fertilized, PCOS can create challenges during implantation. Irregular cycles and hormonal imbalances can cause the uterine lining (endometrium) to develop abnormally, making it less receptive for an embryo to implant.
In some cases, prolonged lack of ovulation leads to an over-thickened lining, which increases the risk of complications. Treatments like progesterone therapy and cycle monitoring can help prepare the uterus for implantation.
PCOS-related infertility can present some challenges in getting pregnant, but it isn’t the end of the road. With the right evaluation and a tailored treatment plan, many women with PCOS successfully become pregnant, sometimes with just a few adjustments to lifestyle or medication.
The dedicated Ideal Gynecology team offers advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to help restore balance and optimize fertility.
If you’ve been struggling to conceive or notice symptoms like irregular periods, acne, or excess hair growth, PCOS could be the underlying cause.
Contact our team at Ideal Gynecology today or book an appointment online to get on the road toward answers and solutions that work for you.
