Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects millions of women, often during their reproductive years. One of the main concerns for many with PCOS is whether they can get pregnant.
Our team, led by Giuseppe F. Ramunno, MD, at Bethany Women’s Healthcare, can give you the short answer: Yes, you can get pregnant if you have PCOS, but it may take some extra time, planning, and support.
PCOS disrupts the normal balance of reproductive hormones, particularly insulin and androgens (male hormones present in all women at low levels). This hormonal imbalance can interfere with ovulation, meaning that your ovaries may not release an egg regularly.
Without ovulation, conception is much more difficult. However, irregular ovulation doesn't mean it’s impossible to get pregnant; it just means that your cycles might be unpredictable, which can make it harder to time conception.
Many women with PCOS can conceive naturally, especially when they make lifestyle changes that improve their hormone levels and overall health. Losing just 5–10% of body weight (if overweight) can improve ovulation and menstrual regularity. Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and staying active can all support your fertility.
If you’re trying to conceive naturally, track your ovulation through basal body temperature, ovulation predictor kits, or cervical mucus monitoring to help identify your fertile window, even if you have irregular cycles.
If you’re struggling to get pregnant on your own, we can help. Dr. Ramunno may prescribe medications like clomifene or letrozole tablets to stimulate ovulation. In some cases, metformin, a medication for insulin resistance, may also be used to help regulate your cycles.
If medications aren’t successful, Dr. Ramunno may recommend that you consider assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). These treatments are often very effective for women with PCOS.
While PCOS can make conception more complicated, it’s far from a fertility death sentence. Many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies, with or without fertility treatment.
If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year (or six months if over 35), talk to a fertility specialist or your OB/GYN. With the right care and guidance, pregnancy is possible.
Contact our friendly office staff in Phoenix, Arizona, to book an appointment. Call 623.323.5861 or click here to use the online scheduling tool now.