What are the chances of pregnancy with pcos?
Answered by: Maria/MD Health Forum.com Team

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common ovarian function disorder in women of child-bearing age. It affects about 5% of all women. As its name implies, this condition is characterized by having many cystic structures in the ovaries. In PCOS, there may be an increased production of leutinizing hormones and the ovaries make excess androgens. Such irregularities disrupt the menstrual cycles. Women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly, thus causing infertility. Most of the women who seek fertility treatments are believed to have PCOS.

Causes
The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown, but there are some factors that are thought to play a role. One of these is insulin resistance. When the body’s is unable to use insulin as it should, the pancreas compensates by secreting more insulin to make glucose available to the cells. The excess insulin is thought to boost the androgen production in the ovaries.

Chances of pregnancy
Pregnancy is still possible for PCOS sufferers. The chances of pregnancy largely depend on whether the condition has affected fertility. There are tests that can help determine whether the PCOS has affected fertility level. The woman’s hormone levels also significantly influence a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

Although it is possible to get pregnant, PCOS can put put woman at a higher risk of having a miscarriage. It has been estimated that the miscarriage rate in women with PCOS can be as high as 40%. PCOS sufferers are also at risk for gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. While the risks associated with PCOS may sound rather alarming, it’s important to remember there are several measures that may be taken to improve fertility and prevent pregnancy complications.

Treatments
There are many treatments available to correct PCOS for those who have difficulty getting pregnant. The medical team- primary doctor, OB-Gyn, and reproductive endocrinologist- will recommend which options would suit the patient best. The patient should feel free to discuss with their doctors their concerns about treatments.

Most medical treatments are aimed at promoting hormone balance to increase the chances of getting pregnant and maintaining pregnancy. Drugs to regulate the menstrual cycle may be given. One of the medications prescribed for PCOS patients is metformin, a pill usually taken by patients with type 2 diabetes. It is used for improving insulin levels in PCOS which can help normalize menstrual cycles. Other patients may be given clomiphene citrate (Clomid), an oral anti-estrogen medication that induces ovulation.

Sometimes surgery may be considered when ovulation does not commence after taking medicine. Surgery helps improve ovarian function by reducing the number of small cysts.

References:
Danielsson K. 2008. After Miscarriage: Medical Facts and Emotional Support for Pregnancy Loss. Harvard Common Press.
Hammerly, M., Kimball, C. 2003.What to Do When the Doctor Says It’s PCOS. Fair Winds Press.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/DS00423

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Tags: Clomid, metformin, miscarriage, PCOS, Pregnancy

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