I have PCOS and I’m scared I won’t be able to have children… what do you recommend?

PCOS iconsSo much of the information online talks about PCOS as being the leading cause of infertility, so being worried about becoming pregnant is understandable. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get pregnant! Unless you have another condition along with PCOS, your ovaries, tubes, and uterus are healthy; meaning with treatment your ovaries can make eggs.

The most common symptoms associated with PCOS are irregular periods and irregular ovulation. This usually happens because hormones levels are not in balance. The good news is that research has shown that losing even 5% of your body weight (if you are overweight) can make a big difference in improving your hormone levels. Healthy lifestyle changes such as following a low-glycemic diet and exercising every day are known to lower insulin levels, which also improve fertility AND decrease your risk of getting gestational diabetes when you do become pregnant. Fertility medication such as Clomid (Clomiphene citrate) can help your body ovulate. This prescription medication is safe and has been used for many years with great success. Talk with your health care provider when you’re ready to become pregnant. In the meantime, make sure to use a reliable form of birth control because you can still ovulate irregularly and you can get pregnant!

Keep in mind that your uterus is normal and you have healthy eggs. Having PCOS just means that you may need more intervention or treatment to become pregnant then other women, but getting pregnant is possible!