Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects many aspects of your health, but fertility is one of the most challenging. If you're living with PCOS and you’re struggling to conceive, you're not alone.
At Daniel S. Kushner, MD, our OB/GYN practice serving Queens and White Plains, New York, Dr. Daniel Kushner brings 20 years of experience to compassionate PCOS care. He’s a respected specialist who understands how frustrating and emotional this condition can be.
While fertility challenges are common with PCOS, they’re often treatable. With the right plan in place, you can take control of your health and boost your chances of getting pregnant.
As many as eight in 10 women with PCOS have infertility. PCOS disrupts your ovulation cycle, which is why many women with the condition have irregular periods — and this makes it much more challenging to conceive.
While that’s the main factor at play with PCOS infertility, hormonal imbalances can play a big role, too. Specifically, about 60%-80% of women with PCOS experience high androgen levels. Androgens are male sex hormones that women usually have in very low levels. Having high androgen levels can further disrupt ovulation while also negatively affecting egg quality.
This all may sound discouraging, but this blog is about hope. We want you to know that many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies with the right support.
The first step is recognizing the symptoms and getting a proper diagnosis. From there, Dr. Kushner and our caring team can help you build a personalized care plan that supports your family-building goals.
Getting pregnant with PCOS is very possible. We often recommend a well-rounded lifestyle management plan alongside medical treatment as needed. Some of the different aspects of this plan may include:
Because an out-of-whack ovulation cycle is a major factor in PCOS, understanding exactly when you ovulate is crucial. Dr. Kushner may recommend simple methods to make the process easier, such as cycle tracking apps that help you pinpoint fertile times.
Many women with PCOS carry extra weight. Losing at least some of those extra pounds — as little as 2%-5% of total body weight — can dramatically improve your odds of a spontaneous pregnancy.
Multiple studies show that women who focus on good nutrition can improve their menstrual cycle regularity and increase their odds of pregnancy. Studies show that low carbohydrate and controlled calorie diets are particularly effective for women with PCOS and infertility.
Combined birth control pills are often effective for cycle regulation in women with PCOS who aren’t trying to get pregnant. But when you’re trying to conceive, you need a different medication approach, one that promotes ovulation without preventing pregnancy.
Clomid® is generally the first-line medication for PCOS infertility. It can help you ovulate and greatly improves your chances of conception.
Dr. Kushner also addresses underlying issues that might be contributing to your infertility. Some women may need other medications or a minimally invasive procedure.
We understand how much this matters to you, and Dr. Kushner and our team are here to support you every step of the way.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Dr. Kushner offers thoughtful, supportive treatment for PCOS that adjusts with your needs. We’re ready to help you grow your family, so call our office in Queens at 718-793-1995 or in White Plains at 914-422-0222 to book your appointment.
