PCOS and Fertility: Will PCOS Affect Fertility & How to Conceive

At a Glance: PCOS & Your Fertility

• Will PCOS affect fertility? While PCOS is a leading cause of subfertility due to irregular ovulation, it does not mean you cannot get pregnant.

• Is PCOS a fertility issue? Yes, it is primarily a hormonal imbalance, but with the right management, most women can successfully conceive.

• Can you be fertile with PCOS? Absolutely. Many women remain fertile or regain fertility through lifestyle changes and medical support.

• Do all women with PCOS have fertility issues? No. Some women with PCOS have regular cycles and conceive naturally without any medical intervention.

• How to boost fertility with PCOS: Focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. Even a 5% weight loss can significantly improve your hormonal profile and ovulation.

• How to increase fertility naturally with PCOS: Managing insulin resistance through nutrition and reducing stress are effective ways to support your reproductive health naturally.

What does PCOS stand for?

PCOS is the acronym used for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is the leading condition that can affect a woman’s ability to achieve pregnancy naturally. It is believed to affect 1 in 10 women in the UK and globally. Many women beginning their journey often ask, "will PCOS affect fertility?" While it is a leading cause of subfertility, understanding the condition is the first step toward managing it.

A woman’s ovaries contain follicles—the sacs which develop and mature eggs for release within a menstrual cycle. With PCOS, these sacs are often underdeveloped and unable to mature or release an egg, meaning that ovulation does not occur.

What causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to an imbalance in certain hormone levels, such as:

• Increased testosterone

• High levels of luteinising hormone (LH)

• Low levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)

• Potentially raised levels of prolactin

Defective insulin or resistance to insulin has also been known to interfere with the development of the follicle sacs. Insulin resistance can cause weight gain which may exacerbate existing symptoms. Furthermore, research suggests there may be a genetic link, although specific genes have not yet been identified.

Is there a cure for PCOS?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but the condition can be managed with appropriate treatment. When wondering how to increase fertility naturally with PCOS, it is acknowledged that a weight loss of just 5% can lead to a significant improvement in symptoms and ovulation regularity.

However, because PCOS can hinder weight loss, it may be beneficial to speak to a dietician for specific advice on how to boost fertility with PCOS through tailored nutrition and lifestyle changes.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

There is no single definitive test, as symptoms vary wildly. A clinical diagnosis is typically made following a review of these three criteria:

1. Cycle Regularity: Irregular cycles or inability to ovulate.

2. Androgen Excess: Physical signs such as facial hair or acne.

3. Ultrasound Scan: To review whether there are "polycystic" ovaries (visible follicles).

IVF Matters also offers a PCOS Profile package which is a comprehensive screening package including 13 specialist tests. Learn more> 

Is PCOS a fertility issue?

Yes, is PCOS a fertility issue is one of the most common questions doctors hear. Because the syndrome directly affects ovulation—the monthly release of an egg—it is classified as a primary cause of female subfertility.

However, it is important to remember that can you be fertile with PCOS? The answer is yes. Many women with PCOS ovulate occasionally or can be supported through medical intervention to conceive.

Can PCOS affect your chances of getting pregnant?

PCOS might affect your chances of getting pregnant naturally as irregular cycles and hormonal imbalances can hamper your best efforts. Typically, women diagnosed with PCOS may suffer from subfertility, meaning that their reproductive organs are not functioning optimally to enable them to achieve a natural pregnancy. 

Do all women with PCOS have fertility issues?

A common misconception is that a diagnosis equals infertility. So, do all women with PCOS have fertility issues? Not necessarily. Some women with the condition have regular enough cycles to conceive without help, while others may only require minor lifestyle adjustments to regulate their hormones.

What is the best Fertility Treatment for PCOS?

Ovulation induction and IVF treatment have helped many women diagnosed with PCOS get pregnant and carry to full term.

However, not all women will need assisted conception. Speaking to a Fertility Consultant who specialises in female subfertility can help identify a tailored fertility treatment pathway, whether that involves natural tracking, medication, or advanced treatment.

Does pregnancy cure PCOS?

Unfortunately, no. While some women experience a cessation of symptoms during pregnancy or improved cycles shortly after giving birth, the underlying hormonal profile typically remains.

Where can I get help to get pregnant?

PCOS can cause challenges when you are trying to conceive, but with the right expert knowledge, there is a very high chance of success. Dr. Koita, Fertility Consultant at IVF Matters, specialises in female subfertility and has helped many women with PCOS realise their dream of having a baby.

Book a Consultation with Dr Koita