Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be a challenge, especially for women who are trying to conceive. This hormonal disorder not only triggers symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles, but it can also have serious impacts on fertility. With the right steps and a healthy lifestyle, women with PCOS can increase their chances of getting pregnant naturally and healthily. Let's find out how to increase your chances!
Why Does PCOS Reduce the Chances of Getting Pregnant?
Many women with PCOS feel anxious about their fertility, and there is reason to be concerned. The hormonal imbalance that occurs in PCOS can interfere with fertility and inhibit ovulation, reducing the chances of pregnancy. In addition, the ovaries tend to enlarge because they are filled with small cysts containing immature eggs, which inhibit the process of egg release.
Not only that, PCOS is also often associated with weight gain and obesity, which worsens the hormonal imbalance. Excess body fat can convert hormones to estrone, which interferes with the brain's regulation of the ovaries, reducing the frequency of ovulation and the chances of pregnancy.
How to Increase the Chances of Pregnancy for PCOS Sufferers
But you don't need to worry, try implementing the following methods to increase your chances of getting pregnant:
1. Pay attention to and control your weight
Managing weight is an important step to increase the chances of getting pregnant for people with PCOS. Being overweight can worsen PCOS symptoms, such as menstrual cycle disorders, enlarged ovaries accompanied by many cysts, and increased hair growth. In addition, being overweight is also associated with increased insulin and androgen levels in the body which can reduce fertility.
Losing about 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help regulate your menstrual cycle and increase your chances of ovulation. Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, can be an effective option to help you lose weight. Consultation with a doctor or professional nutritionist is also recommended so that your weight target is achieved in a healthy and safe way.
2. Maintain sugar levels in the body
PCOS sufferers tend to experience insulin disorders that cause blood sugar levels to increase, so the risk of developing diabetes is also higher. This condition not only affects general health, but can also reduce fertility levels.
Keeping blood sugar levels stable through a balanced diet with enough healthy fats, fiber, folate, and protein can help increase your chances of getting pregnant naturally.
3. Consume Healthy and Nutritious Food
Choose foods that are high in nutrition, rich in protein, and low in sugar to help manage symptoms. Avoid consuming fast food, fried foods, and fatty foods to maintain optimal body health. Some good food choices include fruits, fresh vegetables, skinless chicken, fish, and nuts.
In addition, implementing a balanced nutritious diet is also important to reduce the impact of PCOS. Replace low-sugar foods, simple carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats with whole grains such as brown rice and wheat. Consume low-fat protein and legumes such as lentils to support fertility. Limit high-fat foods such as chicken skin, offal, and sweet snacks so that PCOS symptoms do not get worse.
4. Having Sex During the Fertile Period
One effective way to increase the chances of getting pregnant for PCOS sufferers is to have sex during the fertile period. The fertile period is the period in the menstrual cycle when a woman's body is in the best condition to support pregnancy.
In general, the fertile period lasts five days before, after, and on the day of ovulation. Calculating the fertile period each month can help determine the best time to have sex, so that the chances of a successful pregnancy program are greater.
5. Taking Pregnancy Supplements
Taking pregnancy supplements can be one step to increase the chances of getting pregnant for people with PCOS. You can take supplements that contain the following:
- Folic acid to support fetal nerve development.
- Iron plays a role in maintaining blood volume and ensuring optimal oxygen supply.
- Calcium and vitamin D play a role in the formation of healthy and strong bones.
- Vitamin A supports growth and eye health in babies.
6. Surgery
If weight loss and drug stimulation of ovulation do not work, surgery may be an alternative. One of these is laparoscopic ovarian drilling, in which the surgeon makes a small hole in the ovary using heat or a laser.
This procedure has been shown to be effective in increasing ovulation and the chances of pregnancy, often being an option when medication alone is not enough. Another option is in vitro fertilization (IVF), where eggs are taken from the ovaries and fertilized in a laboratory before being transferred to the uterus.
If you have done some of these tips but are not pregnant, the best step is to consult a specialist doctor to get the right treatment. Every PCOS condition can be different, so it is important to get treatment that suits your needs. Do not hesitate to have a check-up and discuss various treatment options with your doctor so that your chances of pregnancy can be optimally increased. Reproductive health is a long-term investment, and consulting a doctor is the first step to getting the best solution.
Article written by dr. Dian Burhansah, Sp.OG, M.Kes, FMAS, FICS (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).