Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 16 July 2023
It is no wonder women worry about becoming pregnant when they are diagnosed with PCOS. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a treatable cause of female infertility. It is important to understand that. Women of any age with PCOS can certainly become pregnant. All it needs is a few lifestyle modifications, certain fertility supplements, medications, and in some cases, fertility treatments.
Studies indicate that PCOS patients have up to 60 to 70% of better conception chances through IVF treatments, despite irregular ovulation. That’s because they maintain a higher ovarian reserve, providing more eggs during the egg retrieval procedure, than in non-PCOS patients. It is quite a shocking fact.
Keep reading to know the best age to get pregnant with PCOS, why age matters, and management strategies to improve the fertility chances.
Before we get into what is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS, let’s understand the relationship between PCOS and fertility.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder. It can cause anovulation (absence of ovulation), irregular periods, insulin resistance, high androgen levels, and ovarian cysts. All of which can hinder conception, but how?
In PCOS, FSH stimulates the follicles to develop, but not mature. As these follicles develop, they produce more estrogen hormones. When estrogen levels become extremely high, they hinder the normal mechanism necessary for the LH surge to trigger ovulation. Instead, the elevated estrogen levels become persistent, along with an androgen surge. These together contribute to preventing follicular maturity and ovulation, resulting in the accumulation of small follicles within the ovaries.
When there is no ovulation, the sperm obviously doesn’t have a partner to fertilise with, resulting in no pregnancy.
While PCOS can impact fertility, a specialist at A4 Fertility Centre explains that conception is absolutely possible through natural means or medical interventions. The method may primarily depend on the patient's age, she adds.
The best age to get pregnant with PCOS precisely mirrors the usual fertility window, the late 20s to early 30s
Even though PCOS causes the overproduction of multiple follicles, it can significantly hinder natural conception. That’s because the condition can prevent egg maturation and ovulation. Despite having multiple immature follicles, the lack of a mature egg to rupture (ovulation) can make conception difficult. But on a positive note, this age range (25 to 32 years) offers higher egg quality and ovarian reserve, which in turn results in improved fertility chances.
Here is the detailed breakdown of key reasons
Higher Egg Quality : During the late 20s to early 30s, a woman’s body produces higher-quality eggs regardless of irregular ovulation caused by PCOS. These eggs are generally healthier than those produced after 35.
Optimal Ovarian Reserve : Women in their late 20s to early 30s, even with PCOS, have a higher ovarian reserve. This typically means a larger quantity of egg supply, which can significantly improve fertility chances
Better Response to Management : A woman’s body may respond better to PCOS management techniques (lifestyle changes or medical support), which lowers the risk of complications like miscarriage and gestational diabetes
Manageable Hormone Levels : Although women with PCOS have irregular periods and ovulation, menstrual cycles in their late 20s can become more predictable than in their early 20s. This makes the conception highly achievable by monitoring the fertile window and having intercourse on those days.
Achieving conception with PCOS is often considered possible at any age through a combination of nutritional support, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions.
Here is the detailed breakdown of management strategies to increase fertility chances with PCOS.
A Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) diet for fertility primarily involves managing chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. This approach helps to support hormonal balance, promote regular ovulation, and improve pregnancy chances.
Maintaining a healthy weight, if overweight, is an effective strategy to improve pregnancy chances with PCOS. Many healthcare providers claim that reducing even a 5 to 10 % of body weight can significantly help with fertility success rates.
Regular but moderate exercise is a crucial lifestyle intervention to manage PCOS symptoms, including infertility. A mix of moderate cardio, strength training, and mind-body activities can help balance hormones, regulate ovulation, and reduce insulin resistance.
High stress levels and poor sleep are the key contributors to the worsening of PCOS problems. It creates a vicious cycle of insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance and weight gain. Managing stress through techniques like yoga, meditation and breathing exercises can reduce stress. Likewise, establishing a consistent sleeping schedule, aiming for at least 7 to 8 hours at night, can also reduce symptoms. Both together can improve hormonal balance and oocyte quality.
Note : Discuss with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
A hormonal imbalance is frequently experienced in women with PCOS, where FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is relatively low to mature follicles, while causing other hormones like LH (luteinising hormone) and androgens to surge. These imbalances can interfere with normal ovulation, contributing to the development of ovarian cysts and infertility.
If diet and other lifestyle changes do not regulate ovulation and the menstrual cycle, medications like hormonal contraceptives are often prescribed to stabilise these hormone levels. Other commonly prescribed medications in PCOS may include Letrozole to induce ovulation, Metformin to balance blood sugar levels, and Gonadotropins (fertility medication) to stimulate egg production.
If medications are ineffective, your fertility specialist may recommend procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to improve pregnancy chances.
Note : Your provider may determine the best strategy that helps you to achieve conception with PCOS based on your age and specific needs.
The optimal age for women to get pregnant with PCOS is between 25 and 32 years. That’s because this age range provides higher egg quality and better responsiveness to fertility management strategies. While PCOS can make conception challenging, especially after age 35, many women can still successfully become pregnant with proper medical support.
Our specialists at A4 Fertility Centre can understand how PCOS can impact your fertility. As a leading fertility clinic in Chennai, we have the highest success rates in helping couples with PCOS achieve conception. Visit our facility today to get a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan.
1. At what age is it best to become pregnant with PCOS?
The best age to become pregnant for women with PCOS is generally between 25 and 32 years. While fertility chances naturally start to decline after 30, individuals with PCOS may face more challenges. Trying to achieve conception before 35 is often recommended, as egg quality and hormonal imbalance are more easily managed.
2. How to become pregnant with PCOS quickly?
To increase your chances of becoming pregnant with PCOS quickly, consulting a healthcare provider as soon as you notice PCOS symptoms is crucial. Along with it, considering lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and medical intervention can all play a role.
3. How can I get pregnant with PCOS naturally?
You can get pregnant with PCOS naturally by balancing hormones, improving insulin sensitivity, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing sleep and stress. All of which can help to regulate ovulation and improve fertility chances. However, it is essential to understand that natural methods are a time-consuming process, showing results around 3 to 6 months. If pregnancy does not occur within a year, seek medical help immediately before PCOS worsens.
4. Do PCOS symptoms change with age?
The answer to the question is yes. PCOS symptoms may change with age. In young adults (early 20s), it may feature irregular periods, severe acne and hirsutism (excess hair), due to high androgen levels. While in the mid-to-late 30s, the cycles may become more regular with low androgen levels. However, age-related decline in ovarian follicles and metabolic issues like high blood sugar and obesity often escalate. For women in their late 40s or 50s, symptoms may largely stabilise due to the decrease in hormone imbalance. But the risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic issues persists.
5. What are the common symptoms of PCOS?
The common symptoms of PCOS may include
