Trying to Conceive with PCOS? Here’s what you should know

One of the biggest misconceptions about PCOS is that it automatically means infertility.

Many women hear the diagnosis and immediately worry about whether they'll be able to have children in the future.

The reality is often far more encouraging.

According to the International Evidence-Based Guideline for PCOS, many women with PCOS go on to conceive naturally, while others may benefit from medical support along the way.

Understanding why PCOS can affect fertility starts with understanding a process called ovulation.

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary. This usually happens once during each menstrual cycle. For pregnancy to occur, ovulation needs to happen at the right time and with some degree of regularity.

This is where PCOS can sometimes create challenges.

Many women with PCOS don't ovulate regularly every month. Some ovulate less frequently. Some have very unpredictable cycles. Others may go months without ovulating and not even realise it.

This is one reason irregular periods are so common in PCOS.

When healthcare professionals talk about fertility in PCOS, they're often trying to understand one simple question:

Is ovulation happening regularly?

That's why discussions around hormones such as AMH, LH, FSH, and testosterone come up so often. These hormones help provide clues about what may be influencing ovulation and menstrual cycles.

At the same time, fertility is about much more than a single hormone level or blood test result.

Age, overall health, partner factors, lifestyle, and many other considerations can all play a role.

This is why fertility assessments are usually built from several pieces of information rather than one number on a report.

At DurvaLife, we've found that many women feel relieved when they learn this.

PCOS can influence fertility, but it doesn't define it.

A diagnosis provides information, not a prediction.

The most helpful conversations are often the ones that focus on understanding how your body is functioning today, what support may be appropriate, and what steps make sense for your individual situation.

Note: Fertility is influenced by many factors. Questions about conception, ovulation, or fertility should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

References

International Evidence-Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (2023)

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): Fertility Evaluation and Treatment in PCOS

Azziz R et al. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2016