Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the desire to have children
Dr. med. Roland Braneti
July 12, 2024
5 min
Women with PCOS often struggle to get pregnant and the desire to have children often becomes a challenging journey. But despite the obstacles, there is hope and options for women who want to fulfil their dream of getting pregnant. To gain more insight into the topic of PCOS and the desire to have children, we spoke to Dr Roland Braneti, Head of our Fertility Centre and Gynaecological Endocrinology at the Women's Clinic at Zollikerberg Hospital.
How does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affect women's fertility and why is it often more difficult for them to get pregnant?
On the one hand, PCOS with cycle irregularities means that ovulation occurs less frequently or not regularly. As a result, it can take longer for a pregnancy to occur. In some cases, the eggs are also altered so that they cannot be fertilised as well or have difficulty developing into embryos.
To the last blog article
Have you already read our blog article "Behind the scenes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)"? In this article, you can find out what PCOS is, what treatment options are available and much more.
What treatment options are available to women with PCOS if they also want to have children?
Depending on which symptoms are in the foreground, different approaches can be taken. In the case of obesity, weight reduction alone often leads to a more regular menstrual cycle. In addition, certain medications can be used to stimulate egg maturation, making the cycle more regular and increasing the chances of pregnancy.
What lifestyle changes can women with PCOS make to improve their chances of pregnancy?
In addition to the weight reduction already mentioned in the case of obesity, it is important to avoid smoking and to minimise stress. A balanced diet is also very important.
Are there specific risks or complications that can occur in women with PCOS during pregnancy?
Such risks or possible complications must be discussed individually with the doctor treating you. If PCOS is present with an altered insulin effect, the risk of so-called gestational diabetes is increased. Women without PCOS are also routinely checked for this during prenatal care. If this is the case, good treatment methods are available.
How can women with PCOS be supported emotionally while they pursue their desire to have children?
Research into PCOS has made a lot of progress in recent years and more and more insights into the complex processes have been gained. This helps us to continually optimise the treatment options for those who wish to have children. Various therapies are now available and the overall chances of success are good. This gives patients cause for hope. It is important not to regard PCOS as a hopeless disease, but as a change for which more and more treatment options are becoming available.
We support you on your way to becoming a family
The journey to becoming a parent can be challenging for women with PCOS, but there is hope and treatment options that can help them fulfil their desire to have children. Through comprehensive care and personalised treatment planning, women with PCOS can improve their chances of a successful pregnancy and feel supported on their journey to parenthood. Our team at the Fertility Centre is there for you when you need us.
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