PCOS is one of the main causes of infertility in women. Due to increased androgen levels, menstruation may become irregular, leading to ovulation problems, which makes natural conception more difficult. For women with PCOS who are overweight or obese, achieving pregnancy naturally or with medical assistance can be challenging.

Fortunately, with proper management, about 60% of women with PCOS can conceive naturally, without needing assisted reproductive technologies.

1. Monitor Ovulation

  • Cervical Mucus: You can observe vaginal secretions, as cervical mucus becomes similar to egg whites—slippery, clear, and stretchy—before ovulation. This indicates that ovulation is near, and sperm can easily pass through the mucus.
  • Ovulation Test Kits: You can use ovulation predictor kits, which test urine to detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs before ovulation.
  • Medical Monitoring: The most reliable and efficient method is to consult an experienced doctor who can monitor ovulation through ultrasound or blood tests to predict ovulation with more accuracy.

Tip: Ovulation monitoring is one of the most widely used and helpful methods for women with PCOS. Since they often cannot predict ovulation timing accurately, monitoring is essential for increasing the chances of conception.

2. Inducing Ovulation

If lifestyle changes and weight loss have not resulted in pregnancy despite ovulation monitoring, ovulation induction may be the next step. Doctors can prescribe medication to stimulate the pituitary gland to release hormones that help healthy follicles develop. Ultrasound is then used to monitor follicle growth. Once the follicles reach the appropriate size, ovulation can either occur naturally or be induced.

Tip: By monitoring ovulation, your doctor can advise you on the best days to have intercourse, significantly increasing the chances of conception and reducing the stress of guessing the right time!