What Is The Best Age To Have A Baby With PCOS?

What Is PCOS?

An abbreviation of polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS is a condition wherein a woman’s hormone balance is disrupted. This can lead to the ovaries producing too much androgen, a male sex hormone typically present in women at low levels. The name “polycystic” refers to the many small cysts that may develop on the ovaries, although not all women with PCOS have these cysts.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women who are of reproductive age. Characterized by high levels of male hormones (androgens), menstrual cycles that are irregular, and polycystic ovaries, this condition is linked to low levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which is crucial for ovulation. The hormonal imbalance, with low FSH and higher Luteinizing Hormone (LH), often leads to irregular or absent ovulation which can result in fertility issues.

According to WHO (the World Health Organization), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 8-13% of reproductive-aged women. Alarmingly, WHO also reports that up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide.

Read more: Is Ovary Size Important To Get Pregnant?

Best Age To Get Pregnant For Women With PCOS

As women with PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, get older, managing symptoms can become increasingly challenging due to more complex hormonal imbalances and metabolic issues.

Read more: Can You Get Pregnant With One Follicle?

Impact of Age on Fertility

Fertility begins to decline notably around the age of 35 and this decline becomes more pronounced after 40. While all women experience a decrease in fertility with age, those in their 20s have the highest fertility levels, making this the most optimal time for women with PCOS to conceive. In their 20s, women generally have a better chance of getting pregnant within a year of trying. However, as they move into their 30s, the likelihood of conception begins to decrease.

Challenges for Older Women with PCOS

For women in their 40s, the fertility challenges are even greater. Age not only affects the quantity and quality of eggs but also makes it more difficult to achieve a successful pregnancy. Women with PCOS face additional hurdles because the condition can disrupt the regular menstrual cycle, leading to irregular ovulation or anovulation (lack of ovulation) and may be associated with high sugar levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other comorbidities.

As women age, the risk of health complications during pregnancy also increases. For those with PCOS, these risks are compounded. Therefore, while the best age to get pregnant for women with PCOS is ideally in their 20s to mid-thirties due to higher fertility rates and better egg quality and decreased morbidity.

PCOS Pregnancy Success Rate

While success rates can vary significantly, here’s a breakdown of key factors that may influence a woman with PCOS to get pregnant: 

Spontaneous Pregnancy Rates:

The good news is that many women with PCOS conceive naturally. A study concluded that 58.3% of the participants conceived spontaneously. 

Fertility Treatment Options and Success Rates:

If natural conception takes longer, various fertility treatments can increase your chances. Here’s a look at some common options:

• Ovulation Induction Medications: Clomiphene citrate and letrozole are medications that stimulate ovulation. Their success rate is around 22% per cycle, influenced by factors like age and infertility causes.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix. This method has a 10-20% success rate per cycle.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF offers the highest success rates. However, this number is influenced by age and individual circumstances.

The Age Factor:

Age is a crucial consideration. Fertility naturally declines with age, and this applies to women with PCOS as well. Younger women with PCOS generally have a higher chance of pregnancy compared to older women.

Weight Management and PCOS:

Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can significantly impact PCOS and fertility. Excess weight can exacerbate PCOS symptoms and reduce fertility. Weight loss, along with a healthy lifestyle may improve your chances of spontaneous pregnancy.

Advantages Of Early Pregnancy For PCOS

You might be wondering about the best time to get pregnant if you have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). There are several potential advantages to considering an earlier pregnancy:

• Improved Fertility: As we know, fertility naturally declines with age. When you’re younger, your chances of spontaneous conception are often higher, potentially avoiding the need for extensive medical interventions.
• Reduced Complications: Younger women generally face a lower risk of certain pregnancy complications. This includes gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, which are more common in older mothers.
• Easier Symptom Management: PCOS symptoms, like irregular periods and hormonal imbalances, tend to be milder in younger women. This can make managing your symptoms and making lifestyle changes more effective, potentially improving your overall health and well-being.
• Better Response to Treatments: Fertility treatments, such as ovulation-inducing medications, may be more successful for younger women with PCOS. This can increase your likelihood of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
• Lower Risk of Age-Related Infertility: Delaying pregnancy can amplify the natural decline in fertility that comes with age. 
• Reduced Risk of Comorbidities: Early family planning allows you to potentially minimize the development of associated health conditions such as insulin resistance and even type 2 diabetes, promoting your long-term health.
• Healthier Pregnancy: Early pregnancy may lead to a healthier overall experience, with a lower chance of complications. This can contribute to a safer as well as more comfortable journey for both you and your baby.
• More Time for Family Planning: Starting a family earlier allows for more time and flexibility in your family planning. This can give you the opportunity to space out pregnancies or potentially have more children if you desire.

Read more: Best Foods To Increase Sperm Count and Motility

What To Do To Increase The Chances Of Conception If You Have PCOS?

There are a plethora of steps you can take to ensure that you get to conceive even if you have PCOS. 

• Consult With Your Doctor: Your first step is a consultation with a healthcare professional, or preferably a fertility specialist. They can offer personalized advice as well as recommendations as per your unique situation. You need to consider scheduling an appointment with a fertility clinic specializing in PCOS to get the most targeted support.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is an absolute must for PCOS management and fertility improvement. Blending a balanced diet with regular exercise together can significantly impact your hormone balance and even potentially regulate your menstrual cycles.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Your overall well-being plays a vital role in fertility. Try and adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet. Now, the diet must be rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables. You also need to start making regular exercise a part of your routine (if possible daily), do try and explore stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or other relaxation exercises.
• Reduce Stress: What not many people know is that chronic stress can negatively impact one’s fertility. When you proactively manage your stress, you’re creating a more favorable environment for conception. You can go for relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to minimize your stress as much as possible. 
• Quit Smoking And Limit Alcohol: Smoking as well as excessive alcohol consumption can hinder your fertility. If they are habits that you are used to, you might want to quit smoking completely and limit your alcohol intake. 
• Regular Medical Check-Ups: Regular check-ups with your doctor are necessary to monitor your PCOS and ensure you’re receiving the most effective management plan. They can also help you in tracking your progress and adjusting your unique needs that may change every now and then. 
• Dietary Choices: You must focus on a balanced diet that prioritizes whole grains, lean proteins, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Try to minimize your processed foods intake, even added sugars, and unhealthy fats, especially trans fats, which can worsen PCOS symptoms.
• Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity is a win-win for PCOS management. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, helps with weight management, and boosts your health altogether, all of which contribute to increased fertility potential.

Treatment For PCOS To Get Pregnant

If you’re looking to get pregnant with PCOS, several medical interventions can increase your chances of success. Below you will find some of the common options:

• Ovulation-Inducing Medications: Your doctor might prescribe medications like clomiphene or letrozole. These medications work by stimulating ovulation, which can help regulate your menstrual cycle and create a window for conception.
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI is a procedure where sperm is directly placed into your uterus, bypassing the cervix. This can be an effective option if you have mild PCOS-related infertility or sperm motility issues. 
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF is an advanced fertility treatment that can be considered in more complex cases. It involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them with sperm outside the body, and later implanting the resulting embryo(s) into your uterus for potential pregnancy.
• Monitor Ovulation: Utilize ovulation predictor kits or fertility tracking apps to identify your most fertile window. In anovulatory women ultrasound evaluation of ovulation is better than using apps.This information can help you time intercourse for the greatest chance of conception.
• Manage Insulin Resistance: In case you have insulin resistance, which is seen with PCOS, your doctor may recommend medications like metformin. These medications help in regulating your blood sugar levels and can improve your fertility potential.
• Folic Acid and Supplements: Taking folic acid, myoinositol and other prenatal vitamins recommended by your doctor can prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy by ensuring you have the necessary nutrients for fetal development.

Read more: What To Expect After IUI Procedure

Need Help With Pregnancy With PCOS?

Facing the challenges of PCOS and trying to conceive can be quite daunting and overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone. At FertilTree, we understand the unique needs of women with PCOS. Our team of some of the best fertility specialists in India is dedicated to providing the best care to help you fulfill your dream of becoming a mother. 

FertilTree offers a wide range of evidence-based treatment options, from lifestyle modifications and ovulation induction to advanced procedures like IUI and IVF. We use the latest technologies and personalized treatment plans to increase your chances of conception. Our supportive and understanding staff will guide you through every step of the way, if only to ensure that you feel informed and empowered throughout your fertility journey.

Found this post informative? Read more insightful Blogs at FertilTree. For expert guidance on fertility treatments, visit Dr. Firuza Parikh’s profile and explore the wealth of resources available on FertilTree.

For further inquiries, you can reach out to us at [email protected] or call us at +91-22-66573175.

FAQs: Best Age to Have A Baby With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)