You’ve been told you have PCOS—and now you’re wondering:
Can I still get pregnant?
It’s one of the first—and most emotional—questions that many women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ask. And while PCOS is a leading cause of ovulatory infertility, the good news is this: most women with PCOS can get pregnant—with the right support.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How PCOS affects ovulation and fertility
- What steps can help restore your cycle naturally
- Medical treatments that boost your chances
- What to expect if you’re planning for pregnancy or fertility treatment
Let’s bring science and support into your journey—so you can move forward with clarity, not fear.
How PCOS Affects Fertility
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition that disrupts ovulation.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Elevated androgens (male hormones like testosterone) interfere with egg maturation
- Many follicles may start developing but don’t reach full ovulation.
- This leads to irregular or missed periods and makes it harder to predict fertile days
Without consistent ovulation, it’s harder—but not impossible—to conceive.
In fact, PCOS is one of the most treatable causes of infertility.
Can You Get Pregnant Naturally with PCOS?
Yes, many women do.
In mild to moderate PCOS cases, lifestyle shifts alone may be enough to trigger ovulation and support natural conception.
Here’s what may help:
- Balanced, low-glycemic diet to stabilize insulin
- Regular movement (especially strength training and walking)
- Sleep (7–9 hours) to regulate cortisol
- Targeted supplements like inositol or omega-3s
- Cycle tracking to understand when you might be ovulating
Studies show that even a 5–10% reduction in body weight (if applicable) can restore ovulation in many PCOS patients.¹
Expert Insight
“The biggest misconception is that PCOS = infertility. It doesn’t. It just means ovulation may be less predictable—and needs a little support.”
Medical Treatments to Help You Conceive
If lifestyle changes don’t restore ovulation—or you want to speed things up—there are several safe and effective treatments.
Ovulation Induction Medications
These help your ovaries release a mature egg:
- Letrozole (Femara): Often more effective than clomid for PCOS
- Clomid (Clomiphene citrate): Stimulates FSH to promote ovulation
- Metformin: May support ovulation by improving insulin sensitivity
These are usually taken early in your cycle and require monitoring with ultrasounds and hormone labs.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
- Involves inserting washed sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation
- Often combined with ovulation-inducing meds
- Helps bypass cervical mucus and time insemination precisely
Success rates vary, but IUI is often a helpful intermediate step before IVF.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
- Used when other methods aren’t successful
- Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and then transferred back into the uterus
- May be ideal if PCOS is paired with other issues (e.g., age, male factor infertility)
Important note: Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) during IVF, so careful monitoring is essential.
➡️ Book a Care Navigator call to explore your fertility options
Tracking Ovulation with PCOS
Because cycles are irregular, you’ll need more than just a period app.
Best tools for PCOS ovulation tracking:
- Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs): Can be tricky if LH is chronically high
- Basal body temperature (BBT): Confirms ovulation after the fact
- Cervical mucus: Look for egg-white consistency as a sign of fertility
- Hormone monitors or fertility wearables (like Mira or Tempdrop)
➡️ Read: How to Track Ovulation with Irregular Periods
Real-Life Story
“I went 3 months without a period and thought I had no chance of conceiving. My doctor started me on letrozole, and I ovulated for the first time in ages. Two cycles later—I was pregnant.”
— Jasmin, 34
Myth vs Reality
| Myth | Reality |
| “PCOS means you’ll never get pregnant.” | Most women with PCOS can conceive with support. |
| “Birth control causes PCOS.” | PCOS is hormonal, not caused by contraception. |
| “You have to do IVF.” | Many conceive naturally or with simple medication. |
| “If your periods are irregular, you’re infertile.” | Not true. Irregular cycles just make timing harder. |
Final Thoughts
Getting pregnant with PCOS might take more intention and support—but it’s absolutely possible.
Whether you’re ready now or just planning ahead, understanding your body is the first step to feeling empowered—not overwhelmed.
With the right tools, providers, and timeline, your path to pregnancy is valid.
Call to Action
👉 Trying to conceive with PCOS or just want clarity on your cycle?
Take our 5-minute reproductive health quiz to understand your symptoms and next steps.
Sources
- NIH – PCOS and Weight Loss
- ACOG – PCOS and Fertility Treatments
- Mayo Clinic – PCOS and Getting Pregnant
- FertilityIQ – PCOS Treatment Options
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
