Is the chance of getting pregnant with polycystic ovary syndrome high?

Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
Updated on February 10, 2025
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) manifests as absent or irregular menstrual periods, and is also associated with obesity, hirsutism, insulin metabolism disorders, as well as elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The mechanism behind the development of PCOS is unclear but may be related to genetic factors, diet, and lack of exercise. Due to the irregular menstrual cycles, which stem from anovulation (lack of ovulation), the likelihood of pregnancy decreases. It is challenging to calculate the specific probability of pregnancy, but overall, the chances of becoming pregnant with PCOS are very low, although there is still a possibility. Treatment for PCOS generally starts with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding staying up late and refraining from eating sweets. Weight management is also crucial; weight gain is recommended for those who are underweight, whereas weight loss is advised for those who are overweight, along with appropriate exercise.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The difference between polycystic and polycystic ovary syndrome

Some women may discover they have polycystic ovaries during occasional gynecological exams. If their menstrual cycle is regular, with good ovulation, and does not affect pregnancy, then it is just a polycystic ovarian state, not called polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome primarily involves irregular menstruation, poor ovulation, and difficulty in becoming pregnant. The condition of polycystic ovary syndrome varies greatly among individuals; some show clear signs of high androgens or have laboratory tests indicating high androgen levels, and many people experience a significant increase in luteinizing hormone, among other symptoms. Therefore, these are two different conditions.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome naturally conceive?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by symptoms such as amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. In cases of PCOS, the chances of natural conception are slim unless one regularly maintains a disciplined lifestyle, manages PCOS through exercise, weight loss, and a regulated life routine which normalizes hormone levels, thus enabling normal ovulation and the possibility of natural conception. Otherwise, a distinctive feature of PCOS is anovulation, and to achieve conception, hormone levels must be normalized. Once hormone levels are normalized, some individuals may ovulate on their own, while others may need medication to stimulate ovulation. Therefore, the chances of natural conception with PCOS are very low.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome cure itself?

Strictly speaking, polycystic ovary syndrome is a chronic disease, just like hypertension, which does not have concepts of being cured or healing naturally. It's just that symptoms vary from person to person, and the degree of impact differs. For example, some people have ovulation disorders, often characterized by sparse menstruation or amenorrhea; some have high androgen levels in the blood, often characterized by excessive hair growth and acne; others may have metabolic abnormalities, commonly manifesting as obesity. If patients adjust their lifestyles well, the long-term impact can be relatively minor, but this should not be considered self-healing.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to cultivate dominant follicles in polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial disease and a polymorphic clinical endocrine syndrome, characterized mainly by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. It is one of the most common causes of menstrual irregularities in women of reproductive age and is also a cause of female infertility. Women often desire to have children and upon discovering they have polycystic ovary syndrome, they may use ovulation-inducing drugs under the advice of a doctor. Ovulation-inducing drugs can help develop dominant follicles. If you have tried a wide range of Western medicines with limited success, you can also consider using traditional Chinese patent medicine or herbs under a doctor’s prescription to further cultivate dominant follicles. Because the development of dominant follicles requires expertise, it must be conducted under the direction and advice of professional medical practitioners. If you have further questions, it is advisable to consult a doctor at a hospital for more detailed information.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome be treated with surgery?

Polycystic ovary syndrome can be treated surgically. There are two methods of surgical treatment. For patients with high levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, laparoscopic ovarian drilling can be performed, which has advantages such as definite therapeutic effect, minimal injury, and moderate cost. Possible issues with laparoscopic ovarian drilling include ineffective treatment, pelvic adhesion, and reduced ovarian function. Previously, ovarian wedge resection was commonly used, which could lower androgen levels, alleviate symptoms of hirsutism, and increase pregnancy rates. However, due to the high incidence of adhesions around the ovaries after surgery, this method is no longer commonly used clinically.