Many women worry if a polycystic ovary can get pregnant. The answer to this question is yes and you just need to follow your doctor's treatment.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that affects the functioning of the ovaries. Typically, you have about 5 follicles that begin to mature during each menstrual cycle and at least one mature follicle at ovulation. A polycystic ovary will have an adult follicle count of 10 or more, most of which will enlarge and mature, but not ovulate.
Only less than one-third of women have polycystic ovaries . Some women go on to develop polycystic ovary syndrome, meaning they also have other symptoms. Polycystic ovary syndrome occurs when the endocrine system is out of balance, causing ovulation to become rare or irregular. Polycystic ovary syndrome also affects about 7% of women of childbearing age and is more common in women of South Asian descent.
If you want to get pregnant, you can consider the following treatments:
The ovulation-stimulating Clomiphene is often used first. If that doesn't work, you may also be given the sex hormone gonadotropins. However, gonadotropins are more likely to over-stimulate your ovaries and cause you to have multiple pregnancies;
If you are obese or are clomiphene resistant, the diabetes drug metformin may also be effective. It will increase the body's sensitivity to insulin, reduce insulin levels with testosterone in the body and help you ovulate normally. This treatment has been controversial because its benefits may not outweigh the risks. This drug has unpleasant side effects such as nausea and vomiting, but can be prevented if used in combination with clomiphene.
You may be prescribed ovarian surgery. A technique called ovarian surface spot burn (LOD) can help some women conceive if clomiphene is ineffective. LOD is more effective and the risk is also lower so it can be substituted for gonadotrophin. LOD destroys the tissues on the ovaries that produce testosterone. The effects of LOD will not last long, but may still improve your hormone imbalance long enough for you to conceive.
If you are overweight, your doctor will likely ask you to try to get a healthy BMI before trying any fertility drugs or methods. Even if you only lose a little weight, this can bring insulin levels in your body closer to normal, making ovulation work again.
The drug clomiphene is very well proven to stimulate ovulation. Ovulation is likely to return in about 70% of women. Studies show that about 29% of women taking the drug clomiphene may also continue to have children.
However, the success of this approach also depends on how long you are on the medication and other factors, such as whether you are overweight or not. For one third of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, the drug clomiphene is not necessarily a good solution. If your BMI ( body mass index ) is greater than 25, clomiphene is less effective.
If you take clomiphene, your doctor will check how your body is responding by giving you an ultrasound. If you are ovulating but are still not pregnant after 6 months of treatment with clomiphene, your doctor will use another treatment, such as intrauterine insemination, ovarian surface scorchoscopy or other fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization.
You should see a doctor and do multiple tests to check your ovaries or uterus if you have unusual bleeding. Your doctor may also ask you to check the amount of hormones in the blood.
You should maintain a healthy lifestyle for good health. To reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, you should lose weight before conception. During pregnancy, you need to monitor your weight to limit the effects on your baby.
Polycystic ovary syndrome increases the risk of weight-related pregnancy complications including:
Diabetes in pregnancy
High Blood Pressure
If you have polycystic ovaries, your risk of miscarriage is also very high. You need to ensure good health during conception to minimize these risks.
If you already have polycystic ovary syndrome, you cannot stop it from growing. So, you need to be detected as early as possible and live a healthy lifestyle to manage your symptoms. If you have both polycystic ovary syndrome and are overweight, it is possible to reverse the symptoms by losing weight. If you have irregular periods or don't have periods, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
To best prepare for pregnancy, learn more about fertility drugs and treatments to help you conceive. In addition, you should safely lose weight before deciding to have a baby.
Prenatal vitamins can worsen nausea, especially on an empty stomach. Learn practical timing and food adjustments, safer options to discuss, and when to call your pregnancy care team.
Nighttime leg cramps are common in pregnancy, but their exact cause is often unclear. Learn likely contributors, safe relief steps, and warning signs that need prompt care.
Pack a small hospital bag with the essentials, protect important medical aids, and check which items your hospital provides or restricts.
Learn when pregnancy swelling can wait for routine discussion, when to call maternity care the same day, and which symptoms need emergency help now.
Ease pregnancy heartburn with smaller meals, smart timing, and pregnancy-aware medication advice—without cutting nutritious foods or skipping prenatal supplements.
Help older children adjust to a new baby with honest, age-appropriate conversations, optional ways to join in, steady routines, and space for mixed feelings.
Try pregnancy-safe pillow positioning and gentle turning strategies for hip pain at night, and learn when persistent pain or other symptoms need medical care.
Morning sickness can ease and return as pregnancy symptoms fluctuate. Learn common triggers, practical steps, and when nausea or vomiting needs medical attention.
Fetal movement can feel different as pregnancy progresses, but a clear change in your baby’s usual pattern needs prompt attention. Learn what may affect what you feel and when to call.
Build a flexible birth plan by comparing pain relief, birth setting, support, and newborn care—and writing backup preferences for an unpredictable labor.
