Women who intend to have children someday often wonder about the best age to get pregnant. Well, especially with rising health conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the thought of planning a family can be overwhelming. This is not true for every person.
So, can a woman with PCOS become pregnant? Yes, for sure, a woman with PCOS can conceive. So, what is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS? Well, here we will attempt to answer all your questions!
In India, the prevalence of PCOS ranges from 3.7-22.5%. Most women get diagnosed with PCOS in their 20s or 30s when trying to conceive and undergo tests. But what exactly is PCOS? How is PCOS related to pregnancy? Can PCOS affect pregnancy? What is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS? If you are bogged down with all these questions, keep reading!Before we dive into what is the best age to get pregnant or how PCOS and pregnancy are related, let’s first understand PCOS. PCOS is a condition in women causing a hormonal imbalance because the ovaries produce excess androgens (male hormones) usually present in small amounts.
Ovaries are responsible for producing and releasing eggs. In PCOS, the ovaries do not release eggs regularly each month, leading to infertility. Therefore, women with PCOS often have unpredictable menstrual cycles, erratic ovulation, and missed periods.
The exact cause of PCOS is unclear; however, genetics play an essential role. Also, there are higher chances of getting PCOS if you are obese or overweight. However, it is also stated that not everyone with PCOS is obese or overweight, and many who are overweight do ovulate without any issues.
Other factors that may cause PCOS are a higher level of androgen than usual, increased levels of insulin that may cause the ovaries to produce and release more androgen, or chronic low-grade inflammation.
A woman’s peak reproductive years mainly lie between the late teenage years and 20s. A woman in her early to mid-20s has around a 25-30% probability of becoming pregnant every month.
By age 30, the ability to become pregnant starts to lower. This decline may speed up as one reaches their mid-30s. By 40, the chances of becoming pregnant are around 5% monthly.
A woman has a fixed number of eggs in her ovaries. As a woman ages, so do her ovaries and eggs inside them. The number of eggs decreases as she gets older. Also, with age, a woman is more likely to develop health conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, etc., that may affect their fertility.
Women with PCOS constantly want to know the best age to get pregnant. It is hard to give statistics as circumstances depend on the type of treatment and their success rates.
It is challenging to say what’s the best age to get pregnant with PCOS. Most women with PCOS can plan a family with the proper treatment. Therefore, you must consult a gynaecologist if you face difficulties conceiving.
However, irrespective of women with or without PCOS, the chances of conceiving are lower every year after age 30. Several experts advise women younger than 35, with no fertility issues and experiencing regular period cycles or any existing health conditions should try to conceive for at least one year before consulting a doctor. They must consult a gynaecologist after six months of trying to conceive.
Now, you know what is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS. However, one must consult a doctor to manage their PCOS symptoms and improve their pregnancy chances. The proper treatment for PCOS includes lifestyle changes, medication, or both.
If a woman is overweight or obese, losing weight by doing regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet may improve the irregularity of the periods. Losing weight may improve how the body uses insulin, lowering blood pressure and regulating the hormones better.
However, consult your doctor for the right treatment plan. Your doctor will determine the best PCOS treatment based on your medical history, symptoms, other health conditions, and if you want to conceive in the near future.
If you are planning to become pregnant now or in the future, then the treatment includes the following:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can make it more challenging to get pregnant, but there are several tips that can increase the chances of conception. Here are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting pregnant with PCOS:
Be patient. It may take longer for women with PCOS to conceive, but it's essential to remain patient and not lose hope. With proper care and treatment, many women with PCOS can conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.
Often, couples are curious to know what is the best age to get pregnant. After trying for many years, they feel helpless and give up. It's always best to seek advice from a doctor. PCOS can be a reason for infertility. However, you can still have a baby if you have PCOS with the proper treatment.
Now you are aware of how PCOS affects pregnancy. Do you still have any questions about the best age to get pregnant with PCOS? For any related queries, feel free to contact our personal care assistant at HexaHealth. We are happy to help and answer any queries you might have. You can also visit our website to learn more about PCOS and infertility treatments.A woman’s chances of conceiving are lower every year after age 30. Several experts suggest that women younger than 35 with no infertility or other health condition and who have regular period cycles should try to conceive for at least one year before consulting a doctor.
Women aged 35 and above must consult a gynaecologist after six months of trying to conceive. If you are 40 or older, you must seek a doctor’s opinion on family planning.
PCOS may cause health concerns during pregnancy. Women with PCOS have higher rates of gestational diabetes, miscarriage, preeclampsia (a condition with high blood pressure), and Caesarean section.
However, if you have any concerns about your pregnancy with PCOS or want to know the best age to get pregnant with PCOS, please consult your gynaecologist.
Last Updated on: 2 September 2024
MBBS, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diploma In Cosmetic Gynaecology
9 Years Experience
Dr Arti Sharma is a well-known Obstetrician and Cosmetic Gynaecologist currently associated with Aesthetica Veda in Bengaluru. She has 9 years of experience in Obstetrics and Cosmetic Gynaecology and worked as an expert Obstetrician...View More
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