What Is The Best Age To Get Pregnant With PCOS? Expert Weighs In

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition that is characterized by hormonal imbalances and metabolic issues. One of the key features of PCOS is the insulin resistance which has a direct effect on natural hormone production from the brain responsible for egg growth and egg release from the ovary. Another important feature includes excessive production of androgens, which are typically male sex hormones present in small quantities in women. This hormonal imbalance can lead to various symptoms such as the growth of facial and body hair (hirsutism) and the development of acne.

Optimal Age to age to get pregnant with PCOS

A woman’s prime reproductive years typically span from the late teenage years through her 20s. In her early to mid-20s, a woman has a relatively high probability, around 25-30%, of becoming pregnant each month. By age 30, this ability begins to steeply decline to merely 5% in your early 40s. When combined with a condition like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), there may be an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications, but it’s important to understand that achieving pregnancy is still possible.

For women contemplating when to start a family, especially in the context of conditions like PCOS, the decision can be complex. At this point, it is important to note that every individual is different and the optimal age varies with circumstances depending on one’s treatment type and success rates. That being said, experts encourage couples, especially the ones in their 30s, to start as soon as they can, because it can take a while to conceive and in light of a miscarriage, you might have to heal and repeat the process.

Factors Boosting Fertility

To understand how fertility is affected in PCOS, one has to know that the increased body weight has a direct effect on optimal hormone levels which gets disturbed causing inadequate egg growth and egg release from the ovary. To ensure fertility it is of prime importance to reduce the weight as much as possible. If that doesn’t work some medicines might be added by the fertility specialist causing egg growth and ovulation. To monitor the presence and timing of successful ovulation there are many ways such as:

1. Basal Body Temperature: This method involves noting your temperature each morning before getting out of bed. Your basal body temperature typically rises slightly after ovulation. By gaining an understanding of BBT over several months, prediction of one’s fertility window can be made. After ovulation, if there is an increase in temperature, typically by 97.6°F to 98.6°F. If the BBT remains elevated for 18 or more days, it may be an early sign of pregnancy.
2. Ovulation Predictor Kit: Ovulation predictor kits look for a rise in luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone responsible for triggering ovulation. It provides information by assessing one’s urine of preceding days before ovulation is set to occur. A positive result indicates that ovulation is imminent and that you should start having sex regularly.As useful as the kits are, they present a set of limitations for people with PCOS. As PCOS interferes with hormone balance and causes persistently high levels of LH, the test may show a false positive reading (meaning that you aren’t having ovulation even if the test says that you are). For this reason, it is important to speak with your doctor before using an ovulation kit if you have PCOS.
3. Cervical Mucus Observing your cervical mucus is an additional method for determining your fertile period.As ovulation approaches, the texture of the mucus will shift from being dense and dry to becoming moist, elastic, and slick. Hence, alterations in cervical mucus can provide an insight into ovulation cycle.
4. UltrasoundSerial ultrasounds of follicle growth monitoring are the most definitive ways to detect and confirm ovulation.
5. Weight ManagementIt’s important  for women with PCOS to maintain a healthy weight, as a healthy BMI can regulate hormone balance, decrease insulin resistance and enhance chances of having spontaneous ovulation and pregnancy.
6. Exercise Regular physical activity plays a vital role in managing PCOS symptoms. Aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week. Include a mix of aerobic activities like brisk walking or swimming and strength training exercises for the best results.
7. PCOS DietA well-balanced diet can help regulate hormones and enhance fertility in women with PCOS.

Prioritize intake of low-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates, including whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables, to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Include healthy sources of protein such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based options like beans, lentils, and tofu. Integrate healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil into your diet to support hormone balance and overall well-being.