If you’ve been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you might be wondering what it means for your chances of getting pregnant. The good news? Having PCOS doesn’t mean you can’t conceive—it just means you might need a bit more support along the way.
First, what is PCOS?
PCOS is one of the most common hormone-related conditions affecting people with ovaries. It’s often linked with irregular periods, higher levels of certain hormones (like testosterone), and small fluid-filled sacs (or 'cysts') on the ovaries. It can also cause symptoms like acne, weight gain, and excess hair growth.
While not everyone with PCOS has fertility problems, many do experience issues with ovulation. And because ovulation is key to getting pregnant naturally, this can make it harder—but not impossible—to conceive.
So, can you still get pregnant if you have PCOS?
Yes, absolutely. Lots of people with PCOS go on to have children—some naturally, some with a little help. It all comes down to understanding your body and, if needed, exploring treatment options that can support ovulation and increase your chances of pregnancy.
At Care Fertility, we see patients with PCOS every day, and we tailor treatments to each individual’s needs. It’s not one-size-fits-all. Whether you're trying naturally, thinking about fertility treatment, or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help.
How does PCOS affect fertility?
If you have PCOS, your ovaries might not release an egg every month. Without regular ovulation, it’s harder to predict your fertile window—or even know if you’re ovulating at all.
Some people with PCOS also have higher levels of insulin or androgens, which can further disrupt ovulation. That’s why fertility tests are so important. They give us a clear picture of what’s going on and help us build the right plan for you.
What are your options?
If you're trying to conceive with PCOS, there are several routes you can take:
- Lifestyle changes – For some, small changes in diet and exercise can help regulate ovulation. Even a modest weight loss (around 5-10%) can make a big difference.
- Ovulation induction – Medications like letrozole or clomiphene can encourage your ovaries to release eggs.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) – IVF is a highly effective option for people with PCOS, especially when other approaches haven’t worked. It allows us to carefully control ovulation and choose the best quality embryos.
At Care Fertility, we start by booking your fertility tests, so our specialists can assess your hormone levels and ovarian reserve. Once your results are ready, you'll have a consultation with one of our fertility doctors to go through everything in detail. After that, we’ll send you a summary and personalised treatment plan, including cost estimates, through our dedicated treatment companion app.
From there, we guide you through every step—consent forms, viral screening, your treatment planning meeting with our nurses, and medication from our pharmacy partner, Stork.
You're not alone in this
PCOS can feel overwhelming at times, especially when it’s wrapped up with the emotions of trying to conceive. But you’re not on your own. We understand the frustration, the uncertainty, and the endless Googling at 3am. And we’re here to offer clarity, support, and the best possible care.
Our team is ready to listen, guide, and treat you as a whole person—not just a set of symptoms. Whether you’re just starting out or already exploring fertility treatments, we’re by your side.
Thinking about your next step?
Call us to speak with our patient enquiry team—they’ll help you get booked in for your initial fertility tests. That way, when you meet your doctor, they’ll already have the full picture and can recommend the best way forward.
