Trying to conceive with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can feel like navigating a maze.

On top of that, Irregular periods, a hallmark symptom of PCOS, make tracking ovulation, AKA, the crucial window for pregnancy, a real challenge.

But here’s the thing: knowing how PCOS affects your cycles and adapting to an ovulation tracking method that helps you track it best can actually make your conception journey easier.

At Arva, we’re diving deeper into why you may have to go for alternate methods of tracking ovulation with PCOS and top tips to conceive naturally!

So, PCOS girlies, gather. Let’s breakdown the cheat code to tracking our fertility window, with PCOS!

Read on!

How does PCOS affect ovulation?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that disrupts the ovaries' normal functioning. It's characterised by the presence of small cysts on the ovaries, irregular periods, and excess androgen (male hormones). This hormonal imbalance can disrupt ovulation, making it infrequent or even absent altogether.

Can you use ovulation tests with PCOS?

Actually, no. And here’s why.

Standard ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) rely on detecting a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that typically precedes ovulation by 12-24 hours.

This LH surge triggers the release of an egg from the ovary. However, for women with PCOS, the story gets a little trickier. Here's why OPKs might not be the most reliable option:

Chronically elevated LH

Women with PCOS often have consistently higher baseline levels of LH throughout their cycles. This means the LH surge that normally precedes ovulation might be less pronounced or even absent. OPKs look for a significant increase in LH compared to your baseline, but with PCOS, that baseline might already be elevated, leading to:

• False Positives: The OPK may detect a small rise in LH within the already high baseline, mistakenly indicating ovulation when it hasn't actually occurred.

• Missed Ovulation: A true LH surge might not be significant enough to be detected by the OPK, leading you to miss your fertile window.

Tracking your ovulation with PCOS

While OPKs might not be ideal, other tracking methods can offer more reliable insights into your fertile window with PCOS, such as:

• Cycle tracking apps: These user-friendly apps allow you to log your menstrual cycle, mood swings, cervical mucus consistency, and other bodily changes. By analyzing this data over time, the app can predict your fertile window based on past cycles.

• Cervical mucus tracking: During your cycle, your cervical mucus changes in consistency and texture, reflecting hormonal fluctuations. Around ovulation, your mucus becomes thin, clear, and stretchy, resembling egg whites (often referred to as "fertile cervical mucus"). Tracking these changes can give you clues about your fertile window.

• Basal body temperature (BBT) tracking: This method involves taking your temperature first thing upon waking, before any activity. After ovulation, progesterone levels rise, causing a slight increase in your BBT. Recording your BBT daily can reveal a temperature shift, potentially indicating ovulation.

Why is it harder to track ovulation with PCOS?

Having PCOS can make cycle tracking a bit more complex, due to the fact that there are:

• Irregular cycles: The unpredictable nature of periods with PCOS makes it harder to identify a pattern for ovulation prediction.

• Multiple LH surges: As mentioned earlier, elevated LH levels are common, creating confusion about the actual timing of ovulation.

• Stress: PCOS and fertility concerns can be stressful, and stress itself can disrupt ovulation, further hindering tracking efforts.

But, here’s the thing:

While irregular ovulation presents a challenge, it doesn't have to be a dead end on your path to parenthood. The good news is that many women with PCOS conceive naturally, thanks to minor lifestyle changes like a healthy weight, balanced diet, and regular exercise, which help improve ovulation regularity.

Do I need fertility treatment with PCOS?

If you've been trying to conceive for a year without success (or six months if you're over 35), it's recommended to consult a fertility specialist.

They can assess your individual situation and recommend the most suitable treatment plan, including fertility medications or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilisation (IVF), or IUI (Intra Uterine Insemination). Here’s a breakdown:

• Medication: Fertility medications like Clomid or Letrozole can stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS. These medications work by targeting the pituitary gland, encouraging it to release more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which helps follicles develop and mature eggs.

• Ovulation induction: If medications like Clomid don't work, your doctor might recommend ovulation induction with injectable medications. These medications stimulate multiple follicles to develop, increasing the chances of one releasing a mature egg.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):

In some cases, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) might be recommended, such as:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI): This involves placing washed sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, increasing the chances of fertilisation.

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): During IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory dish, and then healthy embryos are implanted back into the uterus.

By combining healthy lifestyle habits with potential medical interventions and exploring tracking methods suited for PCOS, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. Remember, consulting a fertility specialist to discuss your individual situation and explore the most suitable options is crucial for optimising your path to parenthood

How can I conceive naturally with PCOS?

Having PCOS doesn't mean you can't conceive naturally. Here are some ways to enhance your conception rates:

• Prioritise a balanced diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Manage your weight, as even moderate weight loss can improve ovulation in PCOS.

• Move your body: Regular exercise helps manage insulin sensitivity and regulate hormones, potentially improving ovulation regularity.

• Manage stress: Chronic stress disrupts hormones, so prioritize stress-management techniques like meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.

• Consider supplements: Discuss taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid and consult your doctor about potential benefits of additional supplements like inositol for PCOS.

How Arva can help on your path to parenthood

With PCOS, understanding where you lie in the spectrum and how it affects your fertility is key.

A fertility test can be a good first step to get started. With Arva, you get to test 11 crucial hormones to understand your fertility better.

At Arva, we believe in supporting you every step of the way. Our resources include guides, tests, and services such as connecting with experienced fertility specialists for 1-1 PCOS management sessions.

With all these, you also get access to a super-supportive community we’re building at Arva!

You deserve all the support on your PCOS and conception journey. We’re here for you ❤️