About one in 10 women of childbearing age worldwide are diagnosed with Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and the condition is getting more common these days.

One of the main symptoms of PCOS being difficulty in getting pregnant, pregnancy can be quite challenging for women with PCOS. Although difficult, pregnancy is not impossible for women suffering from PCOS.

Follow these ways to conceive if you have PCOS:

1. Medical Treatment Options- There are various medical treatment options including fertility drugs like Clomiphene and procedures like IVF that have been prescribed for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you should consult your gynecologist who can help you develop a plan to conceive soon.

2. Dietary Changes- It is very common to underestimate the effects of dietary changes. It has been proved a lot of times that when women make lifestyle modifications, especially dietary ones, it can help achieve a healthy pregnancy. One study has reported that ovulation rates have improved by about 50% with dietary changes. Thus, follow the right PCOS-diet and get healthy.

3. Regular Exercise- Regular physical activity can be a powerful way to improve your reproductive health. It is evident that women with PCOS who did progressive resistance training could reduce insulin resistance and lower their testosterone and androgen levels. Aerobic exercises can help improve insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.

pregnant-woman
A teenager is suing health officials in South Africa after she gave birth to her baby's decapitated head while the body remained in her for 24 hours. In this representational picture, a pregnant woman holds her stomach in Sydney, June 7, 2006. Getty Images/Ian Waldie

4. Effective Stress Management- The effect of psychological impact on infertility has always been ignored. Be informed that there is a link between our emotional state and our hormones. Coping with stress is crucial for general health, but particularly very important for women with PCOS to take care of their emotional health. Studies have reported elevated levels of cortisol hormone during stressful situations. Cortisol not only reduces one’s ability to cope up with stress but also causes fat accumulation and insulin resistance. Thus, for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant, it is important to manage stress and keep cortisol at bay. Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and massages to reduce stress.

5. Remain Hopeful- It is very important for women with PCOS to remain hopeful. Staying motivated can be the secret ingredient that can make the above-mentioned medical and lifestyle interventions work. So, don’t lose hope, ever!

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