Can PCOD Cause Infertility? Know how they are linked

Starting a family is one of the happiest moments in life. But for many women with PCOD, this joy can come with worry. Maybe someone told you, “With PCOD, it is difficult to get pregnant.” Hearing that can turn hope into fear.

You may find yourself asking, 

“Can I conceive naturally?”
“Do I need IVF to have a baby?”
“What if I can never become a mother?”

If you have these thoughts, you are not alone. Many women with PCOD feel the same. The truth is—yes, PCOD can make it harder to get pregnant. But no, it does not mean you cannot become a mother. With the right lifestyle, medical care, and guidance, many women with PCOD conceive and enjoy healthy pregnancies.

Key Points About PCOD and Fertility

• PCOD is common, affecting 6–13% of women in their reproductive years.
• Many women remain undiagnosed, despite clear symptoms.
• It is a leading cause of anovulation (when ovaries don’t release an egg) and infertility.
• Beyond fertility, it’s linked to long-term health concerns like metabolic and emotional health issues.
• The condition often runs in families, though symptoms and severity differ among women.

What Is PCOD?

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) happens when a woman’s ovaries make more small, immature eggs than usual. These eggs do not grow fully and may remain as small cysts inside the ovaries. This happens because of hormonal imbalance.

• Periods may become irregular or stop.
• Some women may notice weight gain, hair growth on the face or body, or acne.

Note: PCOD and PCOS are often used interchangeably. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is the medically preferred term and describes a broader hormonal and metabolic disorder. Both can interfere with ovulation, making conception more difficult.

How Does PCOD Affect Fertility?

In a normal cycle, the ovary releases one mature egg each month. This is called ovulation. In PCOD, the eggs may not mature properly and may stay inside the ovary. This is called lack of ovulation. Without ovulation, pregnancy cannot happen naturally.

Other problems caused by PCOD that affect fertility include:

• Hormone imbalance: Male hormones (androgens) are high, disturbing the cycle.
• Insulin resistance: The body does not use insulin well, which affects egg quality.
• Family history: PCOD can run in families.
• Irregular periods: Makes it hard to track fertile days.

The good news is that PCOD does not make pregnancy impossible. With lifestyle changes and treatment, many women go on to have natural and healthy pregnancies.

Can Women With PCOD Get Pregnant Naturally?

Yes—many women with PCOD do conceive naturally. It may take more time, but it is possible.

Here’s why:

• Even with irregular periods, some women still release an egg occasionally.
• Healthy lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and weight management, can help restore ovulation.
• Tracking ovulation with simple tools like home ovulation kits or temperature charts can improve timing.

It may not always happen quickly, but with patience, self-care, and timely medical advice, natural pregnancy is possible.

PCOD and Infertility: Myths vs Facts

There are many myths about PCOD. Let’s clear them:

• Myth 1: PCOD always causes infertility.
  Fact: Many women with PCOD get pregnant naturally or with simple treatment.
  
  
• Myth 2: Only overweight women get PCOD.
  Fact: Even lean women can have PCOD. Weight is not the only cause.
  
  
• Myth 3: Losing weight cures PCOD completely.
  Fact: Weight loss helps manage symptoms and improves chances of pregnancy, but PCOD needs long-term care.
  
  
• Myth 4: Women with PCOD never ovulate.
  Fact: Ovulation is irregular, not absent in all cases. Treatment can help restore it.
  
  
• Myth 5: PCOD and PCOS are completely different.
  Fact: PCOD is a common term, while PCOS is the medical name. Both refer to similar problems.
  
  
• Myth 6: IVF is the only option for PCOD.
  Fact: Most women conceive with medicines or IUI before IVF is needed.

Treatment Options for PCOD-Related Infertility

Doctors usually follow a step-by-step approach:

1. Lifestyle Management

• Diet: Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sugar and fried foods.
• Exercise: Walking, yoga, cycling, or swimming helps balance hormones.
• Weight Management: Even 5–10% weight loss can improve ovulation.
• Stress Care: Meditation, deep breathing, or counselling can lower stress.
• Sleep: Proper rest supports hormonal balance.

2. Medicines for Ovulation

• Clomiphene or Letrozole: Help the ovaries release eggs.
• Metformin: Improves insulin resistance and regulates cycles.

3. Fertility Treatments

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Sperm is placed in the uterus during ovulation to increase chances.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): Eggs are fertilised outside the body and placed in the uterus. Usually used if other methods do not work.

Final Thoughts

PCOD can make pregnancy more difficult, but it does not mean you cannot become a mother. With early care, lifestyle changes, and proper treatment, many women with PCOD not only conceive but also enjoy healthy pregnancies.

If you are facing PCOD, remember—you are not alone. With the right support, motherhood is very much possible.

FAQs

Does PCOD always cause infertility?

No. Many women with PCOD conceive naturally or with minimal treatment.

At what age does PCOD affect fertility?

PCOD usually starts in teenage years and can affect fertility throughout reproductive years.

Is infertility from PCOD permanent?

No. With lifestyle changes and treatment, fertility can often be restored.

Can PCOD cause miscarriage or pregnancy problems?

Yes, it may increase the risk of miscarriage, diabetes during pregnancy, or high blood pressure. But with medical care, these risks can be managed.

Is IVF the only option for PCOD?

No. Medicines and simpler treatments often work before IVF is considered.

Can men get PCOD?

No. PCOD only affects women, but it can impact a couple’s fertility journey.