Did you know that every 1 in 10 women have PCOS? This endocrine disorder is becoming more and more common due to rising stress levels. So, if you’ve been diagnosed with this condition, know that you will be okay. Women with PCOS can live a completely healthy and happy life. But they need to make a few lifestyle and diet adjustments. For example, instead of refined carbohydrates, you should consume whole grains and other types of complex carbohydrates. Similarly, you should avoid excess intake of caffeine and alcohol. Also, you should make it a habit to research properly to select only the best PCOS supplements for fertility. Don’t just buy any supplement or use trial-and-error to find the right product. This could lead to serious consequences! However, before you do any of this, it’s important to debunk the common myths about PCOS and fertility. This will help you understand the condition better and make well-informed decisions about it. Let’s get started!

8 Common Myths About PCOS and Fertility

Myth 1: PCOS Always Leads to Infertility

PCOS refers to a hormonal disorder that affects the production of eggs and leads to irregular menstrual cycles. But, while infertility can be challenging for some women with PCOS, it is not an absolute outcome. The degree of fertility problems varies from person to person. Many women with PCOS can still conceive with appropriate management and medical support. The key is to regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles. Women can do this by making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and following a balanced diet. This can improve hormonal imbalances and increase the chances of ovulation. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications to stimulate ovulation.

Myth 2: Women with PCOS Always Need an IVF

Another associated myth is that women with this condition cannot conceive naturally. PCOS affects ovulation and hormonal balance. But with the right measures, many women can still become pregnant without resorting to any reproductive technologies. Since tracking ovulation is difficult due to irregular cycles, women can track other ovulation symptoms like an increase in cervical mucus and breast tenderness. They can also use ovulation predictor kits to identify their fertile window. Women can also try in vitro fertilization (IVF), but it is not mandatory. You can definitely get pregnant without it.

Myth 3: Getting Pregnant Cures PCOS

In some women, pregnancy improves PCOS symptoms. But this doesn’t mean the condition is cured or reversed. This is simply not possible! During pregnancy, the hormones shift a lot in the woman’s body. This increases insulin sensitivity and reduces the effects on skin/hair. However, this is temporary, and the hormonal fluctuations return after childbirth. For long-term management, it’s important to take care of lifestyle and diet changes even after pregnancy. Consume a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight to manage PCOS symptoms effectively.

Myth 4: Thin Women Can’t Have PCOS

Women with PCOS are usually overweight and obese. This is because their body resists the effect of insulin and triggers intense sugar cravings. If a woman isn’t mindful of the diet, she may end up gaining a lot of weight (which is usually the case). But this doesn’t mean PCOS is limited to overweight people. It can affect women of all body types, including those who are thin or have a normal body mass index (BMI). Remember that the diagnostic criteria for PCOS include specific symptoms like irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and ovarian cysts on ultrasound. BMI and weight are not the determining factors.

Myth 5: Birth Control Pills Make PCOS Worse

Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) are often prescribed to women with PCOS to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels. For many women, birth control pills can help manage certain PCOS symptoms. While it is true that birth control pills do not treat the underlying hormonal imbalances of PCOS, they can provide relief from irregular periods, acne, and excessive hair growth (hirsutism). For some individuals, alternative treatment options may be preferred, but birth control pills are not harmful to women with PCOS.

Myth 6: PCOS Is Just a Reproductive Issue

PCOS primarily affects a woman’s reproductive health, but that doesn’t make it a reproductive issue. Instead, it is a multifaceted hormonal disorder that can impact various aspects of a woman’s health. For example, PCOS limits the effect of insulin and leads to weight gain. It also increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease in the long run. Similarly, it also triggers acne and excessive hair growth. So, if a woman wants to manage PCOS effectively, she must focus on both reproductive and overall well-being.

Myth 7: Women with PCOS Will Develop Ovarian Cancer

Having PCOS does not mean a woman is at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. PCOS and ovarian cancer are distinct conditions with different causes and risk factors. While intense hormonal imbalances and ovarian cysts characterize PCOS, ovarian cancer is a malignancy that can occur in any female. It doesn’t matter whether she has PCOS or not. It’s important for women to get regular health checkups and screenings. But never assume that you will also have ovarian cancer just because you have PCOS.

Myth 8: PCOS Is Rare

PCOS is surprisingly common. As mentioned, it affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the world. But, despite its prevalence, PCOS often goes undiagnosed due to its different symptoms and complexities. For example, some women are skinny, and others are overweight. Similarly, some have baldness, and some have excessive hair growth. The symptoms are different in everyone, so it’s important to consult a professional even if you doubt the condition.

Last Words

PCOS can indeed create complications for fertility. But if you take proper care and adjust your lifestyle according to your condition needs, it’s possible to reduce pregnancy difficulties to an absolute minimum. Many women with PCOS are enjoying a normal life – only because they’ve understood their condition through reliable sources of knowledge. They didn’t believe in these myths and consulted a professional for all their queries. So, if you have PCOS, we highly recommend not believing in whatever people say about your fertility. Just focus on what the doctor says and stay positive!