I have PCOD and have been trying to conceive for 5 months — is PCOD the reason I'm not getting pregnant, and what should I do next? - #10455
Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with PCOD, and I have been trying to conceive for the past 5 months without success. In 2020, I had an ovarian cyst that was surgically removed, and after follow-up checks in 2023, I was told everything looked normal—no cysts or other issues. My periods are [regular/irregular—please specify], and I’m not currently on any fertility medications. Could PCOD still be affecting my ability to conceive, even if everything else seems normal? What further tests or steps would you recommend to improve my chances of getting pregnant? Thank you
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Doctors’ responses
Yes. Even without visible cysts on ultrasound, PCOD is a hormonal disorder that can affect ovulation. Women with PCOD may have:
Irregular or absent ovulation
Poor egg quality
Higher LH:FSH ratio
Subtle insulin resistance (even if blood sugar is normal)
This can delay conception despite regular periods and normal imaging.
For Your Partner (Male): Semen Analysis – check count, motility, morphology
When to escalate to fertility support: If no pregnancy after 12 months (or 6 months if >30 years) of regular unprotected intercourse, consult a fertility specialist for:
HSG (tubal patency test)
Advanced ovulation support or IUI/IVF if needed
Hello dear Please be aware Yes there can be chances of pcos affecting your periods Besides medications please follow below schedule Intermediate fasting Meditation must Strict diet following Avoid hormonal therapy Get your self evaluated with gynacolologist after 2-3 months for confirmation Regards
Yes it can affect your ability to conceive Hormone Profile (Day 2–5 of cycle):
FSH, LH, Estradiol Prolactin TSH Testosterone (total and free) AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) — gives ovarian reserve estimate Insulin and fasting glucose — checks for insulin resistance Pelvic USG Male semen analysis HSG if you are trying for more than 1 year
Follow up with these and take Myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol (helps PCOD-related ovulation) Folic acid (400–800 mcg/day)
Yes, PCOD can still affect ovulation and fertility even if cysts are not currently visible. Hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation often persist with PCOD, impacting conception. Consult a gynecologist or fertility specialist for ovulation tracking, hormonal evaluation, and possible fertility treatments to improve your chances.
Yes, PCOD can still affect fertility even if ultrasounds look normal, as it can cause irregular ovulation or hormonal imbalance. I recommend consulting a fertility specialist who may suggest tests like AMH levels, thyroid profile, insulin resistance check, and follicular monitoring to track ovulation. Based on results, treatments like ovulation induction, lifestyle changes, or metformin may improve your chances of conceiving.
PCOD, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, can certainly be a factor affecting fertility even when other aspects appear normal. One of the primary reasons is that PCOD often leads to irregular ovulation patterns due to hormonal imbalances, which can make it more challenging to predict fertile windows or even ovulate altogether. Since you haven’t mentioned whether your periods are regular or irregular, if you’re experiencing irregular cycles, that’s a clue suggesting ovulation may not be consistent, which is common with PCOD. Even without visible cysts currently, the hormonal aspect can still play a critical role. The absence of cysts is positive, but it doesn’t eliminate hormonal irregularity as a factor.
Given your situation, it might be beneficial to consider a few steps. Firstly, you might want to track your ovulation to better understand your cycle. You can do this by using ovulation predictor kits, monitoring basal body temperature, or recording changes in cervical mucus. Each method gives some insight into your fertile window. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight is critical in managing PCOD symptoms. Sometimes even modest weight loss can help restore ovulation regularity and improve chances of conception. Next, a thorough hormonal panel could be useful, assessing levels of LH, FSH, androgens, and insulin resistance markers like fasting insulin or glucose tolerance tests can evaluate if there’s underlying hormonal dysregulation that may need addressing.
Given you’ve been trying to conceive for 5 months without success, it might be wise to seek guidance from a fertility specialist or an ob-gyn, especially considering PCOD. They might suggest treatments like Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole to induce ovulation if natural methods aren’t effective. It’s also worth having your partner undergo a semen analysis to rule out any contributory issues on that end. don’t hesitate to explore these steps further with your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your needs. Working closely with a specialist can increase your chances of a successful conception, while also ensuring any potential areas of concern are thoroughly evaluated and managed.
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