How PCOD Affects Fertility & What You Can Do About It

When Trying to Conceive Becomes Difficult

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant but face irregular periods, weight gain, or acne, you might be dealing with PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) — one of the most common causes of infertility in women today. The good news? PCOD doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. With the right care, planning, and support, many women with PCOD go on to have healthy pregnancies.

At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic in Lucknow, we offer personalized, non-judgmental fertility care — especially for women dealing with PCOD-related fertility challenges. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is PCOD, and How Does It Affect Fertility?

PCOD is a hormonal condition where the ovaries produce higher levels of androgens (male hormones), and small cysts may develop on the ovaries. This hormonal imbalance leads to:

• Irregular or absent ovulation

• Delayed or missed periods

• Hormonal acne and excess facial/body hair

• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

The biggest issue with PCOD and fertility is anovulation — the inability to release an egg regularly. Without ovulation, fertilization can’t happen, which makes conception difficult.

How to Know If PCOD Is Affecting Your Fertility

If you’ve been trying to conceive for over 6–12 months without success, and you experience any of the following, it may be time for an evaluation:

• Irregular periods or long gaps between cycles

• Sudden weight gain, especially around the abdomen

• Persistent acne or hair growth on the chin, chest, or abdomen

• History of PCOD or infertility in your family

At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic, we perform a detailed assessment including pelvic ultrasound, hormonal tests (AMH, FSH, LH, insulin, TSH), and lifestyle evaluation to determine the exact cause of infertility.

How PCOD Affects Egg Quality and Ovulation

Even if you’re producing eggs, PCOD can affect their quality and release. Often, eggs may remain trapped in underdeveloped follicles, or hormonal signals may not trigger ovulation at all.

Additionally, high insulin levels and inflammation in PCOD can interfere with the maturation of eggs, reducing the chances of successful fertilization and implantation.

Fertility Treatment Options for Women with PCOD

The best part? PCOD-related infertility is highly manageable with the right medical and lifestyle interventions. At our clinic, we offer step-by-step care — starting from the least invasive options and moving upward only if needed.

1. Lifestyle Changes and Natural Ovulation

• A 5–10% reduction in body weight can restore ovulation in many women

• Balanced diet with low-glycemic foods and high fiber

• Regular activity like walking, yoga, or strength training

• Stress reduction through meditation or counselling

These changes not only improve fertility but also regulate cycles and improve hormonal balance naturally.

2. Ovulation Induction with Medication

If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, oral medications like Letrozole or Clomiphene Citrate may be prescribed to help the ovaries release an egg. These are taken in the early part of the menstrual cycle and monitored with follicular tracking ultrasound.

This is often the first step in fertility treatment for PCOD.

3. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

If ovulation is restored but pregnancy doesn’t occur, IUI may be considered. This involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus during the fertile window. It’s minimally invasive and improves the chances of fertilization.

4. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

In women with severe PCOD, multiple failed IUIs, or very irregular ovulation, IVF may be the most effective option. At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s fertility clinic in Lucknow, IVF is performed with personalized protocols to:

• Stimulate the ovaries gently

• Retrieve the best quality eggs

• Fertilize and transfer the healthiest embryo

We also offer frozen embryo transfer, if needed, to give the body more time to prepare.

Does PCOD Mean High-Risk Pregnancy?

Once pregnant, women with PCOD may have a slightly higher risk of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, which is why early antenatal care is important. At our clinic, we provide close pregnancy monitoring, nutrition support, and lifestyle counselling to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Many women with PCOD go on to deliver healthy babies naturally or via C-section — with the right medical support.

When to Seek Help

You should consult a fertility specialist if:

• You’ve been trying to conceive for 6–12 months without success

• Your periods are consistently irregular

• You have symptoms of PCOD and are planning to start a family soon

• You feel overwhelmed or confused about your options

At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic, we believe in empowering women with knowledge, gentle guidance, and honest care — not pressure or rushed decisions.