How Can I Get Pregnant with PCOS?
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility — infertility caused by the absence of regular ovulation. But anovulatory infertility is, in many ways, the most treatable type of infertility, because the fundamental problem — restoring regular ovulation — has clear and effective solutions. Many of my PCOS patients go on to conceive naturally once ovulation is restored.
The Fertility Challenge in PCOS
The primary fertility problem in PCOS is irregular or absent ovulation — without ovulation there is no egg to fertilise. Secondary issues include poor endometrial receptivity (related to insulin resistance), elevated androgens that impair egg quality, and a higher miscarriage rate once pregnancy is achieved. See our full article on PCOS and miscarriage prevention.
Restoring Ovulation
Acupuncture has specific clinical evidence for restoring ovulation in PCOS — Swedish researchers demonstrated that electro-acupuncture improved ovulation frequency significantly in PCOS women compared to controls. The proposed mechanisms include regulation of the HPO axis, reduction of LH/FSH ratio, improvement of insulin sensitivity, and reduction of androgens. Chinese herbal medicine addresses the underlying kidney yang deficiency and phlegm-dampness that characterise most PCOS cases, combining kidney yang tonics with spleen-strengthening and phlegm-resolving herbs.
Diet and Lifestyle
A low-glycaemic diet is the most evidence-backed dietary intervention — reducing insulin directly lowers androgens and supports ovulation. Inositol (myo-inositol 4g daily) improves insulin sensitivity and restores ovulation in PCOS — it is the best supplement evidence specifically for this condition. Regular moderate exercise, weight management where BMI is elevated, and stress reduction all support the restoration of a regular cycle. See our full article on natural remedies for PCOS.
To discuss PCOS and fertility, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
