“Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, which means there is no one-time treatment for the condition,” Dr. Ressler tells Health Digest. “However, there are many ways to successfully manage PCOS,” she offers.
“Pregnancy can be attempted while actively managing PCOS[.] [H]owever, certain commonly used treatments, such as birth control pills, will need to be stopped once you are ready to conceive.” Dr. Ressler states that in addition to symptom management, conception takes precedence in a patient’s treatment plan for those looking to become pregnant. “When treating PCOS, if someone is trying to conceive, that becomes our priority and focus with the treatment,” she says.
Dr. Ressler explains that treatment plans for people with PCOS generally involve medication. “The first-line treatment for PCOS is a combination birth control pill, which contains estrogen and progesterone. This will prevent pregnancy while [the patient is] taking it, but it does not impact future fertility,” she states. “Once you are ready to conceive, the birth control pill will be stopped, and ovulation may resume.”
Dr. Ressler points out that in some cases, more medication may be required. “Additional medication may be needed to assist with inducing ovulation in some people with PCOS,” she says. “Treatments that improve metabolic health will increase the success of fertility treatment, as well as decrease the risk of gestational diabetes.”