If you, like many women, are trying to conceive (TTC), PCOS does not mean you should give up your dream. Fertility is a big issue for most women. Up to around 50 years ago, many women were married at a young age-eighteen to twenty years-conceived immediately and had between eight and twelve children over their lifetime. At the time there were very few contraceptive choices. Today, most women are waiting until they are in their thirties to try for a baby. It is a well known fact that female fertility declines as they get older-this is usually for two main reasons. First, as women age, so do their eggs. If you are 30 years old, then your eggs are about 31 years old. Second, as you age, there is an increased risk of developing a problem (such as appendicitis, endometriosis, a pelvic infection) that might impair fertility. Some men find that their sperm count falls with increasing age.

However, many women with PCO are incorrectly told that they are infertile. Some young women think this means that they can have unprotected sex and as a consequence find themselves unexpectedly pregnant. with PCOS seem to have no trouble conceiving either. However, some do need help to get pregnant.

If you have polycystic ovaries and regular periods, it is very unlikely that you will have trouble getting pregnant. Symptoms of ovulation include mid-cycle pelvic pain, premenstrual irritability, bloatedness and breast soreness-these aren't very nice but indicate that you probably are having regular ovulations. Ovulation can be tracked with temperature charts and ovulation detection kits.

As stated, most women with PCOS and even irregular periods can conceive. There have been many women with PCOS who have one or two periods a year and who have several children, never having taken fertility drugs. There are many things a woman can do herself to boost fertility, like losing weight around the midrift and exercising. There are many documented cases of women with PCOS conceived after losing 4-5kg. It is a good idea to start this before you try to get pregnant as there is a risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy.

In summary, fertility issues can be a big concern for women that are suffering with PCOS. Many women with PCOS will get pregnant naturally. A low fat diet combined with exercise promotes both ovulation and conception and tends to prevent miscarriage. So keep on TTC, PCOS should not prevent you from your dream of having your own baby.