PCOS & Fertility

By The babystart® Team · General information · 6 min read

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age — and one of the most common causes of fertility difficulties. If you've recently been told you might have PCOS, or you suspect you do, here's a clear overview of what it is, how it can affect fertility, and where to go from here.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal condition linked to how the ovaries function. It's associated with irregular hormone levels, including higher-than-typical androgens ("male" hormones that are also naturally present in women), and often with insulin resistance — where the body's cells don't respond to insulin as effectively as they should. Together, these factors can disrupt the regular pattern of egg development and ovulation.

How PCOS can affect fertility

The most direct link between PCOS and fertility is ovulation. Because the hormonal imbalances involved in PCOS can prevent eggs from maturing and being released regularly, cycles are often irregular or unpredictable — and in some cycles, ovulation may not happen at all. Without regular ovulation, it naturally becomes harder to time conception, since there's no reliable fertile window to work with each month.

It's worth stressing that a PCOS diagnosis does not mean pregnancy isn't possible. Many women with PCOS go on to conceive, often with a combination of lifestyle approaches, cycle tracking, targeted nutritional support, and where needed, medical treatment guided by a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle & nutritional approaches

Because insulin resistance plays such a central role for many women with PCOS, lifestyle approaches often focus on supporting healthy insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance. In general terms, this can include:

• Balanced, regular meals that help manage blood sugar and insulin levels throughout the day.
• Regular movement, which is broadly associated with improved insulin sensitivity.
• Targeted nutrients, such as Myo-Inositol, which has been studied for its role in insulin signalling and ovulatory function in women with PCOS.
• Working with a healthcare professional to understand your individual hormone picture and the options available to you.

None of these approaches are a guaranteed fix, and what works varies from person to person — but together they form a sensible, evidence-informed starting point that many women with PCOS build on with their doctor or specialist.

Targeted support with FertilOva®

FertilOva® is a fertility supplement focused on two well-researched ingredients: Myo-Inositol and Folic Acid. It combines Myo-Inositol, an ingredient that has been widely studied in women with PCOS, with the folic acid recommended for anyone trying to conceive.