PCOS and fertility: can you still get pregnant?
Written by the Zoya team · Medically reviewed by Dr. Saima Gulnaz, MBBS, FCPS · September 2026
PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility, and polycystic ovaries are one of the hormonal causes of irregular periods. Here's what that does and doesn't mean for your chances of conceiving.
Can PCOS cause infertility?
Yes. PCOS — also called PMOS — is one of the most common causes of infertility because it prevents regular ovulation. These women can achieve pregnancy with lifestyle modification and appropriate treatment.
Can I get pregnant if my periods are irregular?
Yes, you may conceive even with irregular cycles, but such a pattern makes conception less predictable and you may face difficulty.
Can lifestyle changes improve fertility?
Yes. By managing certain lifestyle factors — quitting smoking, weight management, treating infections in good time, and managing hormonal issues — fertility can be improved.
Does an ovarian cyst affect fertility?
Not necessarily. A simple ovarian cyst does not affect fertility on its own. But if the cyst is caused by endometriosis or certain other ovarian conditions, it may affect your fertility. If you have an ovarian cyst, your doctor can guide management based on its size, type, and symptoms.
More questions our doctors have answered
PCOS isn't the only hormonal cause of irregular ovulation — thyroid problems and high prolactin are two others our doctors are commonly asked about.
Can thyroid problems affect fertility?
Yes. Both an overactive and an underactive thyroid can affect your fertility. Thyroid problems can affect fertility by disturbing your menstrual cycle, your ovulation, or your pregnancy outcomes.
Can a high prolactin level cause infertility?
Yes. A high prolactin level can suppress ovulation and disturb the menstrual cycle, and therefore affect fertility. Treatment depends on the cause. If you're diagnosed with high prolactin, your doctor will explain the proper management plan.
(For the general timeline on when to seek fertility help, and for causes unrelated to ovulation, see our guide on why both partners should be checked.)
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you're 35 or older with irregular cycles — you may need much earlier assessment and treatment. More generally: seek medical help after 12 months of trying if you're under 35, or after 6 months if you're 35 or older, have irregular cycles, have had any pelvic infection, or have any mass diagnosed on ultrasound.
Log BBT and LH tests to see your fertile window clearly, and export doctor-ready stats with Zoya.
Related
- Trying to conceive for a year? Why both partners should be checked
What counts as infertility, why it isn't 'the woman's fault', what causes it on either side, and what evaluation and treatment actually involve.
- Your fertile window: how to tell when you're ovulating
What the fertile window actually is, how to recognise ovulation, and how often to have intercourse if you're trying to conceive.
Zoya provides educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical care.