6 Common Myths About PCOS and Fertility That Doctors Want You to Stop Believing

Polycystic ovary syndrome, better known as PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age. Yet despite how common it is, many myths continue to surround the condition, particularly when it comes to weight, fertility and pregnancy.

Myth 1: PCOS means you can’t get pregnant. PCOS can make ovulation irregular or less frequent, which can make conception more difficult for some people. But having PCOS does not mean you are infertile. Many people conceive naturally, while treatments that help induce ovulation can also improve the chances of pregnancy when needed.

Myth 2: PCOS is your fault. There is no simple lifestyle choice that causes PCOS. Researchers believe genetics and multiple biological factors play a role. Blaming someone for developing the condition is not only inaccurate, but can also add unnecessary stress to a condition that already affects quality of life.

Myth 3: Losing weight will cure PCOS. Healthy lifestyle changes can be an important part of managing PCOS, particularly for people who need help managing weight or metabolic risk. But PCOS is considered a lifelong condition, and there is no single diet or amount of weight loss that permanently cures it.

Myth 4: Everyone with PCOS is overweight. That’s not true. PCOS can occur in people across different body sizes, which is one reason symptoms should not be dismissed simply because someone’s weight falls within a particular range. Current guidelines specifically recommend assessing metabolic health in people with PCOS regardless of BMI.

Myth 5: PCOS is reversible. Symptoms can often be managed successfully, but there is currently no permanent cure for PCOS. Treatment is tailored to the person’s symptoms and goals and can include lifestyle support, medication for particular symptoms and fertility treatment when pregnancy is desired. For people experiencing infertility because they aren’t ovulating regularly, current international guidelines recommend letrozole as the first-line medication for ovulation induction when there are no other infertility factors.

Myth 6: If you have PCOS, you’ll automatically develop diabetes. PCOS does increase the risk of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, but an increased risk is not the same as a certainty. Current guidelines recommend that people with PCOS have their blood sugar status assessed and monitored, with additional attention when planning a pregnancy.

The biggest takeaway is that PCOS does not have to define someone’s future health or fertility. Understanding the condition, monitoring metabolic health and working with an appropriate healthcare professional can help manage symptoms and address fertility concerns. If you’re experiencing irregular periods, signs of excess androgen or difficulty conceiving, a healthcare professional can help determine whether PCOS or another condition may be involved.