Can I have an abortion if I have polycystic ovary syndrome?

If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and have an unwanted pregnancy, you can have an abortion with pills in the privacy of your own home. At  Aya Contigo you can get doulas ready to accompany you online if you wish to safely terminate your pregnancy.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that may be caused by insulin resistance, inflammation, heredity or excess androgens, but the exact cause is not established.

It affects the ovaries, where cysts form that often prevent ovulation. Because of this, between 70 and 80% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome suffer infertility, but this does not completely prevent pregnancy.

Read - Can pre ejaculation get you pregnant?

However, if you decide to have an abortion, the process is no different from that of any other pregnant person.

Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms

PCOS affects between 8 and 13% of women, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).Its main distinguishing symptom is irregular periods. Long periods without menstruation or flow much heavier or for several days longer than average.

People with irregular menses (less than one per month) are at risk for a thickening of the uterine lining that can eventually become a precursor to uterine cancer or uterine hyperplasia.Treatment of irregular menses consists of taking hormones or using an IUD with progesterone.

The increase in androgens also causes facial hair, acne, baldness and insulin resistance. But each person experiences it in a different way and intensity. It is more frequent in Caucasians and women of mixed ethnicity.

Polycystic ovary syndrome complications

Once you have conceived, if you have PCOS you are more likely to have a miscarriage, preeclampsia, and have a larger baby and premature delivery.

Other complications include gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, miscarriage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety and eating disorders, and cancer of the uterine lining, also called endometrial cancer.

Some 60% of women with this syndrome are obese. The WHO stresses that this is an important public health problem and one of the most frequent hormonal alterations affecting women of reproductive age.

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"The biological and psychological effects of polycystic ovary syndrome, especially those related to obesity, body image and infertility, can lead to mental health problems and social stigmatization."

Abortion with PCOS

Although PCOS can make pregnancy difficult, it is still possible. If you are sexually active and don't want to get pregnant, it's important to use effective birth control. Here we have a test and all the updated information you need to find a suitable contraceptive.

If you have an unwanted pregnancy, you can have an abortion at home with pills just like anyone else, as this syndrome does not affect the safety and effectiveness of abortion pills.

If you want loving and non-judgmental accompaniment, Aya Contigo has a section dedicated to explaining how the pills work and you have the option to chat with our doulas to get all the information you need, completely personalized.

What happens to PCOS after abortion?

After having a miscarriage, your PCOS symptoms may change. Pregnancy causes significant changes in hormone levels.

When a pregnancy is terminated, either naturally or by abortion, the body undergoes another hormonal change as it readjusts. These changes can affect the delicate hormonal balance of people with PCOS, causing a temporary worsening of symptoms.

After a miscarriage, periods can be even more unpredictable, with missed periods, heavier or lighter bleeding, or more frequent cycles.

Hormonal fluctuations can also trigger acne breakouts or increased hair growth in unwanted areas (hirsutism), both common symptoms of PCOS.

Stress and hormonal changes after a miscarriage can further contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

In addition, both PCOS and the experience of a miscarriage can be physically and emotionally stressful. In most cases, these changes are temporary and the symptoms will eventually return to their initial state.

Read - Why don't abortion pills work if you have an ectopic pregnancy?

It is crucial to underline that abortion does not cause PCOS because PCOS is a pre-existing hormonal disorder.

Most people are undiagnosed

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition faced by many women and 70% of them remain undiagnosed worldwide, which means they are not receiving adequate treatment.

PCOS treatment is part of menstrual health and self-care. This can include medication with birth control pills, which help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms.

While lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and proper sleep hygiene, can help reduce weight and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Contact us at Aya Contigo for information about your sexual and reproductive health. We are here for you.