How to Get the Most Accurate Pregnancy Test Results with PCOS & Improve Your Chances of Conception

Learn how early you can take a pregnancy test with PCOS and how often to retest

Is your period late because you’re pregnant, or because of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? When you’re trying to conceive, waiting to take a pregnancy test might feel like forever, but we're here for you. Since you likely have irregular periods, figuring out when to do a home pregnancy test can feel like a guessing game. To put your mind at ease, we've answered all your questions about PCOS and pregnancy tests. We also have advice for improving your chances of conceiving and for having a healthy pregnancy.

Things You Should Know

  • Take a pregnancy test if you think you could be pregnant or it's been 2 to 3 weeks since you've last had sex and you haven't had a period.
  • Wait until after you've missed a period to take a test, and do it first thing in the morning so you get the most accurate results.
  • Use any test that's not labeled as a "rapid response test" because they'll give you a more accurate reading.
Section 1 of 6:

When to Take a Test

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    Take a pregnancy test the day after your period is late. Since irregular periods are common with PCOS, you may miss periods on a regular basis.[1] It can be super frustrating to have to guess whether you’re pregnant or just having an irregular cycle. To be on the safe side, go ahead and do a pregnancy test if you think you could be pregnant.
    • Lots of tests say they can tell you if you’re pregnant just a few days after conception. However, those tests are actually less accurate. Most tests don’t give accurate results until the day after you miss a period.[2]
    • Because PCOS can cause false negatives, it's advised that you avoid early detection tests and test whenever you think you might be pregnant (ideally, more than once).
    • You probably know that PCOS can make it harder for you to get pregnant, but you can still have a baby.[3]
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    Test if you had sex 2 to 3 weeks ago but haven’t gotten your period. Most people get their period about 14 to 16 days after they ovulate—unless they’re pregnant.[4] Since you don’t have regular periods, it’s possible that you’ve missed your period because of your PCOS. At the same time, you might be pregnant if you were ovulating around the time you had sex. If you’re trying to conceive, take a test to see if you might be pregnant.
    • Retest a week later if you still haven’t gotten your period.[5]
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    Take the test first thing in the morning for the most accurate results. You’ll get more accurate results if you use concentrated urine because it contains higher levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG. Your urine is the most concentrated in the morning right after you wake up because you haven’t been to the bathroom in hours. Leave your pregnancy test by your toilet so you can take it right after you wake up.[6]
    • If you miss your window, it’s okay to take a pregnancy test any time of the day. You’ll get the best result in the morning, though.
    • PCOS won’t cause a false positive. Even though PCOS affects your hormones, it won’t change your HCG levels. Since HCG is what a pregnancy test checks, it’s not possible for PCOS to cause a false positive.[7]
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Section 2 of 6:

What’s the best pregnancy test for PCOS?

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    Use any pregnancy test other than a rapid response test. PCOS increases your chances of a false negative on a pregnancy test, so early-response tests aren’t a good option for you.[8] You’ll get more accurate results from a test that works after you’re supposed to get your period.[9] A regular home pregnancy test is your best bet.
Section 3 of 6:

Can PCOS cause false results?

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    PCOS can cause false negatives on pregnancy tests. Because PCOS causes hormone imbalances, you might get a false negative on a home pregnancy test. Generally, this is more likely to happen right after you get pregnant when your HCG levels are low.[10] Because of this, it’s a good idea to retest if you don’t get your period.
    • There are other reasons why you might get a false negative, like the test being expired, doing the test too early, checking the results too soon, or doing the test wrong.
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    Fertility treatments may cause a false positive. While they’ll help you get pregnant, fertility treatments also make it hard to get an accurate answer from a home pregnancy test. Since these medications contain the pregnancy hormone HCG, they can raise your hormone levels high enough to cause a false positive.[11] If you’re on a fertility drug, visit your doctor to confirm your test results.
    • While you’re doing fertility treatments, wait until you notice other early signs of pregnancy before you take a pregnancy test.
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Section 4 of 6:

Early Signs of Pregnancy

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    You’ll have the same early signs as someone without PCOS. You know the tell-tale sign of missing your period, but that one’s not so reliable when you have PCOS. Instead, look for the other common symptoms of early pregnancy. You might have:[12]
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Nausea
    • Sore or tender breasts
    • Bloating
    • Mood swings
    • Changes in taste or smell
    • Cravings
    • Frequent urination
Section 5 of 6:

Improving Fertility

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    Eat a healthy, low carb diet. When you have PCOS, your body might not digest carbs as well as other people do. Plus, a high carb diet makes your body release more insulin, which can worsen your PCOS.[13] Stick to a low carb diet to help manage your PCOS, especially while you’re trying to conceive.[14]
    • Fill up on protein, healthy fats, and leafy greens.
    • Snack on low carb fruits.
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    Take a vitamin D supplement if you’re deficient. As many as 85% of women with PCOS have a vitamin D deficiency.[15] Since vitamin D is essential to the healthy functioning of your reproductive system, this deficiency may contribute to infertility struggles if you have PCOS. A daily vitamin D supplement, which may be included in a prenatal vitamin, may help you get pregnant more easily.[16]
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    Exercise 3-4 days a week. Regular exercise may help manage your PCOS symptoms. As part of an active lifestyle, exercise for 30 to 40 minutes several days a week.[18] Choose an exercise that you enjoy so it’s more fun. You could try:
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    Lose weight if you’re overweight. If you’re carrying extra weight, losing even 5% of your body weight could help you improve your hormone levels.[19] Because of this, managing your weight may help regulate your cycle and increase your fertility.[20] Check with your doctor to find out how much weight you should lose.
    • Sticking to your diet and exercise goals should help you shed some extra pounds.
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    Ask your doctor about medications to trigger ovulation. To treat your PCOS, your doctor can prescribe medications that regulate your cycle.[21] Your doctor might prescribe a medication called Clomid to stimulate your ovaries to release an egg.[22]
    • Because this medication stimulates your ovaries, you’ll have a higher chance of conceiving multiple babies in one pregnancy.[23] Keep that in mind if you decide to take it.
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    Talk to your doctor about IVF. Getting invitro fertilization (IVF) can help you get pregnant even if you aren’t ovulating.[24] During this procedure, your medical team will remove one of your eggs and fertilize it. Then, they’ll insert the embryo back into your womb in the hopes that it’ll implant and you’ll become pregnant.[25]
    • IVF procedures aren’t always successful, and your doctor may decide to transfer more than one embryo into your uterus to increase your chances of getting pregnant. If all of the embryos implant, you could have multiple babies.
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    Consider ovarian drilling if nothing else works. There is a minimally-invasive surgery called ovarian drilling that can help you have regular periods. During this procedure, a surgeon will create holes in your ovarian lining to lower your testosterone levels and allow your eggs to pass through. About 50% of women who have ovarian drilling get pregnant within a year, and it doesn’t increase your chances of having multiple births.[26]
    • Ovarian drilling does have some risks, though. You might experience bleeding or infection, as well as complications from anesthesia. Although it’s rare, the surgery could injure your blood vessels, bladder, or bowel.
    • If your ovaries are already really damaged, ovarian drilling can worsen your fertility. Talk to your doctor to find out if that’s a risk for you.[27]
    • In most cases, you’ll be more fertile for about 6 to 8 months after you get the surgery.[28]
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Section 6 of 6:

Having a Healthy Pregnancy

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    Talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant. Your doctor may want to change your PCOS treatment plan while you’re trying to conceive. Some treatments may not be okay to take while you're pregnant, and your doctor can help you choose a better option.[29]
    • Your doctor can also help you pick the right treatments to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
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    See your doctor to confirm your home test results. Even though home tests are super accurate, they do make mistakes. Your doctor can do a blood test to make sure you’re pregnant—or to make sure you aren’t getting a false negative. Call your doctor to set up an appointment.[30]
    • If you are pregnant, it’s important to start prenatal care right away. PCOS can increase your risk of pregnancy complications like miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. Your doctor can help you reduce your risks.[31]
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    Ask your doctor if metformin is right for you. Metformin is a medication that’s often used to manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Some studies show that taking metformin while you’re pregnant and have PCOS can help reduce your risk of losing your baby. Additionally, metformin may lower your chances of developing gestational diabetes, which helps you have a healthier pregnancy.[32]
    • If your doctor prescribes metformin, make sure you take it as directed.
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    Take a daily prenatal vitamin. When you’re pregnant, your body needs extra nutrients, and so does your baby. While it’s a good idea to start taking a prenatal vitamin before you get pregnant, it’s essential after you’ve conceived. Talk to your doctor about exactly which vitamin will meet your nutritional needs.[33]
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    Continue to eat healthy and exercise. While all expectant mothers should pay careful attention to their diet, your nutrition will be especially important if you have PCOS.[35] That’s because when you have PCOS, your risk of getting gestational diabetes is higher than it is for someone without the condition. During your pregnancy, continue eating a diet high in low-fat proteins like chicken and turkey, healthy fats from sources like avocado, and leafy green vegetables like spinach or kale.[36]
    • To keep your energy up, try eating 3 small meals a day, and 2-4 healthy snacks in between your meals.
    • If you’re not sure what you should be eating each day, talk to a dietician, and have them help you make a plan for how many calories a day to eat, how many times a day you should eat, and what types of foods to choose to help maintain healthy glucose levels.
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    Check your blood glucose if your doctor recommends it. If you’ve struggled with your blood glucose levels, your doctor may be especially concerned that they could get too high during your pregnancy. They may recommend that you use a blood glucose meter to monitor your blood sugar. This is typically done by using the needle on a glucometer to prick your finger. Then, place a drop of blood onto a strip and insert the strip into the meter to get your reading.[37]
    • Your doctor will tell you how often to check your blood sugar, as well as what times of day you should do the test.
    • If your blood glucose levels are normal, you will probably not need to check them daily, unless they rise later in your pregnancy.
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    Prepare yourself for the possibility of a C-section. When you have PCOS, the increased risk of complications means you have a higher chance of having to undergo a C-section when your baby is born. By being aware of the higher risk, you can accept that this may be the safest outcome for you and your baby, which may help you if you were hoping to have a natural birth.[38]
    • Remember, the most important thing is that you and your baby have a safe, healthy delivery.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Is being pregnant with PCOS high-risk?
    Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
    Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
    Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist
    Dr. Joshua U. Klein is a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Co-Founder of Extend Fertility. He specializes in IVF, egg freezing, infertility, fertility preservation, artificial insemination, and treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Klein has been published in numerous peer-reviewed academic journals such as Science, Fertility and Sterility, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. He holds a BA in English from Yeshiva University and an MD from Harvard Medical School.
    Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
    Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
    Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist
    Expert Answer
    It can be, unfortunately. Women with PCOS have a higher rate of miscarriage early on in their pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. They may also be at risk for developing glucose intolerance or insulin resistance during the second trimester.
  • Question
    Does PCOS cause big babies?
    Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
    Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
    Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist
    Dr. Joshua U. Klein is a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Co-Founder of Extend Fertility. He specializes in IVF, egg freezing, infertility, fertility preservation, artificial insemination, and treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Klein has been published in numerous peer-reviewed academic journals such as Science, Fertility and Sterility, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. He holds a BA in English from Yeshiva University and an MD from Harvard Medical School.
    Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
    Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
    Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist
    Expert Answer
    PCOS can cause macrosomia, which is the medical term for a high-weight baby. Macrosomia might require to you have a C-section, and can add extra risks to a vaginal delivery. Keep in mind also that in some cases of macrosomia, the baby may be born with low blood sugar.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
  2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
  3. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
  4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23439-ovulation
  5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
  6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
  7. ↑ https://www.shreeivfclinic.com/gynaecology/pcod/
  8. ↑ https://www.shreeivfclinic.com/gynaecology/pcod/
  9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
  1. ↑ https://www.shreeivfclinic.com/gynaecology/pcod/
  2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
  3. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/signs-and-symptoms-of-pregnancy/
  4. ↑ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html
  5. ↑ Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG. Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
  6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4669857/
  7. ↑ Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG. Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
  8. ↑ Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG. Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
  9. ↑ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html
  10. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/treatment/
  11. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
  12. ↑ Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG. Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
  13. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
  14. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
  15. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443
  16. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007279.htm
  17. ↑ https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/ovarian-drilling-for-infertility/
  18. ↑ https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/ovarian-drilling-for-infertility/
  19. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
  20. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
  21. ↑ https://utswmed.org/medblog/home-pregnancy-tests/
  22. ↑ https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/more_information/FAQs/pregnancy
  23. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3493830/
  24. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/prenatal-vitamins/faq-20057922
  25. ↑ Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG. Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
  26. ↑ Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG. Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
  27. ↑ https://www.pcosaa.org/pcos-pregnancy-and-delivery-complications/
  28. ↑ https://www.pcosaa.org/pcos-pregnancy-and-delivery-complications/
  29. ↑ Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG. Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. Expert Interview. 20 August 2021.
  30. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

About This Article

Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
Medically reviewed by:
Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG
Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist
This article was medically reviewed by Joshua U. Klein, MD, FACOG and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Dr. Joshua U. Klein is a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Co-Founder of Extend Fertility. He specializes in IVF, egg freezing, infertility, fertility preservation, artificial insemination, and treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Klein has been published in numerous peer-reviewed academic journals such as Science, Fertility and Sterility, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. He holds a BA in English from Yeshiva University and an MD from Harvard Medical School. This article has been viewed 139,890 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 13
Updated: January 20, 2023
Views: 139,890
Categories: Pregnancy | Ovarian Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

If you have PCOS, it can be hard to know whether you're pregnant, since your periods may be very irregular. Instead of watching for a missed period, pay attention to other signs of early pregnancy, including tender breasts, nausea, abdominal bloating, low back pain, and having to urinate more often than usual. If you still think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test or visit your doctor. Keep reading to learn how diet and exercise can help regulate your ovulation if you have PCOS!

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