Diagnostic and treatment characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome: descriptive measurements of patient perception and awareness from 657 confidential self-reports

Abstract

BackgroundThis investigation was undertaken to describe patient perception and awareness of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of anovulation/oligoovulation among women of reproductive age.MethodsFifteen parameters were evaluated by a computer-based research instrument accessed by a large, unscreened population. Incomplete questionnaires were not entered, and responses were electronically tabulated to block duplicate submissions.ResultsFrom 657 participants, the majority (63%) were between 26–34 years old; mean BMI was 30.4 kg/m2. 343 of 657 had at least one pregnancy and 61% of the study group had taken fertility medicine (any type) at least once. Physicians were the most common provider of PCOS information for all study participants, irrespective of age. Patient emotions associated with the diagnosis of PCOS included "frustration" (67%), "anxiety" (16%), "sadness" (10%), and "indifference" (2%). Self-reported patient aptitude regarding PCOS was scored as high or "very aware" in >60% of women. Respondents were also asked: "If your PCOS could be safely and effectively helped by something else besides fertility drugs or birth control pills, would that interest you?" Interest in alternative PCOS treatments was expressed by 99% of the sample (n = 648).ConclusionsIn our study population, most women associated negative emotions with PCOS although the self-reported knowledge level for the disorder was high. While these women regarded their obstetrician-gynecologist as integral to their PCOS education, traditional PCOS therapies based on oral contraceptives or ovulation induction agents were regarded as unsatisfactory by most women.

Awareness of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) in adolescent and young girls

“…1 Sills ES et al found that more than 97% (n =638) of the respondents were familiar with PCOS, while 1.9% had not been told about PCOS, and <1% were uncertain. 2 Sills ES et al found that those subjects between age 26-34 were significantly more aware of PCOS than any other age group. 2 Gul S et al found that only 20 out of 177 women had any knowledge about this syndrome.…”

“…2 Sills ES et al found that those subjects between age 26-34 were significantly more aware of PCOS than any other age group. 2 Gul S et al found that only 20 out of 177 women had any knowledge about this syndrome. Out of these 20 women 11 were those who had degrees in Medical Sciences.…”

“…1 Sills S et al found that from 657 participants, the majority (63%) were between 26-34 years. 2 Moghul S found that the increasing trend of PCOS is predominantly seen in the age group 15 to 30 years. 8 …”

“…1 There 1 The prevalence has been increasing in the adolescent population. 2 In more than 40% of cases, PCOS is associated with obesity, as well as impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. 3 While the pathophysiology of PCOS remains unclear, insulin resistance has been implicated as a major causative factor.…”

Developing clinical practice guidelines for Chinese herbal treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: A mixed-methods modified Delphi study

“…[1][2][3] Primary care management typically involves oral contraceptives and insulin-sensitising agents which have been associated with intolerable side-effects, poor adherence and increased metabolic risk. [4][5][6][7][8] This highlights issues with current management and warrants exploration of other treatments that could be more acceptable.…”