Polycystic ovaries syndrome and its impact on fertility

Abstract

Widely referred to as the thief of womanhood, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)- also known as Stein Leventhal syndrome is a significant public health issue, manifesting reproductive struggles in 8-13% of gynaecological aged woman (1-4). Educating the public by raising awareness is pivotal when managing this condition. In fact, although it may be common knowledge that PCOS affects a woman’s fertility, perhaps only a small minority are aware of the triadic nature of this condition thus neglecting the accompanying endocrine (5,6) and psychological (7-9) ramifications. In essence it is the amalgamation of these three pillars which is responsible for the deeply stigmatizing symptomatology characteristic of PCOS. This eventually culminates in affected women perceiving themselves as being less feminine than their peers (10).