Incidence of polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome amongst women in Melbourne, Australia.

BACKGROUND

The incidence of polycystic ovaries (PCO) in the Australian population is unknown.

AIMS: To determine the incidence of PCO in a random population of Melbourne women.

METHODS

A retrospective survey of the transvaginal ultrasound of female partners of sterile males was undertaken.

RESULTS

Twenty-three percent of subjects had polycystic ovaries on ultrasound criteria, 17% bilateral and 6% unilateral.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PCO in Australian women is similar to that of other Caucasian populations.