Women's Perspectives Regarding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) After Their Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects approximately 8%-13% of women during their reproductive age, and receiving a diagnosis can deeply affect their emotional well-being and personal choices. This study explores how women's experiences after their diagnosis and examines the influence of diagnosis on their psychological well-being and lifestyle decisions.

DESIGN

This Qualitative descriptive study engaged 40 pre-menopausal women between the ages of 18-45, recruited from the District Headquarter Hospital, Haripur, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted both in-person and telephonically, for flexibility and depth in data collection. Thematic Analysis was carried out using NVivo Software to identify the patterns and key insights.

RESULTS

The majority of participants had irregular menstrual cycles (73%), hirsutism (80%), and weight gain (78%). The challenges faced by women with PCOS were categorized into four key themes: (1) Preliminary Assessment, (2) Psychosocial Impact of Being Diagnosed with PCOS, (3) Health Concerns, and (4) Impact on Life Decisions. This study showed that women with PCOS encounter multiple difficulties; however, they believed that parental and spousal support could help them cope with the syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of timely diagnosis, emotional support, and receiving proper education about PCOS diagnosis and management.