Fertility expert Dr. Abayomi Ajayi has brought attention to the fact that, despite the fact that it is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month, almost 70% of women with PCOS go untreated.
One of the main causes of anovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age is PCOS, a prevalent hormonal disorder.
According to Ajayi, the medical director of Nordica Fertility Centre in Lagos, PCOS is the most common cause of hormonal abnormalities in women who are reproductive age, which frequently results in irregular menstruation and disturbed ovulation.
During a webinar that the fertility facility hosted to increase awareness of the disease, he provided this information.
Every year, during September, there is a global healthcare event known as PCOS Awareness Month. Its goals are to help people living with PCOS manage their symptoms and lower their chance of acquiring major health disorders like diabetes.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 8–13% of women who are of reproductive age have PCOS. Despite being a major cause of infertility, the illness is so common that up to 70% of women globally do not have a diagnosis.
“PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age, often starting in adolescence but fluctuating over time,” says Dr. Ajayi.
He went on to explain how PCOS can cause irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and ovarian cysts, making it difficult for women to conceive. Ajayi stated that, while there is no cure for PCOS, its symptoms can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, and fertility therapies.
He underlined that the issue is chronic, which means that affected women will have to deal with it for the rest of their lives, and that understanding how to treat it is critical.
He made the point that while the precise origin of PCOS is uncertain, genetics may play a role. He declared, “Women will have to live with PCOS because there is no treatment for it.
It is a prevalent anomaly and the main contributor to anovulatory infertility. Sadly, 50–70% of women with PCOS go misdiagnosed, which frequently results in incorrect diagnoses.
Ajayi emphasised the significance of an accurate diagnosis and course of therapy, pointing out that a definitive diagnosis of PCOS cannot be made unless two of the three symptoms are present.
He emphasised that women may experience varying degrees of symptoms, such as elevated testosterone levels and insulin resistance, with some enduring milder variants of the illness and others encountering more serious complications, such as weight gain and infertility.
In order to control their disease and infertility, the gynaecologist encouraged women with PCOS to seek adequate medical care from professionals.
The success rate of using fertility medications for ovulation induction is 80% when appropriate examination and therapy are provided. IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies may be useful if this method is ineffective in conceiving a child, according to Ajayi.
He also talked about the psychological effects of PCOS, emphasising that the illness is associated with depression in many women and urging medical personnel to be mindful of these issues.
In order to ensure that women with PCOS receive the finest care possible to control their condition and increase their chances of conception, Ajayi finished by encouraging them to consult with maternal health specialists for a complete evaluation and treatment plan.
In Essence
The statistic that up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed is alarming, as it means many women are missing out on early intervention, which can help mitigate the long-term effects of the condition.
PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility due to its impact on ovulation, and untreated, it can also lead to other significant health problems, including diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Ajayi’s emphasis on accurate diagnosis is crucial. Since PCOS can present with a range of symptoms irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, ovarian cysts, insulin resistance women may not always recognize the signs or may be misdiagnosed, as he mentions.
Early and correct diagnosis is key to managing symptoms and improving quality of life, and women should be encouraged to seek specialized care, especially given the psychological toll the condition can take.
