Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects up to five million women of reproductive age. Characterized by ovarian cysts, elevated levels of androgens, and irregular menstrual cycles, this condition has no cure. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths floating around about PCOS and how it affects women. By debunking some of these myths, women can be better informed about PCOS and seek out gynecological care if needed.

Myth 1: PCOS Only Affects Women Who Are Overweight 

Perhaps the biggest myth about PCOS is that it only affects women who are overweight. While it's true that unwanted weight gain is often a side effect of PCOS, this isn't always the case—and being overweight doesn't cause PCOS to occur. In reality, there is nothing you can do (or not do) that will prevent PCOS because the exact cause of the condition isn't yet understood. In most cases, PCOS is believed to be genetic, so if you have a family history of the condition, you're more likely to develop it yourself regardless of your weight or BMI.

Myth 2: You Can't Get Pregnant With PCOS

Another commonly perpetuated myth about living with PCOS is that it always causes infertility. In reality, many people with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. However, getting pregnant with PCOS can be more difficult due to the irregular cycles and the anovulatory cycles (where an egg is never released) that are so common with this condition. As a result, women trying to conceive with PCOS may need to more carefully track their cycles in order to get pregnant. In some cases, an OBGYN may also need to prescribe a medication to induce ovulation.

Myth 3: PCOS Doesn't Impact Your Overall Health and Wellness

Many women with PCOS do struggle with fertility, but this isn't the only impact that the condition can have on a person's health and wellness. Unfortunately, those with PCOS are more likely to experience other health complications that include diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes is especially common in those with PCOS because of the insulin resistance that often comes along with the condition itself.

If you have symptoms of PCOS (such as irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty losing weight, or insulin resistance), it's a good idea to reach out to your OBGYN for further screening. Simple gynecology services (such as bloodwork and ultrasounds) can often diagnose this condition. From there, you and your doctor can work on a plan for managing the condition and its side effects as much as possible.

Contact a local gynecology service, such as FemmeWell, to learn more.