As the world marks Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, fertility expert Dr. Abayomi Ajayi revealed that approximately 70% of women with PCOS are unaware of their condition due to a lack of awareness. PCOS, a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age, is a leading cause of infertility, particularly anovulatory infertility, which is the inability to ovulate.
Dr. Ajayi, the Medical Director of Nordica Fertility Centre in Lagos, spoke during a webinar organized to raise awareness about PCOS, which is the most common cause of hormonal imbalance in women. “PCOS often disrupts ovulation and causes irregular menstruation, making it difficult for women to conceive,” Ajayi explained.
Globally, PCOS affects between 8% and 13% of women of reproductive age, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite being so widespread, many women remain undiagnosed due to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. Ajayi emphasized that diagnosing PCOS requires identifying two of three key symptoms: irregular periods, high androgen levels, or cysts in the ovaries.
Ajayi pointed out that while the exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, genetics could be a contributing factor. Though the condition cannot be cured, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments.
“Fertility treatment for women with PCOS usually begins with an ultrasound and physical examinations to detect conditions like insulin resistance, which is linked to weight gain and fertility issues,” Ajayi said. He added that fertility medications can have a high success rate, with about 80% of women responding to ovulation induction drugs.
Ajayi urged women experiencing PCOS-related symptoms to seek proper evaluation from maternal health specialists. “With the right treatment, many women can overcome infertility challenges posed by PCOS,” he concluded.
Source – thepunchnews
