Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is still largely unspoken about across Nigeria. Many people may have heard about it but a lot of them don’t know what’s true or false about the condition. Here are five myths and facts about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
- Every woman with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome grows hair in unlikely places.
Though a common symptom of PCOS is abnormal hair growth, where women grow hair on their chins, upper lips, and chest, not everyone with PCOS will have this symptom. Also, some women who don’t have PCOS grow hair in those places as well. In other words, anybody can grow hair wherever.
- It’s not possible to get pregnant when you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Many people believe that women with PCOS are unable to get pregnant, and it is untrue. It is a common cause of infertility because of how it affects the ovaries but women can still get pregnant even when they have PCOS.
- If your periods are irregular, then you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Yes, irregular periods are a cause for concern and could also be an indicator of PCOS. But not all irregular periods point to PCOS. Other causes of irregular periods are stress, breastfeeding, extreme dieting or overexercising, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease. If you get irregular periods, you should see a gynaecologist.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a rare condition
A hormonal disorder that 1 in 10 women of child-bearing age has is not a rare condition, dear. One reason why people think it is rare is that there is not enough awareness about it so people who have it do not know they do. This is why it is recommended to see a gynaecologist as often as you can once you reach 21.
- Your actions caused you to have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
The cause of PCOS has been attributed to a number of factors including genetics and insulin resistance. However, the actual cause is unknown but what we do know is that it’s definitely not something you did to yourself.
