Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that disrupts normal ovulation and hormonal function. It is common among women of reproductive age, with as many as 5 million women in the United States affected each year. Though this is a fairly common disorder, there are still many misconceptions that surround PCOS. Here are some of the leading myths about polycystic ovary syndrome.
- PCOS means you have cysts on your ovaries.
If you have had an ultrasound that did not show any cysts on your ovaries, this does not necessarily mean that you do not have PCOS. Many women with PCOS will not have visible cysts on their ovaries, and many women with cysts on their ovaries do not have PCOS. Often, it is the presence of other symptoms that will lead to the diagnosis of PCOS.
- PCOS means you can never have a baby.
Even though many women with PCOS are infertile, having polycystic ovary syndrome does not mean that you will be completely unable to conceive. Some women with PCOS are able to become pregnant with no assistance, while some are able to become pregnant with minor assistance, such as fertility medications. In vitro fertilization is another option that, though costly, is typically very effective if other methods have proven unsuccessful. Depending on the severity of your PCOS, your fertility doctor will work with you to figure out the best way to approach your infertility.
- All women with PCOS are overweight.
Although many women with polycystic ovary syndrome are overweight or obese, it is still possible for this condition to affect thin women as well. No matter your weight, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PCOS, you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
- You will know if you have PCOS.
Even though the symptoms of PCOS are very straightforward for many women, it will not necessarily be obvious that you have PCOS. This condition is associated with a wide variety of sometimes vague symptoms, which means it can take years to reach a definitive diagnosis. Also, there are other rare conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. This is why it is important to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms that feel out of the ordinary for you.
- There is a cure for PCOS.
Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for polycystic ovary syndrome. However, there are many different treatment methods that can work to treat various symptoms. If you are diagnosed with PCOS, your treatment plan will depend on many things, such as your exact symptoms, whether or not you are trying to become pregnant, and your risk for complications such as heart disease or diabetes. Treatment will usually begin with lifestyle modifications including exercising and eating healthy in order to lose weight. This is because being overweight not only magnifies the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, but it also increases your risk for other health problems. Losing even 5% of your body weight can significantly improve the symptoms of PCOS.
