Thirteenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

This study explores the psychosocial implications of living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), labeled as a lifestyle disease. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and two Focus Group Discussions. Following themes emerged: i. Relationship with self, ii. Relationship with food, iii. Relationship with the doctor, and iv. Social relations. We found that women suffer from serious psychological trauma with low self-esteem and feeling worthless. PCOS makes their relationship with food quite difficult, as everyone suggests lifestyle modifications. This begins with eating home-cooked food- a difficult proposition for working women. All respondents except one said that they wished their treating doctor were more empathetic and did not blame the patient for PCOS! In terms of social impact, we discovered that all families have a clear divide, where the fathers are empathetic, but the mothers are concerned about the respondent’s infertility and they constantly coax them for a better lifestyle. We observed that all married respondents have empathetic spouses, who do not pressurize them to change. It is clear that all the women have made peace with infertility and they are ready to adopt kids. Some of them are developing fatigue in trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle and are on the verge of giving up. The solutions for this problem should address the following: i. Doctors need to be trained in counseling PCOS patients, ii. Organizations need to think of women with PCOS, mostly in emotional management and home-cooked food, iii. Over-emphasis on medication might not work for everyone.