Experts are sounding the alarm as statistics reveal that over 50% of women’s fertility (reproductive age) is affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent hormonal disorder known to disrupt ovulation and hinder natural conception.
This surge in PCOS cases could potentially lead to a spike in infertility rates, prompting a higher demand for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Health specialists and gynecologists issued this warning during Pakistan’s First International PCOS Summit 2024.
Gynecologists from various regions of the country emphasized the urgency of raising awareness among young girls at school and college levels, highlighting that up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed and endure lifelong suffering.
Professor Dr. Rizwana Chaudhry, a senior gynecologist, stressed the absence of a cure for PCOS, emphasizing the importance of symptom management and addressing potential complications. She advocated for a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management, as crucial for symptom management and overall well-being.
The prevalence of PCOS poses a significant public health concern for Pakistani women, according to speakers at the summit. They cautioned that besides burdening healthcare systems with the need for diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management, PCOS can also inflict emotional distress due to symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and infertility.
Gynecologist Professor Saqib Siddiq highlighted the multifactorial nature of PCOS, attributing its high prevalence in Pakistan to genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as increased sugar consumption, refined carbohydrate intake, and sedentary habits. He underscored the rising trend of unhealthy diets and physical inactivity among Pakistan’s youth, emphasizing the urgent need for further research to explore potential environmental contributors to PCOS.
