CONCERNS ABOUT FERTILITY, SOCIAL APPEARANCE, AND RELATIONSHIPS IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Problem Statement: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinological and metabolic disorder characterized by a range of symptoms and complications, which is observed in 1.14-11.04% of women of reproductive age. Due to the perceived impacts of the changes caused by PCOS, this study aimed to determine the concerns regarding fertility, social appearance, and relationships in young adults with PCOS.

Methods: The study was planned as a comparative-descriptive study and included 140 young adults (aged 18-26 years) who were diagnosed with PCOS and agreed to participate in the research between July and December 2022 in Turkiye. The data of the study were collected by online survey using a "Participant Interview Form" and "Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS)." The data were analyzed using percentages, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, and t-tests. Ethical approval was obtained prior to the study.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.1±2.1. Seventy percent of the participants were undergoing treatment for PCOS, 78.6% experienced menstrual irregularities, 72.9% expressed concerns about future infertility, and 44.3% reported feeling fearful about the associated concerns. Eighty percent of the participants expressed dissatisfaction with their physical appearance due to PCOS symptoms. Sixty-one point four percent occasionally worried about being unable to conceive in the future due to PCOS, while 74.3% felt somewhat or moderately at risk. Twenty-three point six percent believed that their future relationships with their partners could be affected, while 48.6% were undecided. The mean SAAS score was 40±14,1 (min=18, max=80; scale range 16-80). The SAAS scores were significantly affected by the variables including income, body mass index, regular exercise, PCOS symptoms (hirsutism, obesity, depression, irritability, insulin resistance), concerns related to PCOS (general health concerns and concerns about partner relationships), body image, and concerns about social relationships (dissatisfaction with physical appearance/femininity, self-confidence, social and emotional concerns), and concerns about partner relationships (impact on partner relationships, thoughts of distancing from marriage, anticipation of negative impact on future relationships with partners) (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It was determined that young adults have concerns about the potential negative impact of PCOS on fertility, social appearance, and relationships.