Pnm-2: The Stigma of Womanhood Thief: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: In many ways, the experience of stigma has come out of the closet but yet it remains a seriously neglected issue in the global response to some chronic disease such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common hormonal problem in women which can be a precursor to many life threatening conditions including type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This means PCOS contributes to some of the leading causes of death or disability in women today! The symptoms of PCOS can be not only physically debilitating, but also emotionally and psychologically wrenching. Infertility, Irregular or absent menses, excess hair growth on face and body, male-pattern hair thinning, acne and obesity can make the stigma in both visible and hidden, physically and psychologically. For many women, learning that they have PCOS is shattering. It can distort their basic definitions of womanhood. Shame anger, guilt, denial, and blame are just some of the emotions she and her partner may be dealing with. Fertility treatment for PCOS can involves emotional, ethical, moral even religious dilemmas. PCOS and social stigmas around symptoms, adversely impact on self-efficacy, fail to conform to societal norms, decreased sexual self-worth, sexual satisfaction, emotional health, self-esteem and body image, loss of feminine identity and sexuality, impaired quality of life, maladaptive coping strategies such as avoidance of social interaction. Many people feel ashamed of their PCOS and often try to hide it as they can sense other people's judgment. These women also may react by internalizing and accepting negative attitudes about themselves, and may increase unhealthy behaviors. Stigma against the condition itself may keep people from admitting they need counseling or other help. Sometimes the discrimination feels worse than the illness itself. Materials and Methods: This is a review about PCOS stigma. Results: Therefore, stigma reduction efforts should help people understand what it is and what it does. Conclusion: Clinicians should pay attention to the psychosocial dimension of PCOS, regardless of symptom severity or treatment response. Other efforts: • Psychological counseling and participation in a PCOS support group in order to enhance a woman's sense of control and reduce shame and stigma. • Disseminate information and facilitate knowledge sharing. It's also useful to know about their rights. • Providing social support by their social communities, which may include spouses, family members, friends, and acquaintances. • Foster collaboration between individuals and groups for the purposes of research, programming and advocacy.