PCOS, Ovaries And Ovary Pain

Effects Of PCOS

There is some debate among doctors as to whether PCOS causes ovary pain or not. But before we get to that, let's start this article with a definition of PCOS. 

What is PCOS in women? Polycystic ovary disease or syndrome (often abbreviated PCOS) is a medical condition that occurs when many cysts begin to grow on a woman's ovary. The name comes from way the ovaries look when you have the condition: they're enlarged and contain a lot of small cysts along the outer edges.

PCOS typically occurs in women during their child-bearing years and can have an effect on a woman's ability to get pregnant. The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unclear at this time. Research indicates that approximately 1 woman in 20 is affected by PCOS.

Effects of PCOS include

• acne,
• excess hair growth (hirsutism),
• obesity, and
• infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods.

Other effects of PCOS include making it more difficult for a woman to become pregnant. This results from irregularities in the woman's cycle caused by PCOS or an inability to ovulate. In fact, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility.

PCOS's effects include the risk of long term complications. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with it, as are high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease and stroke. If it is diagnosed early, the risk of long term effects of PCOS can be minimized.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is also associated with a condition called acanthosis nigricans, which features darkened, velvety skin on certain parts of the body. Acanthosis nigricans is a symptom of insulin resistance.

Does PCOS cause ovary pain, or not? According to Frederick R. Jelovsek, MD, of the Women's Diagnostic Cyber website, many doctors don't believe PCOS ever actually causes ovary pain. In fact, he says, most insurance companies won't authorize a hysterectomy for PCOS pain.

But there definitely is such a thing as pelvic pain that many women think is ovary pain from PCOS. According to Dr. Jelovsek however, the root cause of this pain is probably something other than PCOS.