70 percent PCOS cases go undiagnosed due to misdiagnosis, says Ajayi

According to Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Managing Director of Nordical Fertility Centre, misdiagnosis or a lack of public and healthcare professional knowledge account for 50–70% of misdiagnosed instances of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

During a recent virtual news conference titled "PCOS and Fertility: Navigating Treatment Options," Ajayi emphasised that PCOS is a major contributor to infertility, especially anovulatory infertility, in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

He claimed that in spite of this, there are still misconceptions and an inadequate diagnosis.

In light of the fact that PCOS affects an estimated 10-15% of women and that many cases remain undiagnosed due to low awareness, he emphasised the importance of spreading accurate information about the condition.

As one speaker pointed out, "Too often, women are diagnosed based solely on ultrasound results," which is a prevalent misperception.
Polycystic ovaries may be shown on a scan, however this does not prove the syndrome. The diagnosis encompasses more than just the existence of cysts; the condition must fulfil certain requirements.

Experts state that two of the three main symptoms of PCOS should be present for a correct diagnosis: Menstrual Cycle Disorders: Women with PCOS may have fewer than eight or nine cycles annually. The cause of this irregularity is the halt of follicular development, which prevents ovulation.

Elevated Male Hormones: Also referred to as hyperandrogenism, this condition causes women to grow face and chest hair, as well as alter the distribution of genital hair and the appearance of polycystic ovaries on ultrasounds. However, as mentioned above, this is not necessarily conclusive on its own.