Personal Struggles of Women Diagnosed with Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome
Corpuz, Karylle Anne C. Palima, Raven M. Ramirez Jr., Christopher T. Reyes, Danielle Jayne G. Rivera, April C.
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
1 out of 10 women at a child-bearing age is known to be affected by
the endocrine and reproductive disorder, called Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome (PCOS), in the country. Women with this disorder are at a
higher risk of developing cardiac diseases, as well as Type 2 Diabetes, by
the age of 40. However, various studies have shown that women diagnosed
with PCOS often struggle with the lack of information from their
physicians, body image issues, as well as their psychological well-being
(CORE Philippines, 2020). They had to adhere to cultural beauty
standards, hence, their strong need for social support groups.
The key purpose of this research is to explore and have an in-depth
understanding of the personal struggles of women diagnosed with PCOS.
Reasearch Problem
The study investigated the personal experiences of women diagnosed with
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Specifically, it aimed to answer the following
questions:
1. What are their struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
2. What are their personal ways of coping with Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome?
Theorethical Framework
Guided by the Feminist Theory, it views the lived struggles of women with
Polycystic Ovary syndrome encompassing; the lack of understanding and
empathy from a medicinal standpoint, in addition to; societal, psychological,
and physical struggles from the existing structures of power and discrimination
against women. It intends to bring awareness and recognize the said struggles.
Conceptual Paradigm
Personal Struggles of Women Diagnosed
with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Personal Ways of Coping up
Personal Struggles with
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
with Polycysitc Ovary
Syndrome
Significance, scope and limitation
The research was conducted using an exploratory-descriptive
approach to explore the personal struggles of women diagnosed
with PCOS. The approach is limited to discovering and
illustrating the experience.
METHOD
Research Design
The research was conducted using an exploratory-
descriptive approach to explore the personal struggles
of women diagnosed with PCOS. The approach is
limited to discovering and illustrating the experience.
Participants
The participants in the study are:
1. Women who are clinically diagnosed for at least two years of how a woman's body should look​, and
with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
2. Ages range from 18-27 years ol
3. Resisiding within Metro Manila
Instrument
The study used an interview guide conducted online
through Google Meet
MS Word and MS Excel were utilized to code,
analyze, and organize the data, while all of the
documents and recordings were stored in Google
Drive
Data Analysis
The study used Thematic Analysis guided by Braun
and Clarke's six stages of systematic approach to
thematic analysis.
RESULT
SOP# 1 What are their struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Main Theme: Experiencing the Symptoms of PCOS
a. Sub Theme: Changes in Appearance
b. Sub Theme: Detrimental Effects on Mental Health
2. Main Theme: Challenges in the Changes in Lifestyle
3. Main Theme: Conflict with Unsympathetic
SOP #2: What are their personal ways in coping with Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome?
4. Main Theme: Empowering the self through self-care
5. Main Theme: Learning more about PCOS through Personal Research
CONCLUSION
Before women were diagnosed with
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, systematic
and established social constructs about
womanhood further magnify their struggle
with PCOS-associated characteristics such
as weight gain, hirsutism, psychological
matters, and infertility. Women who
deviate outside the preconceived notions ​
function, are not just subjected to judgment
but are also deprived of healthcare services.
This study showed that women who are
diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
often struggle with their condition and its
effect on their physical appearance,
perspective on womanhood, self-worth,
and psychological being. Most women are
hardly understood regarding their
condition and the struggle that comes with
it yet, they continue to face their condition
with acceptance, confidence, and being
committed to a healthier lifestyle. Thus,
women with PCOS should be seen and
understood, not be shunned away by
people that led them to feel inadequate in
health, self-image, and in general.
REFERENCES
CORE Philippines. (2020, October 6). What
is PCOS?
https://www.corephilippines.com/what-is-
pcos/