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RCOG World Congress 2025

June 23 - 25, 2025 | ExCeL London, UK

EP.0333

An online questionnaire assessing the general public's understanding on PCOS and Endometriosis

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Poster Presenter

Nicola Tempest

Authors

Alice Cogger, Hazel Ticehurst-James, Mia Parkin, Nicola Tempest

Affiliations

University of Liverpool, Institute of Translational Medicine

Part of Topic

Endometriosis & uterine disorders

Public Knowledge of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Endometriosis-An online questionnaire.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are highly prevalent in women of reproductive age. PCOS is a metabolic and endocrine disorder which requires 2 of the 3 Rotterdam criteria:Oligo‐anovulation, Hyperandrogenism, Polycystic ovaries on scan. Symptoms can include irregular periods, infertility and excess hair.

We had 577 responses: 82% Female, 83% White, 44% from the North West, 43% University educated

Our findings for PCOS:

•82% of participants had heard of PCOS

•47% could describe the condition

•60% understood what the acronym stood for

•33% correctly identified that 1 in 10 women have PCOS

•43% knew what an androgen was

•19% knew LH was raised and 37% knew androgens were raised in PCOS

•49% identified using contraception to protect the endometrium

•47% identified maintaining a normal weight as management options for PCOS

•40% did not know any management options

•47% could not identify any long term complications

•64% knew oligomenorrhoea and 69% knew difficulty losing weight were related to PCOS

Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory condition which can cause pelvic pain and infertility.

Our findings for Endometriosis:

Endometriosis:

•90% of participants had heard of endometriosis

•50% could describe the condition

•30% identified 1 in 10 women had endometriosis

•14% did not know any symptoms of endometriosis

•56% understood surgery were management options

•51% knew that pain medication were part of management

•85% recognised genetics increased the risk of endometriosis

A better understanding of endometriosis compared to PCOS was seen in our cohort.

Our findings show some areas of reasonable knowledge but a real lack of understanding with regards to appreciating how common the conditions are and being able to accurately describe what the conditions are. Women’s health, especially gynaecological health, is misunderstood, not openly discussed and stigmatised. A better understanding and awareness of these conditions could ensure quicker diagnosis and treatment for those affected and more recognition for research to help control and treat these very common and often devastating conditions.