Teen girls with common hormonal disorder more concerned about fertility ...( population that showed that perception...)

"Pediatricians must realize that teenage girls with PCOS are very much aware of the potential side effects, including infertility," said Trent. "Counseling from a health provider that addresses their concerns about their future health, may be critical in improving the quality of life for these girls."

In addition to infertility, other complications of PCOS may include diabetes, heart disease and uterine cancer. Treatment, including weight loss and medication such as oral contraceptives, can improve reproductive function and reduce the risk for developing complications.

In the study, concerns over fertility, perceptions of PCOS and clinical severity of illness were not associated with earlier sexual intercourse, Trent said. Healthy teen girls were more than twice as likely to have had sexual intercourse compared to girls with PCOS, but the average age of the first sexual encounter did not differ significantly between either group.

"Although girls with PCOS are less likely to be sexually active, more than 35 percent have had sexual intercourse," said Trent. "These findings underscore the importance of providing ongoing counseling on fertility issues, contraception and sexually transmitted disease prevention in the care of teen girls with PCOS."

This study was supported by the Maternal Child Health Bureau Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and an unrestricted educational grant from Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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Contact: Jessica Collins
jcolli31@jhmi.edu
410-516-4570
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
13-Feb-2003