A recent study highlights that Bolton tops the UK for access to healthcare for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility among women. According to the NHS, approximately one in ten women are affected by this hormonal condition.
The research conducted by Fertility Family, a provider of PCOS supplements, rated Bolton’s accessibility to care at an impressive 89.5 out of 100, positioning it as the best city in the country for women seeking help for PCOS.
PCOS is a complex, incurable syndrome characterized by symptoms such as painful and irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, male-pattern baldness, and excessive body hair. The World Health Organization identifies it as a significant contributor to infertility.
The study found that Bolton boasts four fertility clinics for every 100,000 women, conveniently located within a quarter-mile of the city center. Additionally, there are nearly 40 GP surgeries within a two-mile radius and eight registered endocrinologists located within ten miles, making it highly accessible for patients.
Warrington and Wigan followed Bolton in the rankings, with London and Leicester rounding out the top five cities for accessibility. While London showed the highest overall healthcare access for PCOS, it has the fewest fertility clinics per capita, with only 0.84 clinics for every 100,000 residents. This disparity suggests that individuals with PCOS in London may face challenges in finding available fertility clinics due to the limited number relative to the population size.
According to the NHS, PCOS occurs when an individual produces excess male hormones, known as androgens, and has enlarged ovaries with numerous fluid-filled sacs surrounding the eggs. Often undiagnosed, PCOS can lead to various health complications, including type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
Patients frequently report struggles in obtaining a proper diagnosis. A Fertility Family survey conducted last year revealed that over half of those with PCOS felt misunderstood by healthcare professionals. Moreover, two-thirds of respondents waited more than a year for a formal diagnosis, while one in ten faced delays exceeding five years for treatment, with seven percent waiting over a decade.
Dr. Gill Lockwood, a consultant at Fertility Family, emphasizes the importance of consulting a GP if someone suspects they may have PCOS, even with mild symptoms. “Many disorders can mimic PCOS symptoms, such as thyroid disease and overproduction of the prolactin hormone,” she explains. “Obtaining the correct diagnosis is crucial.”
Dr. Lockwood notes that while PCOS is a lifelong diagnosis, maintaining a normal weight, engaging in regular exercise, and adhering to a balanced diet low in fats and sugars can lead to a healthy life.
She elaborates on the range of PCOS symptoms, which can vary from mild issues like irregular periods and persistent acne to severe cases involving a complete absence of menstruation, significant hair growth, and obesity.
“It’s vital to recognize that some of these symptoms may not be attributable to PCOS, reinforcing the need for a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional,” she advises. “Although online information can be useful, nothing can replace a consultation with a qualified doctor.”
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