Polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility in niger state, nigeria: challenges, outcomes, and early intervention

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is among the most common endocrine diseases which affect women of reproductive age and causes infertility in women across the globe. The complexity of diagnosis and lack of regional data pose current difficulties to successful clinical management especially within sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic issues, clinical presentation, and treatment outcome of women diagnosed with PCOS in Niger state, Nigeria.

Methods: A prospective study was carried out among 47 women who had PCOS based on the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria. Clinical features such as menstrual irregularity, obesity and infertility were reported. The modalities of treatment and the reproductive outcome thereof were compared and contrasted among the participants of the study.

Results: The study population had a high correlation with PCOS and infertility. Clinical manifestations that were most commonly reported were irregular menstrual cycles and obesity. Out of the treatment options, the use of the combination of Clomiphene Citrate and Metformin showed the greatest success rate of pregnancy as opposed to the other treatment options.

Conclusion: PCOS is a major cause of infertility in women of reproductive age in Nigeria, in particular in Niger State. The early identification of the situation with the help of standardized criteria and personalized treatment plans, especially combined Clomiphene Citrate and Metformin treatment, are essential to enhance the reproductive functioning in this group of people. These results suggest that clinical guidelines tailored to different regions and greater awareness of PCOS management in Nigeria are in order.