How a PCOS Diagnosis Affects Your Marriage

Polycycstic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a rather common and yet not very well known condition among women. PCOS is a chronic hormonal condition that can affect a woman’s ability to conceive, causes acne, unwanted hair or weight gain, makes periods irregular and can increase her chances for other health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure.

If your spouse has recently been diagnosed with PCOS, you probably wonder, what this means for your marriage, how a PCOS diagnosis affects your marriage and how you can best support them as well as help them thrive despite the condition.

How PCOS Affects Your Relationships

First of all: PCOS is not a death sentence!

Many women with PCOS live happy and fulfilled lives, have healthy children and wonderful partnerships.

When asked, how they do it, they usually respond back by giving you two reasons –

1. “I have decided that PCOS won’t bring me down. I actively manage my condition, have adopted a healthy lifestyle and regularly consult with my doctor to address both the symptoms and root cause of my condition”.
2. “I openly talk to my partner about my condition, feel loved and supported in my relationship”.

Again, coming back to the last question, how a pcos diagnosis affects your marriage, it can be said that PCOS relationship issues are numerous. This is because PCOS symptoms can often lead to symptoms that affect your spouse not just physically, but also mentally.

Reasons behind PCOS marriage problems

Unwanted body hair (hirsutism) and weight gain can affect their self confidence and sometimes lead to depression, anxiety or problems with intimacy.

It can be more difficult for women with PCOS to conceive, which is heartbreaking for women, who can’t wait to be mothers or start a family.’

How to support your spouse with pcos

When your spouse is diagnosed with PCOS, you probably wonder how a pcos diagnosis affects your marriage and what you can do to support them.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started –

1. Know more about PCOS – Learn about PCOS and take an interest in her health as she adapts to life with the condition. Learn about symptoms and treatment options, so you can be there for her when she needs to make decisions regarding treatment, medication, supplements and such.
2. Change your lifestyle to meet her needs – Your partner may be required to make some lifestyle changes, work out more, eat more healthily. She will appreciate, if you make those lifestyle changes together with her.
3. Give time – Instead of worrying how a pcos diagnosis affects your marriage, start worrying about the well-being of your partner. After all, PCOS affects your spouse’s hormone levels, which can cause them to be irritable at times. Try to understand them and give them time, as they gradually come to terms with their chronic condition.
4. Be understanding and patient – Intimacy can be an issue for couples dealing with PCOS. Symptoms like weight gain, acne or unwanted body hair often affect a woman’s confidence, which can make her feel unattractive and undesirable. Be patient, understanding and make sure she knows you love her no matter what.
5. Do not blame your partner – PCOS related infertility can be a huge struggle for couples looking to start a family. Know, that there are many women with PCOS, who have children and that it might just take a little longer for you. Be sure to not blame your spouse and see a counselor, if you feel the problem is becoming too big for you to handle on your own.

Communication is the Key

If your spouse has recently been diagnosed with PCOS, there are many things you can do to support her. Many women successfully manage this chronic condition, have thriving relationships and live healthy and happy lives.

So don’t be discouraged! Stop wondering how a PCOS diagnosis affects your marriage? Instead, openly communicate with your partner, share your hopes and worries with each other.

You are sure to find a way to navigate this new situation together. And if you need some help along the way, don’t be afraid to get professional help from a counselor.

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