An Ecosocial Perspective on Barriers to the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Among Women in Urban India
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder associated with increased risks of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is also the leading cause of female infertility worldwide. Both lifestyle and genetic factors have been tied to the condition, and in the last couple of decades, it has been affecting a growing number of urban Indian middle-class women; whereas global prevalence is in the 4–11% range, studies in India suggest a prevalence of around one in four urban middle-class women. In this article, I focus on the lived experiences of women with the condition. Drawing from ethnographic fieldwork in Mumbai, India, I use an ecosocial approach to examine barriers to the management of PCOS commonly experienced by women. Such an examination reveals potential bases for intervention to improve management outcomes, particularly as they relate to strengthening the patient–practitioner relationship and improving the clinical encounter.