Lived experience of male spouses of poly cystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed females: An exploratory study

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous clinical entity leading to development of metabolic, endocrine, and reproductive disorder. Obesity lowers the chances of successful conception and even lowers the success rate of assisted reproduction technique cycles, and this is a major concern for young couples and females in their prime reproductive age. But there are also studies also which shows reduces quality of life and sexual satisfaction and life satisfaction in females with PCOD. Hence, we should also consider the other partner in couples diagnosed with PCOD. Thus, when looking into the family dynamics of PCOD diagnosed females, psychological wellbeing of their husband should also be equally studied as their emotions are highly influenced by their wife’s mental wellbeing. Even after biological treatment of PCOD, their psychological distress persists, and can may hinder their future quality of life. The objective of the study was to explore the experience of male spouse of clinically PCOS diagnosed females. The study was a phenomenological qualitative research design, with researcher-developed guiding questions to help direct interviews. The data was collected using purposive sampling from hospitals based on the inclusion criteria of the study. 6 participants were finally selected based on these criteria and saturation point was attained for the study by then. The findings of the study was 3 major themes were discovered, which were Awareness about PCOS, perception of husbands on PCOS and perception of women. 9 subthemes were also discovered under these themes. Implications of the study was more awareness should be given to both male and female population about the disorder and also encouraging men to talk more about their mental health.