Silent Battles of Indian Women: Womanhood, Fertility, and the Weight of PCOS

Title

Silent Battles of Indian Women: Womanhood, Fertility, and the Weight of PCOS

Creator

Mukherjee, Rijita; Yeshaswini; Cecil, Nithy

Description

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted, complex endocrine condition affecting many women worldwide, with increased prevalence in South Asian nations, including India. Though biomedical consequences such as irregular menses, infertility, and insulin resistance are well established, the psychological and social aspects of PCOS are not well understood, especially where femininity is equated with reproduction and physical beauty. Method: This qualitative research examines the PCOS lived experience of eight Indian women. A narrative method was employed, with semistructured interviews used to capture participants individual experiences from diagnosis through treatment and psychosocial adjustment. Results: Five Global themes, 15 organizing themes, and 36 subthemes were identified through thematic analysis. The global themes identified are as follows: (1) PCOS Awareness and DiagnosisDelays and misinformation during diagnosis. (2) Living with PCOSDaily struggles with physical and emotional symptoms. (3) Coping and Seeking SupportReliance on family, friends, and online communities. (4) The Healthcare ExperienceMixed interactions with medical professionals and systemic gaps. (5) Cultural Expectations and IdentityThe impact of gender norms on self-image and social roles. Conclusion: These results highlight the pressing need for culturally responsive, multidisciplinary models of PCOS treatment that tackle the physical manifestations, psychosocial and sociocultural weights experienced by women. The research adds to an expanding literature on chronic disease and gendered health in the Global South, calling for a more holistic view of women's health. The Author(s) 2026

Source

Family Journal;

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

SAGE Publications Inc.

Subject

cultural expectations; Indian women; infertility; PCOS; psychosocial health; qualitative research; stigma

Coverage

Mukherjee R., School of Psychological Sciences, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Yeshaswini, School of Psychological Sciences, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Cecil N., School of Psychological Sciences, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 10664807;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807261421565

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105039164434?origin=resultslist