Experiences of Fertility-Related Anxiety Among Women with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: A Qualitative Study

Background/Objectives: Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome, is a chronic condition with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological consequences. Fertility-related anxiety may be shaped by individual, relational, sociocultural, and healthcare experiences, but these experiences remain insufficiently understood. This study explored fertility-related anxiety and its personal, relational, and healthcare contexts among married women with PMOS who had no children. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study included 15 married, childless women recruited through purposive sampling from a private gynecology outpatient clinic in Istanbul, Türkiye. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim in Turkish. Data were examined using a codebook approach to thematic analysis by three researchers. Reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Results: The participants’ mean age was 25.5 ± 4.1 years. Nine had previously attempted to conceive, seven had received fertility treatment, and fourteen reported that the diagnosis had affected their thoughts about having children. Five themes were generated: perceptions of the effect of PMOS on fertility; experiences and evaluations regarding treatments; social circle, family, and spousal pressure; expectations from healthcare professionals; and self-management and coping strategies. Participants described anxiety about future conception, cycles of hope and disappointment, social pressure, supportive partner relationships, unmet information and psychological support needs, and efforts to manage their health and emotions. Conclusions: Fertility-related anxiety was multidimensional and varied according to women’s individual, relational, and healthcare experiences. Clear individualized fertility information, psychologically supportive communication, and coordinated multidisciplinary care tailored to women’s reproductive intentions and needs may help address these experiences.