Living with PCOS can be tough as it can cause mental and physical symptoms that are uncomfortable and disheartening. It can really take its toll on people as they go through life with it.

Being in a relationship with someone who has PCOS can be hard as one might not know much about the diagnosis and what they are going through. However, if they are in it for the long haul with the person- it is imperative they learn how best to support them. Doing that involves empathy, understanding and some practical steps to take.

In this blog post, tips for couples on how one of them in the relationship can support the other who is dealing with PCOS-will be discussed.

Symptoms and Challenges

If you don’t already know and you are reading this, PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects many individuals of reproductive age. It is characterized by a range of symptoms including the following:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
• Acne and/or oily skin
• Polycystic ovaries (not a diagnostic criteria anymore)
• Weight issues
• Insulin resistance
• Mood issues
• Fertility issues

Despite its prevalence, PCOS is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leading to challenges in managing its effects on women’s/non-binary health.

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a complex condition that can impact various aspects of a person’s life, including their romantic relationships. This is due to the symptoms indirectly affecting the dynamics of relationships, as individuals with PCOS may experience stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem. This in turn can influence their interactions with their partners.

The challenges related to fertility and the need for medical interventions to conceive can add additional strain. It’s important for those living with PCOS to communicate openly with their partners about their condition and seek understanding and support, as this can greatly impact the quality of their relationships.

Tips for The PCOS-Sufferer

It is important that the person with PCOS helps their partner in helping them deal with the condition. Here are some tips to do so:

• Educate About PCOS- Providing an education about PCOS and giving their partner reading material about it- is a good idea to help them understand the condition.
• Share Experiences- It is important to share experiences as to how PCOS affects oneself and what is gone through on a daily basis with the diagnosis.
• Encourage Open Communication- A partner should be encouraged to express their own feelings about PCOS and ask any questions they may have about their diagnosis. This is important when it comes to them providing support.
• Involve In Care- Inviting the partner to come with them to medical appointments can ensure they are a good advocate when it comes to their care. It also can help them understand more of the medical aspects of the diagnosis.
• Make Lifestyle Changes Together-A healthy lifestyle is important when one has PCOS. Since it can be hard making lifestyle changes on one’s own, doing it with a partner might make it easier. Whether it is eating a more balanced diet or exercising together on a regular basis- it can improve the health and wellbeing of both of them.
• Have Them Practice Patience- Since living with PCOS can have its ups and downs (physically and mentally)-encouraging one’s partner to have patience with them during difficult times can help with overall health and coping ability.

Tips for The Partner

Knowing some ways one can help their partner deal with PCOS is important for a good, long lasting relationship. Here are some tips:

• Educate Yourself- A partner should learn as much as they can about PCOS. The knowledge will empower them to provide better support. Listen to what they say about it and do some reading on your own.
• Be a Great Listener- PCOS can be hard on someone, emotionally and physically. Because of this, a partner should be there to listen without judgement and let them express themselves.
• Encourage a Better Diet- Help them with limiting processed foods and sugars as they can worsen PCOS. This can be done by finding PCOS-friendly meals and snacks that can be enjoyed together so they don’t feel alone.
• Encourage Exercise- Since regular physical activity can help with PCOS symptoms, suggesting activities that can be done together might be a good idea if they aren’t already into consistent exercising.
• Help Manage Stress- Stress can make PCOS worse. Encourage them to do some stress management techniques. If the stress is bad enough, trying to find them some therapy might be the next step.
• Attend Their Doctor’s Visits- Accompanying them to their doctor’s visits can really help as they may need someone to advocate for their needs.
• Medication Compliance-Some people with PCOS take medication and like a lot of people- forget to take them at times. Reminding them, can be a great idea so they keep up on their health.
• Keeping Up With Fertility Treatment- Couples need to work together if they are going through a fertility journey. This means that emotional support should be given to each other and treatments/medical care need to kept up.
• Self-Love and Compliments- It is important for one to encourage self-love in their partner who is dealing with PCOS. This is due to the physical and mental issues that they most likely go through. Also, compliments should be given on a regular basis.
• Mental Health Awareness- Be aware of your partner’s mental health. If you think things are getting exceptionally bad, encourage them to get help from a professional.
• Be patient and Understanding– Some days can be tougher for your partner than others when it comes to how they are feeling about their symptoms and how they are feeling physically. Because of this, patience and empathy goes a long way.

In Conclusion

Dealing with PCOS can be challenging and may impact romantic relationships. By following the provided tips, couples can work together to address these issues effectively. Doing this, will then lead to a healthy relationship that has the likelihood of lasting for long time.

Let me know in the comments your experiences with PCOS and romantic relationships.

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