Incidence of polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome amongst women in Melbourne, Australia

• Published in: Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 17 - 19
• Main Authors: LOWE, Philip, KOVACS, Gab, HOWLETT, Donna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 550 Swanston Street (PO Box 378) Carlton South, Victoria 3053 Australia Blackwell Science Pty 01.02.2005
• Subjects: Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Incidence; Ovarian Cysts - diagnostic imaging; Ovarian Cysts - epidemiology; polycystic ovaries; polycystic ovary syndrome; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - epidemiology; Retrospective Studies; Ultrasonography; Victoria - epidemiology
• ISSN: 0004-8666; 1479-828X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828X.2005.00334.x

Background:  The incidence of polycystic ovaries (PCO) in the Australian population is unknown. Aims:  To determine the incidence of PCO in a random population of Melbourne women. Methods:  A retrospective survey of the transvaginal ultrasound of female partners of sterile males was undertaken. Results:  Twenty‐three percent of subjects had polycystic ovaries on ultrasound criteria, 17% bilateral and 6% unilateral. Conclusions:  The incidence of PCO in Australian women is similar to that of other Caucasian populations.