A new study has revealed that Peterborough is the most underserviced area for PCOS healthcare in the UK, with a score of just 10.19 out of 100.
Based on NHS data, the study by PCOS supplement provider Fertility Family ranks towns and cities according to the availability of fertility clinics, licensed endocrinologists, and general practitioner offices. Nearly 9 in 10 (89%) healthcare professionals believe that gynaecology waiting times are negatively impacting patients’ quality of life.
Peterborough
Peterborough ranks lowest for accessible PCOS healthcare in the UK. With a score of 10.19 out of 100, it has only one fertility clinic within a 25-mile radius, forcing many women to travel long distances for specialised reproductive care. The shortage of local services is expected to lead to longer waiting lists.
In addition, the town has just one registered endocrinologist for a population of over 136,900 people.
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes, despite being a rapidly growing urban area, scored 12.04 out of 100. The city has two fertility clinics, equating to just one clinic per 100,000 residents. The rising demand for these services is putting additional strain on the facilities, resulting in longer waiting times.
Plymouth
Plymouth, the largest city on England’s south coast, also struggles with PCOS healthcare. The city earned a score of 15.28 out of 100. While GP surgeries are widely available, endocrinology services are particularly scarce, with only one registered endocrinologist in the area.
Bolton named best in the UK for PCOS healthcare access
At the other end of the spectrum, Bolton, Greater Manchester, ranks as the best area in the UK for PCOS healthcare access, with a score of 89.35 out of 100. The town boasts 13 fertility clinics, 39 GP surgeries, and 8 endocrinologists, making specialised care much more accessible for those with the condition.
Other top-ranked areas
Warrington follows Bolton with a score of 82.87, while Wigan (81.02), London (79.63), and Leicester (72.69) round out the top five.
London, despite its large population and an abundance of healthcare facilities, struggles with fertility clinics per capita, offering only 0.84 clinics per 100,000 residents. This suggests that although resources are plentiful, individuals with PCOS may face difficulties in accessing fertility clinics due to the overall demand.
PCOS patients often feel misunderstood by health professionals
Fertility Family’s 2023 PCOS Awareness Survey also highlighted that many individuals with PCOS feel underserved by healthcare professionals. Over half (54%) of respondents said they felt misunderstood by their doctors, and two-thirds (68%) waited more than a year for a formal diagnosis.
Alarmingly, 10% of those surveyed reported waiting over five years to receive treatment, while 7% waited more than a decade. The majority (42%) were diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 34.
The importance of proper diagnosis
Dr Gill Lockwood, consultant at Fertility Family, stresses the importance of getting a proper diagnosis for PCOS, noting that other conditions can mimic its symptoms.
“If you think you may have PCOS, even if your symptoms are quite mild, it is important to speak to your GP. Many disorders can mimic PCOS symptoms, such as thyroid disease and overproduction of the Prolactin hormone, so it is important to get the right diagnosis,” says Dr Lockwood.
“Having PCOS is a lifetime diagnosis, but if you maintain a normal weight, do regular exercise, and avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods in your diet, you can expect a normal, healthy life.”
She cautions against relying solely on internet sources for advice: “Internet ‘experts’ and online influencers may be well-intentioned, but nothing can substitute for a discussion with a medically qualified doctor.”
