TLDR Measuring the distance from the anus to the clitoris may moderately help diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, especially in certain cases.
The study conducted on 126 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 159 controls investigated the use of anogenital distance (AGD) as a diagnostic tool for PCOS. It found that the anogenital distance from the upper verge of the anus to the anterior clitoral surface (AGDAC) was significantly longer in women with PCOS across all phenotypes, with P-values ranging from < 0.001 to 0.048. The highest diagnostic accuracy was observed for the oligo/amenorrhoea + polycystic ovarian morphology (O + POM) phenotype, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.62, sensitivity of 50.0%, and specificity of 73.0%. These results suggest that AGDAC measurements could be a moderately effective clinical tool for diagnosing PCOS, especially for the O + POM phenotype, and may indicate intrauterine androgen exposure. However, the study recommends further research to validate these findings in different populations.
42 citations,
August 2017 in “Human Reproduction” Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have a longer distance between the clitoris and anus.
467 citations,
October 2014 in “European Journal of Endocrinology” The European Society of Endocrinology advises individualized long-term management for PCOS, focusing on lifestyle changes, accurate diagnosis, and treatments for associated health risks and symptoms.
28 citations,
April 2014 in “Hormones” Higher androstenedione levels in women with PCOS are linked to more severe symptoms.
1540 citations,
October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility” The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.
1744 citations,
August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.
4025 citations,
December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
42 citations,
August 2017 in “Human Reproduction” Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have a longer distance between the clitoris and anus.
January 2020 in “Proyecto de investigación:” Longer anogenital distance may indicate a higher chance of having polycystic ovary syndrome, and measuring this distance along with hormone levels could improve diagnosis.
32 citations,
February 2017 in “Human Reproduction” Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have a longer anogenital distance.
1 citations,
January 2023 in “Metabolites” Changes in gut bacteria can contribute to the development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affecting metabolism, immunity, and causing inflammation. Treatments may involve adjusting these factors.
1 citations,
October 2017 in “Elsevier eBooks” Antiandrogens can treat female hormonal conditions, but environmental ones may harm reproductive health.
