Ahead of PMOS Awareness Month this September, fertility experts are encouraging greater awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Morphology Syndrome (PMOS) and challenging one of the most common pieces of advice provided to people trying to conceive: that they simply need to "relax".

While often intended as reassurance, experts warn the phrase can unintentionally dismiss a genuine medical condition, leaving people feeling isolated, misunderstood and, in some cases, delaying them from seeking the support they need.

Dr Sephton, Chief Medical Officer at Care Fertility, explains why understanding PMOS is far more helpful than offering well-meaning clichés.

What is PMOS and how can it affect fertility?

PMOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions, affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. While many people with PMOS will conceive naturally, the condition can make becoming pregnant more difficult by affecting ovulation, meaning eggs are released irregularly or not at all.

"One of the biggest misconceptions about PMOS is that it automatically means infertility, and that's simply not true," says Dr Sephton.

"Many people with PMOS go on to have healthy pregnancies without treatment, while others may need additional support to conceive. The important thing is recognising that everybody's experience is different. Understanding how PMOS is affecting your fertility allows us to recommend the most appropriate next steps, whether that's lifestyle advice, ovulation support or fertility treatment."

'Just relax' isn't the answer

Alongside the physical symptoms, one of the biggest challenges for many patients is the emotional impact of living with PMOS. Care Fertility patient Stephanie Brar remembers hearing those comments throughout her own fertility journey.

"People would tell us to 'just relax and it'll happen'. We wanted a baby more than anything, so of course it was always on our minds. It wasn't something I could simply switch off."

Stephanie says the uncertainty surrounding PMOS quickly became all-consuming.

"I was never sure if or when I would ovulate. When someone asked me what day it was, I was more likely to say 'cycle day 12' than 'Tuesday'. Every month I was devastated when my period arrived. I felt I'd failed."

"That emotional rollercoaster is something we see so often," adds Dr Sephton. "When you don't know whether you're ovulating, it can feel impossible to know where you stand. Patients often organise their lives around cycle tracking and symptom spotting, and that uncertainty can become incredibly draining. Looking after emotional wellbeing is just as important as addressing the medical side of fertility."

Why PMOS is often misunderstood

Despite affecting millions of women worldwide, 70% of women remain undiagnosed so PMOS remains widely misunderstood. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may include irregular periods, difficulties with ovulation, weight changes, acne and excess hair growth. Because of this, many people can spend years without fully understanding how the condition could affect their fertility.

Dr Sephton says improving awareness is essential.

"We still meet many patients who don't realise their irregular periods or ovulation problems could be linked to PMOS until they've been trying to conceive for some time. The earlier people understand what's happening, the earlier they can access advice and make informed decisions about their reproductive health."

Knowing when to seek support

While many people with PMOS will conceive naturally, Dr Sephton says it's important not to ignore persistent concerns or assume time alone will solve the problem.

"There's a difference between being patient and feeling like you have to keep struggling without answers. Seeking advice doesn't automatically mean fertility treatment. It means understanding whether you're ovulating regularly, identifying any additional factors that could be affecting fertility and discussing the options available to you."

"The earlier we can assess someone's fertility, the sooner we can provide reassurance or recommend the most appropriate next steps. No one should feel they have to simply keep waiting because they've been told to 'relax'."

After several years of trying to conceive and unsuccessful ovulation medication, Stephanie and her husband Sherry decided to seek specialist support.

"Walking into Care Fertility was the first time in a long time that we felt hopeful. We finally felt like we had a plan and that someone understood what we were going through”, Stephanie reflects.

Following one egg collection, the couple went on to welcome three children through IVF and frozen embryo transfers using embryos created during that single treatment cycle.

Care Fertility is supporting PMOS Awareness Month by raising awareness of the condition, challenging common misconceptions and encouraging anyone with concerns about their fertility to seek advice early.

Expert commentary and interview from Dr Sephton and Stephanie are available on request.