Prevalence and ultrasound features of polycystic ovaries in young unmarried Saudi females

Polycystic ovary (PCO) is a highly variable condition with a wide array of presentations. The polycystic ovary syndrome should meet at least two of the following three criteria: oligo- or anovulation; clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism; polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. The prevalence of PCO is largely unknown in Saudi Arabia. This study presents the prevalence of PCO in young unmarried female students of Taibah University Almadinah Almunawwarah, presenting with menstrual irregularities. The agreed ultrasound features of PCO i.e. presence of 12 or more 2–9 mm ovarian follicles; a peripheral distribution of ovarian follicles; an ovarian volume of more than 10 cm3 and a highly echogenic ovarian stroma were analyzed in all 108 patients. The criteria of 12 or more 2–9 mm ovarian follicles were found to have highest sensitivity in establishing the diagnosis of PCO.