Correct Medical Terminology
The correct and internationally accepted term is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), not PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Disorder or Polycystic Ovary Disease). 1, 2
Why PCOS is the Standard Term
PCOS is the universally recognized medical terminology used in all major international guidelines, including the Rotterdam criteria, the International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (2018), and publications from the Endocrine Society. 1, 2
The term "syndrome" accurately reflects that PCOS is a complex, multisystem endocrine disorder affecting reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health—not merely an isolated ovarian condition. 1, 3, 4
PCOS is defined by the Rotterdam criteria as the presence of at least two of three features: oligo/anovulation, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. 1, 2, 5
Why PCOD is Incorrect
PCOD is not a medically recognized term in peer-reviewed literature or international clinical guidelines. 1, 2
The term "disorder" or "disease" fails to capture the heterogeneous, multifaceted nature of the condition, which involves insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk—far beyond simple ovarian pathology. 1, 3, 4
Using non-standard terminology like PCOD can create confusion among healthcare professionals, hinder accurate diagnosis, complicate research collaboration, and potentially lead to inadequate disease management. 6
Important Clinical Distinction
PCOS should not be confused with isolated polycystic ovaries (PCO), which refers to polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound without symptoms, pathological signs, or hormonal abnormalities. 1
Isolated polycystic ovaries occur in 17-22% of the general female population, whereas PCOS affects 8-13% of reproductive-aged women and requires clinical and/or biochemical manifestations beyond ultrasound findings alone. 1, 5
Ongoing Nomenclature Discussions
While PCOS remains the current standard, some researchers advocate for alternative names such as "Ovarian Dysmetabolic Syndrome" or "Metabolic Reproductive Syndrome" to better reflect the systemic metabolic implications and reduce the ovarian-centric misconception. 6
However, until international consensus changes the official nomenclature, PCOS remains the only appropriate medical term for clinical documentation, research, and patient communication. 2, 3, 4