Is Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD) a contraindication to donating blood?

Is PCOD a Contraindication to Blood Donation?

No, Polycystic Ovary Disorder (PCOD/PCOS) is not a contraindication to blood donation. PCOS itself does not appear on any established list of contraindications for blood donation, and women with PCOS can safely donate blood if they meet standard eligibility criteria.

Why PCOS Is Not a Contraindication

PCOS is an endocrine-metabolic disorder affecting reproductive-aged women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, and metabolic abnormalities 1, 2, 3. However, the condition itself does not involve:

• Infectious disease transmission risk - PCOS is not an infectious condition 1, 2
• Blood-borne pathogen concerns - Unlike HIV, hepatitis, or syphilis which are absolute contraindications 4, 5
• Direct hematologic abnormalities - PCOS does not cause bleeding disorders or blood component defects 3, 6

What You Must Screen For Instead

While PCOS itself is acceptable, you must evaluate for associated conditions that ARE contraindications 4, 7:

Metabolic Complications

• Diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance - Women with PCOS have increased risk of type 2 diabetes 2, 3
  • Check fasting glucose: values 110-125 mg/dL (high-range impaired fasting glucose) contraindicate donation 4
  • Uncontrolled diabetes is an absolute contraindication 4, 7

Cardiovascular Issues

• Hypertension - PCOS increases risk of hypertension 2, 3
  • Blood pressure must be <140/90 mmHg on at least two measurements 4, 7
  • Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg is a contraindication 4, 7

Obesity

• Severe obesity (BMI >35 kg/m²) with other comorbid conditions is a contraindication 4
• PCOS is frequently associated with abdominal adiposity and obesity 2, 3

Renal Complications

• Proteinuria confirmed by 24-hour urine collection 4
• Any significant renal disease 4

Practical Screening Algorithm

Step 1: Measure blood pressure at donation center

• Must be <140/90 mmHg 4, 7

Step 2: Check metabolic status

• Fasting glucose must be <110 mg/dL 4
• Screen for diabetes if risk factors present 2

Step 3: Calculate BMI

• If >35 kg/m², assess for other comorbidities 4

Step 4: Standard infectious disease screening

• HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis 4, 5

Step 5: Urinalysis if indicated

• Rule out proteinuria if renal concerns 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't assume PCOS alone disqualifies donation - The syndrome itself is not listed as a contraindication 4, 1, 2
• Don't overlook metabolic screening - PCOS patients have 1 in 10 prevalence and high metabolic risk 1, 2
• Don't forget medication review - If the patient takes metformin or other diabetes medications, verify glucose control 2, 3
• Don't skip blood pressure measurement - Hypertension is common in PCOS and is an absolute contraindication if ≥140/90 mmHg 4, 7, 2

Key Takeaway

Women with PCOS can donate blood if their blood pressure is controlled (<140/90 mmHg), they have no diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, and they meet all other standard eligibility criteria 4, 7. The diagnosis of PCOS itself does not preclude donation - only its associated metabolic and cardiovascular complications 4, 2, 3.