PCOS discussions on a Turkish online forum: a qualitative netnographic study of concerns, peer advice, and information gaps

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multidimensional endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive condition, yet little is known about how related concerns and peer advice unfold within Turkish online forums. This study examined initial concerns and associated peer-response patterns in a publicly accessible Turkish forum.

A qualitative netnographic study was conducted using 120 initial posts and 708 peer responses published between August 2025 and May 2026. Initial posts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and assigned one dominant theme for descriptive frequency analysis. Peer responses were categorized by their dominant communicative function using qualitative content analysis.

Fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood anxiety was the most frequent initial concern (n = 24, 20.0%), followed by treatment and medication-related uncertainty (n = 22, 18.3%). Among peer responses, incomplete or uncertain advice predominated (n = 398, 56.2%), followed by biomedical guidance or normalization (n = 137, 19.4%), practical navigation (n = 50, 7.1%), and experiential advice (n = 47, 6.6%). Cross-tabulation demonstrated that incomplete or uncertain advice predominated across most initial concern categories.

Turkish PCOS forum discussions represent a mixed peer-information environment in which reassurance, experiential knowledge, practical guidance, incomplete advice, non-evidence-based recommendations, and stigmatizing interactions coexist. Healthcare professionals should address patients' online information-seeking and provide clear, person-centered guidance on diagnosis, treatment, fertility, visible symptoms, and healthcare pathways.