False pregnancy, also known as pseudocyesis, is an uncommon condition where a woman experiences many of the symptoms of pregnancy without actually being pregnant. False pregnancy is a condition that is often overlooked and misunderstood by medical professionals, leaving some women without proper treatment and care. The purpose of this article is to discuss the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of false pregnancy.
Prevalence
False pregnancy is a rare condition that is estimated to affect 0.3-2% of women. It is most commonly seen in women of reproductive age, with the peak incidence taking place between the ages of 25 and 34. There is also an increased prevalence among married women and those who have experienced a previous pregnancy.
Diagnosis
False pregnancy is a difficult condition to diagnose as its presentation is often similar to that of a real pregnancy. Diagnosis is usually made based on a woman’s medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. A pelvic exam may reveal an enlarged uterus and a thickened cervix, which are both symptoms of false pregnancy. Blood tests can be used to rule out a real pregnancy and to measure levels of pregnancy-related hormones. Ultrasound imaging can also be used to rule out a real pregnancy.
Treatment
Treatment for false pregnancy is usually psychological in nature. Therapy can help a woman identify and address the underlying psychological issues that may be causing her false pregnancy symptoms. In addition, supportive care and reassurance can help a woman manage her symptoms and deal with her emotional distress. In some cases, medications such as antidepressants may be used to help a woman manage her symptoms.
Conclusion
False pregnancy is a rare condition that can cause physical and psychological distress in affected women. While the diagnosis and treatment of false pregnancy can be challenging, it is important for medical professionals to be aware of the condition and its possible treatments. Further research into false pregnancy is needed to better understand and treat this condition.
References
Huang, Y. C., Chen, M. H., & Chiang, P. S. (2017). False pregnancy: A systematic review of prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment. Medicine, 96(52), e9371. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000009371
Berg, K. M., & Pabst, H. F. (2014). Pseudocyesis: A review of the literature. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 59(4–5), 207–211.
Tikkanen, R. (2017). Pseudocyesis: a literature review. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 215, 133–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.05.033