One in 10 women in the world is estimated to be affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), though many don’t even know they have this syndrome until they hit a certain stage in their life. Often, this is when a woman begins to think about having a family. This syndrome is one of the most common causes of infertility in women because PCOS affects your hormones in a way that can stop the release of eggs from the ovaries, which is called ovulation.

Upon learning about all the problems women with PCOS could have with pregnancy, I decided it would be important for me to learn more about real women and their stories about having PCOS that relate to pregnancy.

Hopefully, if you have these issues too, you will realize you are not alone. Here’s what they told me*:

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"I have no children, and I have been trying to conceive for five years." – Kristi, 24, diagnosed at 19

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"I do take a birth control pill. It affects my life because being on the pill there’s a stigma that says, “Oh she just doesn’t want to get pregnant,” which is absolutely not why I’m taking it. So there have been people I knew who would go out of their way and say, “Oh you’re on the pill go have fun!” I just want people to know you don’t have to be involved with anyone in that way to be on the pill. For me, that’s an unfair and awkward thing to assume that I’m just hooking up or should hook up because it’s likely I won’t end up pregnant. I was raised religiously and believe waiting is best. People don’t believe me as soon as I tell them I’m on the pill. It’s frustrating." – Cristi, 24, diagnosed at 21

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"I’ve been trying to get pregnant for almost three years, and I’ve failed one IVF cycle. I was diagnosed two years ago after having irregular periods after about eight months of trying to conceive. It luckily only took one doctor to be diagnosed. We are very lucky to have an outstanding OBGYN/ Fertility Specialist/ Twin Specialist in my small town. But not everyone is as lucky. Having PCOS adds stress and frustration to my relationship because we are trying to conceive." – Britini, 25, diagnosed at 23

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"I have been trying to have a child for the last eight years." – Shelby, 27, diagnosed at 19

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"I had one pregnancy at age 25, she died at three days, since that I’ve had no other pregnancies. I’m told I’ll never be able to conceive again. My PCOS affects my romantic relationship because we can’t conceive. With friends and family, it’s frustrating watching everyone else around me become parents." – Tami, 37, diagnosed at 16

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"When being diagnosed with PCOS, my doctor invited my grandmother in the room with me and told her I wouldn't be able to carry a baby since I wasn't fertile. Being 18 years old and hearing a doctor say you wouldn't be able to have kids broke me inside. I currently have one child, but he/she is in heaven. June 9, 2017, I lost my baby. I had no idea I was pregnant, and I had no idea what was going on. The doctors always told me it would be impossible to get pregnant and carry it full term, and that day proved it all. One thing I struggled with when I got with my fiance is having to tell him I can't conceive. I mean let's be real, who wants to hear that? Nobody. If you were blessed with beautiful children, cherish them tightly. Women like myself would never be able to feel what you felt finding out you were pregnant." – Alexis, 20, diagnosed at 18

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Out of the eight people I have interviewed, six of them had stories about issues with pregnancy. PCOS is a horrible syndrome that devastates countless women, but there are things you can do to regulate the symptoms. Having PCOS does not mean in any way that you cannot have an amazing, fulfilling life. It just means life might be a little different for you.

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Just because these women above haven’t had a ton of success with pregnancy doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I’m sure any of them would urge you to try everything in your power to conceive. To many, a child is the greatest present a woman can receive. Pregnancy with PCOS is hard, but it is possible. If you have concerns, be sure to get a great specialist and talk to them in depth about your concerns.

You can read more about my experience with PCOS here.

*Some names have been changed for privacy.