'I have PCOS and I want to get pregnant. Is that possible?'

In a recent #AskAway session, one of the most persistent questions sent in by viewers was:

I have PCOS. Can I still get pregnant?

The simple answer from OB-Gynecologist and fertility specialist Dr. Gia Pastorfide was: yes.

Pastorfide explained that women with PCOS frequently don't ovulate and so, they don't get their menses regularly.

"Usually, when we treat women with PCOS, we give them fertility drugs. That can be in the form of oral medication or injections," Pastorfide said. "These fertility drugs are exogenous hormones, meaning they are artificial hormones that will allow your body to produce eggs."

Polycystic ovary / ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women. WebMD provides a simple description for the disorder: "it's a problem in which a woman's hormones are out of balance."

This imbalance in hormones may result in irregularities in a woman's menstrual period and OB-Gynecologist Dr. Inna Mangalindan in an interview with GMA News Online shared that the prevalence is between 6% to 10%.

"These numbers are most likely underestimated since there is still a huge percentage of Filipino women who do not seek consult for gynecological symptoms due to lack of access to proper healthcare," Mangalindan shared.

Pastorfide added that "one thing about Filipino women is that when they think about the reproductive anatomy, they clamp up. It's something taboo for them. But I think people should be more aware now and I think they should be more pro-active."

Everything starts with a proper work up and this can only be done by a professional. An ultrasound is performed and fertility drugs are prescribed if need be.

There are a number of fertility hormone testing services available in clinics like Victory ART Laboratory Philippines and since our physiology can vary vastly, the best thing to do is set an appoint with a professional and they'll find a method that works best for you.

Pastorfide additionally advises couples to set an appointment and go together, as the woman is only half of the equation. "For me, I always say that when you're infertile, it means that a man and a woman are involved," she said.

Lastly, with or without PCOS, the number to remember for women is 35 as it becomes more difficult to conceive as you get older. — LA, GMA News

Contact Victory ART Laboratory Philippines at (02) 884 2290 to 92-94 for inquiries and visit their official website for more information.