A few years ago, I was told by a world-renowned doctor that I would not get pregnant without the use of fertility drugs because I had been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I did take his opinion to heart and tried the drugs, but they made me feel terrible. Birth control pills have always made me moody and bloated, and the hormone pills made me feel completely out of it.

I first refused to go on the pill to “control” my body, argued with the doctor, then went home and cried. It was devastating, knowing my whole life that I wanted to be a mother some day and now hearing that it might not be possible.

So what did I do? I started exercising and living a healthier lifestyle. Next came the boyfriend, turned fiance, who then ended up being my husband. Two months after we married, I got pregnant — naturally. No hormones or fertility drugs needed.

This article appears in Aug 5-11, 2010.