"Not a soul could possibly understand this grief without going through it themselves."
These powerful words from Jennifer DiGiacomo, a myStoria ambassador, capture the heartbreaking isolation that comes with infertility. It's a grief that’s hard to put into words—one that often goes unseen, even by those who love us. But infertility is real, and it's far more common than society lets on.
Let’s talk about it. If you’ve ever felt like the only one struggling to conceive while the world around you celebrates with baby announcements, gender reveals, and unsolicited advice (trust us, a vacation won't fix it), you’re not alone. Infertility is not some rare, niche issue—it’s a reality that millions of people face. You’re not the only one walking this difficult path.
Infertility is the medical term for not being able to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected sex (or six months if you’re over 35—because apparently, ovaries have an expiration date that no one tells you about until you hit your mid-30s). It also includes people who can get pregnant but experience recurrent pregnancy loss.
Infertility isn’t just a female issue, despite what outdated narratives might suggest. It affects all genders. In fact, about one-third of infertility cases are due to female factors, one-third to male factors, and one-third are either both or unknown causes. Yes, fellas, sperm health matters, too—so maybe it’s time to check in on those swimmers instead of assuming everything’s fine.
Brace yourself: 1 in 6 couples worldwide experiences infertility. That’s not a small, unlucky group—it’s a massive portion of the population. If infertility were a concert, it would be packed. If it were a trend, it’d be viral. Yet, it’s still something people whisper about in hushed tones, as if saying “IVF” out loud might jinx them.
But here’s the kicker—infertility isn’t just about struggling to conceive. “It’s common to experience a mix of emotions, including grief, anger, frustration, and disappointment. The emotional toll of seeing negative pregnancy tests, undergoing invasive treatments, or dealing with pregnancy losses can feel overwhelming. And sometimes, the hardest part is facing these emotions while trying to maintain hope for the future," shared The IVF Warrior. It’s about navigating a medical system that often treats fertility as a luxury rather than a fundamental part of health. And it’s about battling the stigma that makes people feel like their bodies are broken when, in reality, infertility is a medical condition, not a personal failure.
Because infertility shatters the glossy, Instagram-perfect version of life we’re all conditioned to chase. Because people feel guilty, ashamed, or like they’ve somehow “failed” at something everyone else seems to do effortlessly. And because, quite frankly, society still struggles with how to talk about reproductive health in an open, supportive way.
But here’s the truth: talking about infertility helps. It normalizes the experience, reduces isolation, and pushes for better research, funding, and healthcare policies that actually support people trying to build their families.
As Jennifer wisely says, "There is no shame in this journey. There’s nothing to feel guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed about. We’re living in a fertility crisis that no one wants to address because of the stigma still surrounding it. This journey is HARD, and those who face it are absolute warriors."
Infertility is common. It’s not just a you problem; it’s a society problem. It deserves awareness, support, and real solutions—not just the old “just relax and it’ll happen” nonsense. So whether you’re in the thick of fertility treatments, considering your options, or just trying to be a better support system for someone who is, remember: infertility isn’t a whispered struggle. It’s real, it’s widespread, and it’s time we talk about it like we do every other major health issue—with honesty, compassion, and a little bit of fire.
Navigating infertility can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. myStoria is here to help you take control of your fertility journey with the most robust diagnostic advocacy tool available. From organizing medical documents to helping you advocate for the best care, myStoria provides the support and clarity you need.
Join today and be part of a community that’s rewriting the fertility journey—on your terms.
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