I’ve never been a huge football fan—but last night, I found myself on the edge of the couch, heart pounding, cheering for a bunch of teenagers I’d never met. England’s U19 women’s team pulled off a comeback against the Netherlands in the Women’s European U19 Championship, and you know what? It wasn’t just a game. It was a full-blown lesson in hope, resilience, and why sometimes coming from behind is the most memorable way to win.

Okay, wait. What does a football match in Tarnobrzeg, Poland, have to do with fertility? More than you’d think. If you’re on a journey to conceive—however that looks for you—there’s a good chance you’ve felt “down at half-time.” Maybe your first try didn’t work. Maybe your friends all seem to score on their first attempt and you’re still waiting for your big win. But before you throw in the towel or start doubting yourself, let’s talk about what happened on that Polish pitch, and why it might just be the inspiration you need today.

Setbacks Are Not the End—They’re Just Half-Time

Watching the highlights (if you missed it, here’s the full BBC clip), you’ll see England go into the second half behind. And that’s the part that hit me right in the gut: success stories always sound like straight lines, but real life (and real fertility journeys) look a lot more like, well, messy football matches.

At half-time, England could’ve let nerves or disappointment take over. But they didn’t. They regrouped, they re-strategized, and—crucially—they believed they could turn it around. It’s the same sort of “second-half mentality” so many of us need to pull out of ourselves after a negative test, a failed cycle, or another month of waiting.

The Power of the Comeback

I’ve been there. The moment you open yet another pregnancy test with shaky hands, only for it to say ‘Not Pregnant.’ Or maybe you’re trying at-home insemination for the first (or hundredth) time, and it just isn’t working out the way you pictured. It’s easy to feel defeated—like you’re down a goal and the crowd has gone silent.

But here’s the secret: most people who succeed in their fertility goals didn’t have an easy, straightforward time. Just like England’s U19s, they battled through disappointments, technical fouls (hello, ovulation surprises), and moments that made them want to stomp off the field. Their ultimate victories? They’re even sweeter because they came after setbacks.

Building Your “Second-Half” Resilience

So how do you tap into that comeback energy?

• Let yourself feel frustrated. You don’t have to “stay positive” 24/7. But don’t get stuck there. Take the break you need, then commit to re-entering the game.
• Get strategic with your approach. Sometimes, a small tweak in your method makes all the difference. Is it time to track ovulation more closely? Try a new insemination technique or product? The England team didn’t play the same way after half-time—they changed the plan.
• Lean on your team—community matters. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or an online group, don’t isolate yourself. Celebrate the small wins together (like a perfect cervical mucus day!) and lean on each other after losses.

A Quiet Innovation That Makes a Difference

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the clinical side of things, there’s comfort in knowing you don’t have to do everything the “big medical” way. I’ve found so much reassurance in companies like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits, which are all about giving you control and dignity on your own schedule. Their approach—offering reusable, discreetly shipped kits tailored for different needs—feels to me a little like bringing home the win on your own turf, no white coats or waiting rooms required.

Their average 67% success rate? It’s not magic. But it’s proof that, like England’s U19s, you can come from behind. All you need is the right support and the willingness to try again.

The Final Whistle: Don’t Count Yourself Out

If you’re feeling like you’re stuck at “half-time” right now, please—don’t walk away before the game is truly over. Your journey might be unpredictable, and it might take a comeback you never saw coming. But those are the stories we share for the rest of our lives. They’re the ones that inspire hope in others.

So, what’s your comeback going to look like? Maybe this month, it’s reaching out for help. Maybe it’s trying a new method, or just letting yourself rest before stepping back on the field. However you play it, know that you’re not alone—and that second-half magic? It’s absolutely real.

What’s been your hardest “first half” moment, and how did you rally? Share your story in the comments below and let’s cheer each other on—because the final score? It’s not written yet.