Let’s be real: There’s nothing quite as brave as owning your story—especially when it comes to trying to conceive at home.

Scrolling through my news alerts last week, I came across an NPR piece that stopped me in my tracks: Photos: Why it took courage for these women to pose for the camera. The article highlights a group of women from Madagascar, wearing traditional face masks, who allowed themselves to be photographed in a society where stepping forward isn’t just brave—it’s revolutionary.

It made me think about the quiet battles we fight in our own lives—the things we hesitate to share, even with friends. For so many of us, the journey to parenthood isn’t a smooth, champagne-popping affair. It’s full of uncertainty, home test kits, anxiety, hope, and let’s be honest… a LOT of Googling at 2 a.m. But what happens when we open up?

We All Have a Story. Are You Ready to Tell Yours?

I remember the first time I told someone—outside my very small circle—that my partner and I were using an at-home insemination kit. My heart hammered like I was about to do a bungee jump. Would they judge me? Pity me? Tell me I was doing it wrong? (Spoiler: none of those things happened.)

Reading the NPR article, I saw something powerful: When these Malagasy women sat for their portraits, they weren’t just posing—they were challenging a stigma, and creating a ripple effect that could transform their community.

That’s the same energy we need in the fertility world.

Why Speaking Up About Fertility Still Feels Like Taboo

Let’s face it, despite all the TikToks and vlogs, talking about fertility is still loaded with shame and mystery. Especially if your path doesn’t look like what you see on TV. So many people—singles, queer couples, folks with health conditions—are quietly navigating the world of at-home insemination. Why do we feel like we have to keep it a secret?

• Afraid it’ll make us look “less than”
• Unsure what friends or family will say
• Worried we’ll jinx it (anyone else superstitious?)
• It just feels a little too private—until it doesn’t

The Surprising Power of Vulnerability

Here’s the twist: Every time we share a piece of our truth, we make it easier for someone else to do the same. When I finally opened up about using an insemination kit, my inbox filled with messages. Some were from people I’d known for years, secretly considering the same path. The relief in “me too!” was palpable.

Just like the Malagasy women who allowed their challenges to be photographed, your story—whether it’s about struggles with sperm motility or navigating vaginismus—can help break down walls for others. Vulnerability is contagious, in the best way.

Need Support? You’re Not Alone (Even When It Feels That Way)

One thing the NPR article made crystal clear: isolation is the real enemy. The women featured weren’t just taking pictures—they were building solidarity, one click at a time. In fertility, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one in the world microwaving a thermometer or tracking ovulation by the hour.

But there’s a community out here. Organizations like MakeAMom have created resources for people just like us: folks taking the DIY route, sometimes because it’s more affordable, sometimes because of medical needs, sometimes just because it feels right. Their reusable insemination kits (like CryoBaby for low-volume and frozen sperm, or BabyMaker for those with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus) are designed for real people—not some hypothetical “perfect” patient in a brochure.

Beyond the actual products, you’ll find real talk, advice, and testimonials from people who’ve been where you are. (Trust me, reading someone else’s story about baby-making-from-home is a lot more helpful than your tenth trip down a Reddit rabbit hole.)

How to Share Your Story—and Why It Matters

If you’re thinking about speaking up, here are a few tips I wish I’d had at the start:

• Start small. You don’t need to announce it on social. Try telling one trusted friend first.
• Decide your boundaries. You get to choose how much you share.
• Remember your WHY. Whether it’s to help others, find community, or just unburden yourself, keep that front and center.
• Share resources. Linking to organizations, blogs, or even your favorite kit can help others take their first step. (I started by linking to MakeAMom’s resource page)
• Expect surprises. People are more supportive—and more curious—than you might think.

The Ripple Effect: Changing the Conversation for Good

Look, you don’t need a camera crew or a viral photo exhibit to make an impact. Every honest conversation, every DM, every “hey, me too” chips away at the shame and secrecy surrounding at-home conception.

So here’s my challenge to you: What part of your fertility story are you ready to own? Who else might need to hear it?

If you’re already part of this journey—or thinking about starting—remember: courage doesn’t always look like a heroic pose. Sometimes it’s just hitting “send” on a message, or showing up to a community page. One brave step. That’s where it starts.

Curious? Have your own story to share? Drop it in the comments below. You never know who you might inspire next.