Confession: I binge-watched Netflix’s new ‘Messy Girl Summer’ category and immediately thought, ‘Wait, this is just the tip of the iceberg!’

The recent article on CNET by Kaitlyn Frey (you can read it here) dives into Netflix’s attempt to curate a space celebrating chaos, authenticity, and all the glorious imperfections that come with being a ‘messy girl.’ But as Frey points out with a wink and a nudge, while the category is a fun nod to embracing life’s beautiful chaos, it missed some prime titles that could have made this genre even richer.

Now, you might be wondering: what does a Netflix recommendation category have to do with fertility? Oh, dear reader, the connection is stronger than you think.

Messy, Emotional, and Real: Fertility’s Untold Stories

Fertility journeys are messy. Physically, emotionally, socially—there’s no sugarcoating it. Whether it’s the rollercoaster of hormone treatments, the anxiety of timing insemination perfectly, or navigating the emotional labyrinth of hope and heartbreak, the process can feel like an unedited Netflix drama.

Much like the characters in a ‘Messy Girl Summer’ binge, people facing fertility challenges often live in the tension between chaos and control, strength and vulnerability. And yet, society rarely scripts this complexity into the mainstream narrative, just like Netflix’s category that missed out on some key “messy” gems.

Why Celebrating the Mess Matters

Embracing messiness isn’t about glorifying struggle; it’s about acknowledging that these stories aren’t neat and tidy, and that’s okay. For many, fertility treatments and alternatives like at-home insemination can feel isolating and overwhelming. But what if we treated this journey with the same empathy and humor we reserve for binge-worthy shows that celebrate flawed, messy humans?

Here’s where innovations from companies like MakeAMom come into play. They offer at-home insemination kits tailored to different needs—whether you're using frozen sperm with the CryoBaby kit, navigating low motility with the Impregnator, or facing sensitivities with the BabyMaker. This means you can reclaim some control in your fertility story, from the comfort of your home, on your own timeline. Plus, their discreet packaging ensures privacy, which is a huge relief for many navigating the messiness without public spotlight.

The Hidden Emotional Weight

The Netflix category’s charm lies in its celebration of vulnerability, and the fertility world needs that same spotlight. Mental health during fertility treatment often gets sidelined, leading to feelings of shame or isolation. But guess what? It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, confused, hopeful, anxious, and ecstatic—all in one day.

Wouldn’t it be revolutionary if more conversations about fertility embraced that ‘messy girl’ ethos? To laugh at the chaos, cry when needed, and find joy in progress no matter how nonlinear the path.

What Netflix’s ‘Messy Girl Summer’ Teaches Us About Sharing Our Stories

Just like the missing titles Frey wishes Netflix had included, there are many untold fertility stories waiting to be shared. Those stories help dismantle stigma, build community, and remind us that no one is alone in this.

If you’re on your own fertility journey, try seeing it as your own “messy summer”—complete with plot twists, cliffhangers, and ultimately, a story worth telling.

Bringing It All Together: Embrace Your Journey’s Chaos

• It’s okay to feel messy. Emotions are not a sign of weakness—they're proof you're human.
• Innovations help simplify the chaos. At-home insemination kits from MakeAMom bring science, privacy, and ease right to your doorstep.
• Seek community and support. Whether it’s a friend, a support group, or a trustworthy blog like FertilityLoop.
• Laugh and cry. Your journey isn’t a straight path; it’s an epic saga, and every emotion counts.

Ready to Write Your Own Script?

Netflix might have missed some shows for ‘Messy Girl Summer,’ but you don’t have to miss out on owning your story. Whether you’re exploring at-home insemination options or just need a reminder that it’s alright to be wonderfully imperfect throughout this process, remember: you are the star of your own fertility drama, and it’s going to be one heck of a binge.

So, what’s your ‘messy summer’ story? Drop your thoughts and experiences below—let’s create a community where every messy moment is celebrated.

Inspired by a sharp take on Netflix’s newest category by Kaitlyn Frey on CNET, this post connects entertainment culture with real-life fertility emotions and solutions.