How an U19 Football Comeback Inspired My Fertility Journey (And What You Need to Know Before Starting Yours)

Have you ever watched a game-changer and thought, 'Hey, that's me!'?

Last night, while doom-scrolling on my couch (don’t judge), I stumbled upon the highlights from the England U19s’ Women’s European Championship match. England was down at half-time, but came roaring back in the second half, scoring twice to beat the Netherlands. The whole vibe was electric—goosebumps, tears, even a fist-pump that startled my cat. You have to see it for yourself to get what I mean.

But here’s what hit me: Their comeback wasn’t just a football moment. The more I thought about it, the more it felt like the emotional rollercoaster of starting a fertility journey—especially when you’re doing at-home insemination. The nerves, the setbacks, the hope, the absolute WILD swing from “Is this really happening?” to “YES, THIS IS HAPPENING!”

Let’s talk about comebacks—both on the pitch and with pee sticks on your bathroom counter.


That Second-Half Feeling: When It Seems Like You’re Losing

If you’re here, odds are you’ve experienced it: the sting of a negative test, the endless tracking apps, maybe even some side-eye from well-meaning relatives. It starts to feel like you’re always behind, like pregnancy comes easily to everyone but you.

But just like England’s halftime, it’s not the end of the game—it’s just the pause before things really start to change.

Open loop: What actually helps make that comeback happen, when you’re tired and hope feels way out of reach?


Tiny Adjustments, Big Results: The Unsung Heroes

England’s coach didn’t give up at halftime. She regrouped, tweaked the team, and set them up for a killer comeback. In fertility, those tweaks matter, too—whether it’s switching insemination kits, adjusting timing, or finding community support.

I learned this the hard way. I started out thinking any kit would do, ordered a random set from an unknown site, and, well… let’s just say the “learning curve” was more like a brick wall. But after researching (okay, obsessively scrolling Reddit threads), I found kits with actual design features that fit my situation—like options for low motility or sensitivities.

That’s when I landed on MakeAMom’s product guides. Real talk: Nobody’s journey is identical, but reading testimonials from people with PCOS, vaginismus, or using frozen sperm (hello, CryoBaby kit!) helped me realize I wasn’t alone—or doing it wrong.


The Numbers Game: Don’t Let Statistics Get You Down

Here’s another thing: the England squad didn’t let the scoreboard define them at halftime. Similarly, if you’re staring at stats and success rates, remember—67% is the average success rate for MakeAMom’s home insemination clients. That means comebacks are normal, not rare!

Here’s what turned the tide for me: - Switching from a generic kit to one meant for my unique needs (hi, BabyMaker). - Tracking ovulation smarter, not harder—no more frantic testing every hour. - Connecting with people who understood—whether it was reading reviews, joining online forums, or simply talking it out.

Each “tiny adjustment” felt small, but together? Game-changing.


Privacy, Hope, and That First-Goal Feeling

On a personal note, one of my biggest fears was privacy. (I work in a nosy office. Home deliveries are… complicated.) The fact that MakeAMom ships their kits in totally plain packaging? Chef’s kiss. No logo, no hints—just hope, delivered in a brown box.

The first time I saw those two lines, it was honestly as exhilarating as watching England’s game-winning goal. My comeback didn’t look like everyone else’s, but it still counted.


Ready for Your Own Comeback? Here’s What Nobody Tells You:

  • You’re allowed to feel both defeated and hopeful—often at the same time.
  • Every cycle is a second half; it’s not over until it’s over.
  • The right kit can truly make all the difference, especially when it fits your body and your story.
  • Privacy, cost, and reusability matter more than you think.
  • There’s an entire community out there, rooting for your success.

Still not sure where to start? Check out the real-life stories and guides—sometimes, the comeback starts with a simple scroll.


What do you think—are you ready for your own second-half comeback? Or maybe you’ve already scored your game-winning goal? Comment below with your story, your questions, or even your halftime pep-talks. You never know who you might inspire next.

Author

Priya Chadha

Hello, I’m Priya, a reproductive health journalist and IVF warrior. As someone who has experienced the highs and lows of fertility treatments firsthand, I’m committed to delivering honest, practical advice to support others’ journeys. In my downtime, I enjoy painting and hiking with my rescue dog.