Breaking the Fertility Stigma: Why It’s Time to Talk About Reproductive Health for Everyone
What happens when society avoids the tough conversations around fertility?
And how can we empower individuals to take control of their reproductive health before it’s too late?
In a deeply moving episode of the me&my health up podcast, host Anthony Hartcher sits down with fertility advocates Valerie Kvita and Bilge Gare to unpack the emotional, physical, and financial burdens that come with infertility. But more importantly—they explore how we can shift the narrative.
Watch the full video here:
Valerie’s Personal Fertility Journey
At just 35, Valerie faced a diagnosis of premature ovarian insufficiency. Her story of navigating egg freezing, managing the mental toll, and confronting societal expectations is a raw and inspiring look at what many women experience in silence. Her message is clear: fertility isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a mental health one too.
Coming Out of the Fertility Closet
Bilge shares her experience through her TEDx talk “Coming Out of the Fertility Closet”, where she met Valerie. Together, they discuss the importance of breaking the silence around infertility and normalising the conversation—not just for women, but for men as well.
“Infertility affects both men and women equally, yet men are often left out of the conversation,” says Bilge.
Myths, Misconceptions & Missed Opportunities
The trio dives into the misconception that infertility is primarily a “women’s issue.” In reality, about 1 in 3 infertility cases involve male factors. Despite this, men are often excluded from early fertility education or support systems, leaving a gap in understanding and shared responsibility.
Valerie and Bilge advocate for fertility education to begin during teenage years, not just focusing on contraception, but also on how reproductive systems work and how fertility declines over time.
Empowering with Education: ‘I Am Magic’
To address the fertility knowledge gap, Valerie and Bilge introduce their book, I Am Magic—a comprehensive and compassionate guide filled with practical advice and resources. Designed to be part workbook, part encouragement, the book empowers individuals to:
• Understand their bodies
• Learn about fertility timelines
• Make informed choices
• Navigate emotional struggles
• Involve their partners in the journey
Changing the Conversation
This episode is a call to action. It urges listeners to:
• Share the burden: Fertility isn’t just a woman’s issue—men must be equally involved.
• Educate early: Schools need to expand reproductive education beyond “prevention” to “preparation.”
• Talk openly: Stories shared through social media and podcasts help others feel less alone.
• Understand the realities: IVF success rates can be as low as 10%, and procedures are financially demanding—making informed decisions crucial.
Where to Listen & Learn More
This episode is available on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.
📘 Get I Am Magic on Amazon.
📱 Follow Valerie & Bill on Instagram and TikTok: @thetiny.pea
Conclusion
Infertility is not a failure—it’s a part of the human experience that deserves compassion, visibility, and shared responsibility. Whether you’re planning for children now or just starting to understand your body, knowledge is your power. It’s time we move from stigma to support, from silence to stories, and from shame to shared understanding.
🔗 Listen to the full episode and start your fertility education journey today. It might be the conversation that changes everything.
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