Why More Female Athletes Are Breaking the Silence on Fertility Struggles — and What We Can Learn

Posted on 14 July 2025 by Priya Nair — 3 min

They told her motherhood has no place in elite sport—but Chelsea Pitman proved them wrong.

In an eye-opening interview shared by the BBC titled ‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team’, Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman opens up about her tough fertility journey. Her candidness isn’t just about personal struggles—it’s a clarion call to dismantle the taboo surrounding pregnancy and motherhood in competitive sports.

Why does this stigma persist?

For decades, female athletes have faced an unspoken rule: prioritize your sport above all else, including motherhood. The logic, if it exists, is that pregnancy and parenting might hinder peak performance. But Pitman’s story reveals a bitter truth—this outdated thinking ignores the complex realities women face, the mental toll of concealing fertility struggles, and the strength motherhood can bring.

Fertility struggles and mental health: the hidden link

Data shows fertility challenges affect approximately 1 in 6 couples globally, and for high-performing athletes, the intersection of physical demands and reproductive health can be especially delicate. The pressure to keep fertility issues under wraps can exacerbate anxiety and depression, compounding the difficulties of training and competing.

We often underestimate how critical emotional support is during this journey. Pitman’s advocacy shines a light on the need for sports organizations to create supportive environments where athletes feel safe to discuss and manage fertility. This isn’t just a personal issue—it’s about athlete wellness and team success.

What technology can do for athletes facing fertility hurdles

Fortunately, advances in at-home fertility technologies are empowering women like Pitman to take control with discretion and convenience. Companies like MakeAMom offer innovative insemination kits designed for privacy, affordability, and ease of use outside clinical settings.

Whether dealing with low motility sperm, frozen samples, or conditions like vaginismus, these kits provide tailored solutions that help users navigate fertility on their own terms. With an average success rate of 67%, they represent a game-changing alternative for women balancing high-pressure careers and motherhood goals.

Breaking down barriers: What sports bodies and communities can do

Changing the narrative requires systemic shifts:

Policy revision: Federations and clubs should implement maternity protections and fertility support policies.
Normalize conversations: Athletes sharing stories like Pitman’s open doors for honest dialogue.
Mental health integration: Fertility counseling must be part of athlete wellness programs.
Accessible technology: Promote tools such as at-home insemination kits to broaden family-building options.

What can you do if you’re on a similar journey?

If Pitman’s story resonates, know you’re not alone—and help is increasingly accessible. Consider exploring discreet and effective at-home fertility options; educate yourself on your reproductive health; and seek community support to counter isolation.

Remember, motherhood and ambition aren’t mutually exclusive. With the right mindset, support, and tools, you can pursue both.

The takeaway?

Chelsea Pitman’s experience is a powerful reminder: the struggle for fertility shouldn’t be a silent battle, especially not for those in high-demand roles. Her courage in speaking out challenges outdated stigmas and encourages a more compassionate, inclusive future in sport and beyond.

Want to learn more about empowering fertility technologies that fit your lifestyle? Check out this innovative at-home insemination kit designed with privacy and success in mind.

So, what’s your take? Have you seen fertility stigma in your community or workplace? Let’s start the conversation below—because change begins with awareness and empathy.

Read the full interview here: ‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team’.