Infertility is one of those things you don’t think about—until you have to, because you or someone you love is walking through it. It’s deeply personal, often isolating, and filled with questions, decisions, and a kind of waiting that’s hard to put into words unless you’ve lived it. No two experiences look the same, and there isn’t a single path through.

And yet, it’s far more common than many of us realize. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 6 people worldwide are impacted by infertility—meaning so many are navigating it quietly, often without it being seen or spoken about.

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, we’re sharing one of those stories.

For Kristin Rezapour, what began as an exciting step toward growing her family slowly became more complex—one that required her to advocate for her health, navigate unexpected setbacks, and hold both grief and hope at the same time.

Now, as her and her husband begin the journey toward adoption, Kristin shares about her four-year infertility story and how it's impacted her marriage, faith, and plans for the future. 

You’ve been on a fertility journey for several years now. Can you take us back to the beginning—what did you initially imagine this season of growing your family would look like, and when did you realize it might be more complex than expected?

We waited until our first anniversary to start trying for a baby, and went into that season expecting it might take a few months. But as month after month passed with no progress, I started to feel that something might be off. That’s when we began meeting with doctors and exploring what was going on. I never imagined our path to growing our family would be this long or this complex.

You’ve navigated a number of diagnoses and conversations with different providers. Can you share about them and what it’s been like holding so many unknowns across both your and your husband’s health?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you have to be your own advocate in healthcare. So many things were missed in my labs until I started digging deeper on my own, asking more questions, and bringing concerns back to my providers. It felt like every appointment came with a new piece of information, and the uncertainty created a lot of health anxiety for me. I was constantly trying to listen to my body and make sense of what was happening because we weren’t getting clear answers unless I researched and found things myself.

The turning point for us was finding an incredible holistic fertility naturopath. She caught everything right away without us having to piece the puzzle together for her, and having someone who truly understands our full picture has been such a relief.

Infertility often carries both physical and emotional weight. What were some of the hardest moments for you—and were there any small wins or unexpected encouragements that helped carry you through?

One of the hardest moments was learning after my HSG that one of my fallopian tubes was completely blocked. Hearing that there was no way to open it (and realizing that my chances of conceiving each month dropped to less than 50% on top of everything else) was incredibly discouraging. It was the first time the reality of infertility really hit us.

What has consistently carried us through the hardest moments is clinging to Jesus and trusting His plan for our family. Even in the discouragement, we’ve felt His steady reassurance that everything will unfold in His perfect timing, and that has been our greatest encouragement.

You went through an IUI cycle that was ultimately canceled midway. What was that experience like?

We attempted an IUI in the spring of 2025, right before my husband’s varicocelectomy. We saw it as our “one last try” before needing to pause treatments for 6–12 months during his recovery. After weeks of medication, monitoring, and so much hopeful anticipation, the doctors weren’t able to get the catheter through my cervix—apparently it’s quite the maze—and the sperm became unusable before they could complete the procedure. It was devastating to have the cycle canceled after putting so much into it. That experience really highlighted how unpredictable and emotionally draining infertility treatments can be.

You and your husband talked about adoption early in your relationship. What drew you to it from the beginning, and how has your faith shaped the way you’ve navigated this shift in your plans?

I’ve been really drawn to adopting since I was young. Always very curious to hear stories from families who had adopted, and really having the desire to adopt as part of growing my future family. As I got older I learned more about it through the lens of ministry – I once heard adoption described as one of the best metaphors of the gospel and God adopting us into His family. I told my now husband early on in dating that adoption was something I hoped to do eventually and he had the same desire. We had planned to have a few children biologically and then adopt later on, but it’s funny how the Lord will place desires on our heart and encourage us to trust Him with the rest, in this case, the timing of it all.

What ultimately led you to pursue adoption now, rather than continuing with fertility treatments?

Infertility has taken such a toll on our health both physically and mentally. We both hit a point where we were just so tired of trying to decide what to do next. Our doctors encouraged us to try IUI more times, or move onto IVF, and we really didn’t feel comfortable with doing that right now. We prayed about it a lot and one night we both really felt this sudden excitement to start our adoption journey.

How has this journey changed you individually and in your marriage?

This journey has brought us closer than I ever imagined. I know one day we’ll look back on these years and feel grateful for the way they strengthened our marriage and gave us so much intentional time together. Individually, I’ve learned so much about my body, my health, and how I process emotions. As painful as infertility has been, it has shaped me in meaningful ways and deepened my resilience, compassion, and trust in Jesus.

For someone currently in the thick of waiting, uncertainty, or disappointment, what would you want them to hear—and what are you most hopeful for as you step into this next chapter?

This can be such a heavy and isolating season, especially when it feels like life is moving forward for everyone else but you.

What has carried us through is learning there is so much purpose in the waiting, and it is never wasted time. Even when things don’t look the way I expected, and it feels like forever to have our baby here — I know that I’ll look back and this will have been such a short part of our story compared to what is to come.

This journey has taught us to hold our plans with a loose hand and trust that God is writing a story that is better and more intentional than anything we could design ourselves. As we step into adoption, I feel a mix of gratitude, peace, and deep hope. We are so excited for what’s ahead and for the child who will join our family in a way that feels so beautifully meant to be.

Rapid-fire round:

A small ritual or habit that’s grounding you right now: Red light therapy has been a game-changer for me!

Something bringing you joy lately: The sun has been out recently in WA which has been amazing!!!

A verse you keep coming back to: Psalm 27:13, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Favorite way to unwind after a long day: Walks outside with my husband!!

A place that feels like a reset for you: Our family’s place in Norway - the ultimate nervous system reset. Can’t wait to be there this summer!

Go-to date night with your husband: Ice cream and a movie!