Fertility struggles take stark toll on mental health, careers and finances - new research
91% of women say their mental health has been affected by fertility challenges
Fertility struggles are taking a profound toll on women across the United States, as new research sheds light on mental health challenges, strained relationships, career setbacks and serious financial sacrifices in their pursuit of parenthood.
The research, released by Maven Clinic, the world’s largest virtual clinic for women’s and family health, highlights the impact of fertility challenges on nearly every aspect of life. Drawing from the experiences of over 1,000 women who have navigated fertility treatment or faced difficulty conceiving, Beyond the Bill: The Hidden Costs of Fertility Care paints a picture of a healthcare system struggling to meet the needs of hopeful parents.
According to the study, 91% of women say their mental health has been affected by fertility challenges. Meanwhile, nearly half of respondents (44%) have turned down promotions, pay raises or new job opportunities due to treatment schedules or concerns about future family planning.
“IVF is a life-changing technology that makes dreams come true, and providing access to this essential care is the floor, not the ceiling,” said Kate Ryder, founder and CEO of Maven Clinic.
“Aspiring parents deserve support that is available 24/7, addresses both emotional and clinical needs, and is delivered transparently and compassionately. With millions of people experiencing infertility around the world, our survey findings are a call to action to the entire system: families need our help.”
Financial and emotional toll
The report finds that the cost of fertility care extends well beyond the price tag of medical treatment. While three in four people experience financial strain during their fertility journeys, one-third of women spend more than $50,000, with nearly half feeling unprepared for the costs. For many, achieving parenthood means putting other life milestones on hold - 83% said they had to cut back on expenses, and 52% used savings originally earmarked for retirement or a home.
Yet the emotional toll may be even more severe. More than three-quarters of women said they limited social interactions - avoiding weddings, baby showers, or family gatherings - due to the emotional burden of infertility. And while 85% of women reported feeling supported by their partners, 65% said they bore the weight of the journey alone.
“Families deserve the shortest, safest path to a healthy baby, but that's not what the current system is built to deliver,” said Dr Neel Shah, Chief Medical Officer of Maven Clinic.
“By supporting people from the very beginning of their family-building journey and attending to the full breadth of their needs, we can improve outcomes, cut costs and build a system that works better for everyone.”
Though awareness around fertility struggles is growing - and with 40% of US employers now offering fertility benefits, up from just 30% in 2020 - stigma continues to loom large. Some 77% of women said they have hidden or downplayed their treatment at work. Still, among those with fertility benefits, 81% reported being more productive and engaged at work.
Maven offers an integrated fertility support model that combines virtual care, health coaching, and a network of specialists ranging from mental health experts to reproductive endocrinologists. According to the company, 30% of its fertility members are able to conceive without the need for assisted reproductive technology- an outcome that reflects the potential of early, holistic care.