Creators on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are sharing their deeply personal journeys through fertility treatments like IVF and egg-freezing, drawing big audiences and helping to afford a shot at a family they might not otherwise have. Caitlyn O’Neil, for example, began sharing her story after suffering a miscarriage and undergoing IVF, documenting the process from medication unboxing to egg retrieval to embryo implantation to multiple failed attempts and, finally, the birth of her son after 2.5 years. She has amassed a large following on social media, allowing her to fund multiple rounds of IVF through brand partnerships and donations from followers.
These creators are part of a growing trend where women are openly discussing fertility struggles and sharing their experiences on social media platforms, despite the current political climate around reproductive rights. Traditional lifestyle influencers have expanded to include IVF influencers, who discuss topics like egg retrievals, embryo transfers, medical diagnoses, and the financial and emotional strains of fertility treatments. This trend has also been fueled by the femtech industry, which has seen significant investment and growth, offering technologies and services aimed at women’s reproductive health needs.
Startups in the fertility industry are now partnering with these influencers to reach a broader audience and promote their services. This includes companies like Cofertility, Gaia, and Dandi Fertility, which have collaborated with creators to promote their offerings. Fertility clinics like RMA of New York, Spring Fertility, and HRC Fertility are also working with influencers to educate potential patients and showcase the quality of care they provide. However, these partnerships have raised ethical concerns, including the lack of transparency around compensation and potential exploitation of women who are desperate for results.
Despite the criticisms, creators like Destene Sudduth and Brittney Zirkle have found value in sharing their experiences and normalizing fertility issues, particularly for people of color. They have been able to fund their treatment through brand deals and partnerships, alleviating some of the financial burden associated with fertility care. However, there are still concerns about the blurring of ethical boundaries, trust issues, and the potential for exploitation within these partnerships, as highlighted by incidents where influencers were asked to promote services they had not personally used or organizations they were not familiar with.
Overall, these creators are using social media platforms to raise awareness about fertility struggles, destigmatize the conversation around reproductive health, and build supportive communities for people going through similar experiences. Their stories are helping to shed light on the challenges of infertility and the emotional toll it takes on individuals and families. As the conversation around fertility continues to evolve, these influencers play a significant role in shaping the narrative and providing a platform for those who may have previously suffered in silence.
