Maven Clinic has released new research highlighting the extensive impact of fertility challenges on women’s mental health, careers, relationships, and overall well-being. The study, titled “Beyond the Bill: The Hidden Costs of Fertility Care,” surveyed more than 1,000 women in the U.S. who have undergone fertility care or treatment, or experienced difficulty conceiving.
Released ahead of National Infertility Awareness Week, the research reveals that while financial costs remain significant, the personal sacrifices made during fertility journeys extend far beyond monetary concerns.
“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 founder and CEO of Maven Clinic, Kate Ryder. “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.”
The study found that 91% of women say fertility struggles impact their mental health, while 44% reported turning down promotions, raises, or new job opportunities due to fertility treatment schedules or concerns about future family planning.
Financial strain remains one of the biggest barriers to fertility care, with three-quarters of respondents experiencing financial hardship during their fertility journey. One-third of women reported spending more than $50,000, and nearly half (46%) felt unprepared for the costs involved.
The research also revealed that 83% of respondents had to cut back on expenses, with 52% using savings meant for other life goals – such as retirement or buying a home – to afford fertility care.
Beyond financial challenges, the emotional toll is significant. A substantial 78% of respondents limited social interactions like weddings, baby showers, and family gatherings due to emotional stress. While 85% felt supported by their partners, 65% believed the burden of fertility challenges fell almost entirely on them rather than their partner.
The impact on careers is also noteworthy, with 59% of women or their partners taking on extra work to pay for care. Despite growing awareness of fertility challenges, 77% of women have hidden or downplayed their fertility treatment at work. However, among those with fertility benefits, 81% reported being more engaged and productive.
“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.”
The report comes as employer support for fertility is growing, with an estimated 40% of US employers now offering fertility benefits, representing a 30% increase from 2020. Leading employers are increasingly providing comprehensive support that combines financial, emotional, and clinical care.
Maven, which describes itself as the largest fertility benefits provider by lives covered, offers clinical, emotional, and financial support throughout the family-building journey. The company combines fertility benefits administration with virtual care and health coaching to deliver better outcomes for families and cost savings for employers.
