Here at IVF babble, we are always excited to support amazing companies who in turn are supporting amazing men and women who are TTC, especially when like us, they have the same mission in sight
Maven Clinic, the world’s largest virtual clinic for women’s and family health, recently released findings from a study exploring women’s perceptions of their fertility and what influences their beliefs about their ability to become pregnant.
The study — which captured the sentiment of 1,500 women ages 28-38 living in five large U.S. cities — sheds light on the factors contributing to women’s emotional wellbeing as they consider starting a family and what the healthcare and benefits industries can do to better educate and empower patients on their fertility and family-building journeys.
Fertility Benefits Are Increasingly In Demand
The findings come as fertility benefits have become an increasingly important tool for employers to attract and retain talent. According to research conducted by Maven and Great Place to Work in 2021, 75% of companies considered “Best Workplaces for Parents” offer fertility support programs, and 1 in 3 of those companies are planning to expand fertility benefits further this year.
Maven’s Fertility and Family-Building program support female, male and non-binary patients as they plan and grow their families. While male and female factors contribute equally to infertility, this survey focused on women’s unique experiences and perceptions. Key takeaways from the study include:
At least 3 in 4 women believe more than three falsehoods about their fertility — these range from perceptions of how long-term birth control usage impacts fertility to the need for regular fertility testing over a certain age.
At least 4 in 5 women experience anxiety when thinking about their ability to get pregnant; more than a quarter are extremely anxious.
More than 3 in 4 women surveyed have experienced increased anxiety regarding their ability to get pregnant in the last several years.
Age is a source of anxiety among most women, with at least 59% citing it as one of the top contributors. Women surveyed start to think about their fertility when they are between 19-and 21 years old.
Nearly 1 in 3 women say social media, advertising, and the news are the most influential factors regarding their feelings about fertility. OB-GYNs and female friends were listed as other significant sources.
“From a young age, women are told the clock is ticking and made to feel vulnerable about their ability to have children,” said Kate Ryder, founder, and CEO of Maven Clinic. “This culture of reproductive anxiety is deeply embedded in our society and demands a new approach to reproductive healthcare rooted in compassion, empathy, and facts.”
“These data underscore the harm women experience from pervasive and often false information about their fertility,” said Dr. Neel Shah, chief medical officer of Maven Clinic. “We all have a role to play, but those offering fertility solutions are ultimately accountable. People deserve trustworthy sources of information and affirming, scientifically-grounded support that does not stoke anxiety or add unnecessary cost.”
Advocating For Your Company To Add These Benefits
Employers often play a key role in ensuring their employees get the support they need while building their families. Maven partners with employers to help them design and administer the best fertility benefit for their employees, providing fertility education, adoption and surrogacy programs, and financial support.
According to a survey done in 2006 by Mercer Health and Benefits and commissioned by RESOLVE – The National Infertility Association, 65% of companies offered infertility treatment in direct response to employees requesting IVF or fertility coverage.
This means that if you’re open to advocating for yourself and sharing your fertility struggle, speaking to your Human Resources representative and providing them a copy of this infographic created by RESOLVE would increase feelings of company loyalty, employees would miss less work and would recommend the company as not only a great place to work but also view it as “family friendly.”
In addition, if your HR Team saw IVF benefits could be an investment, it could help not just you but other co-workers who are dealing with infertility.
It can be uncomfortable to advocate for fertility benefits, but not only will you be helping yourself, but countless others who may work at your company.
By Fertility Advocate and TTC Warrior, Jennifer Jay Palumbo
Stay tuned for Babble Health, a brand new initiative from IVF babble, that offers personalised reproductive healthcare support to employers, employees and clinics and patients.
The post New Study from Maven Clinic Reveals Missing Pieces in Fertility Support appeared first on IVF Babble.
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