Fertility & IVF ‘Fairy Tales’ May Be Costing Women Their Dreams Of Having A Family

Prohibitive cost, waning success rates and poor accessibility aren’t the only reasons women are steering away from IVF treatments. According to new research*, a whopping 85% of Australian women still believe there is a social stigma associated with IVF. More shockingly, nearly half of us perceive IVF treatment as having ‘ failed somehow as a woman’. A new Sydney-based fertility program, Bump is striving to increase awareness around these misconceptions and debunk IVF myths by not only offering women the highest quality fertility science, but also making it available in a smart and straightforward way.

Along with these startling beliefs about IVF treatment and the perceived ‘failure’ of women, The Bump Fertility Fairy Tales Study (2014)* also revealed that almost a third of 25-44 year old women believe the stigma is because women can feel responsible and guilty even when it’s their partner who has the fertility problem. The other main reasons for the stigma were general ignorance about IVF, fertility and different treatments (45%) and the perception that falling pregnant is ‘easy’ (34%).

This research shows an urgent need for open, transparent discussion and education about fertility options and the provision of affordable, accessible IVF treatment for all women.

“When we consider the social impact these misconceptions are having on couples, we know that normalising fertility treatment, by simplifying the process, empowering our clients and giving them as much control as possible, is the only way forward,” explains Dr. Kylie de Boer, General Manager of Bump. 

According to the Bump study, 88% of women believed there would be significant barriers to IVF if they were finding it difficult to fall pregnant. The main barrier for 72% of women aged 25-44 was identified as cost.

Also, when asked to describe the factors influencing their choice of IVF clinic, the following five factors had the most impact:

 1.     Cost – 70%

2.     Claimed success rates of the clinic- 55%

3.     Location of the clinic- 51%

4.     Doctor / GP running the clinic- 50%

5.     Word of mouth from friends / family for a clinic – 43%

The first Bump clinic, opening in Mosman on Sydney’s lower North Shore, offers a suite of affordable, more convenient options that address many concerns uncovered in the study including:

• An out of pocket cost that is about a third of the cost compared to the larger IVF clinics in Sydney – cost is the biggest concern for most women considering treatment.
• Reduced complexity to get started: 89% of women believe the process of having IVF is complex. Bump doesn’t require a referral for the first appointment, making it easier for women to take that first step.
• Simple process: Nearly a third (27%) of women believe a lack of willpower will prevent them going through what is perceived to be a very tough process. Bump promises the most effective fertility treatment in the simplest and most contemporary way. For example, Bump offers a simple, digitally accessible service together with a reduced number of visits for lengthy appointments, and IVF medication delivered to your door.  All within an ultra modern day clinic with the latest IVF technology.

“Bump provides women with the highest quality fertility science and makes it available in a smart, straightforward way. And as part of Monash IVF group we offer our clients world-class expertise and technology at a more affordable rate” continued Bump General Manager, Dr. Kylie de Boer.

For more information on Bump IVF, please call 1800 BUMP (free call) or visit www.bumpivf.com.au

* Research conducted by Galaxy Research in June 2014 among a representative sample of 1,007 women aged 25-44.

About Bump

Bump is a new fertility clinic based in Mosman, Sydney. Bump combines the proven science and record results of the Monash IVF Group with a new, simplified and affordable approach to service, making IVF treatment more accessible than ever for women. Bump is part of the Monash IVF Group, a leading IVF provider in Australia and the one that achieved the first IVF pregnancy in 1973.

Have you considered IVF treatment or had experience with IVF in the past? Please share your thoughts with others below…