Celebrities are increasingly sharing on their personal fertility journeys. From Jennifer Aniston to Michelle Obama, these public figures are making infertility discussions mainstream. In this article, we will be discussing several celebrities who have publicly discussed their fertility challenges, in turn helping to destigmatize fertility treatment.
Jennifer Aniston:
Photograph courtesy of Angela George at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharongraphics.
In a recent candid interview with Allure Magazine, Jennifer Aniston discussed the challenges she faced while trying to conceive several years ago. The Hollywood star, now 53, revealed her treatment included in vitro fertilization (IVF). The emotional stress of her infertility was compounded by being in the public eye. The stunning starlet, relatable by many as the “girl-next-door”, was met with public support following the interview.
Kim Kardashian:
Photograph courtesy of Cosmopolitan UK, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Social media personality and businesswoman Kim Kardashian has never been one to shy away from the cameras. When presented with her personal fertility issues, fans were excited to come along for the ride. The idolized business entrepreneur had a difficult first pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia and an emergency Cesarean delivery. She has also revealed her diagnosis of placenta accreta during her first two pregnancies. Following her second delivery, her doctor warned of the risks of any future pregnancy. Desiring to further grow their family, Kardashian and then-husband Kanye West decided to pursue surrogacy. Following egg retrieval, gestational surrogates carried baby number 4 (Chicago) and 5 (Psalm).
Michelle Obama:
Photograph courtesy of Tim Pierce from Berlin, MA, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The former first lady has been candid about the fertility journey that led to Malia and Sasha. Michelle Obama has shared that she suffered the pain of miscarriage prior to turning to IVF. She has been candid in discussing the loneliness that she experienced while undergoing treatment.
Gordon Ramsay:
Photograph courtesy of Leon Brocard from London, UK, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The straight-talking celebrity chef is no stranger to speaking his mind. This father of six has reported a history of fertility challenges. Gordon Ramsay is one of the few celebrities openly discussing male factor infertility. He and his wife, Tana, have faced a low sperm count, miscarriages and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) as hurdles while trying to conceive.
Mariah Carey:
The talented songstress is known for her vocal capabilities. Previously married to Nick Cannon, the couple turned to IVF following a miscarriage. Mariah Carey has revealed that she was on progesterone during her pregnancy in an effort to decrease the chance of miscarriage. The couple welcomed twins, Monroe and Moroccan, in 2011.
Nicole Kidman:
Photograph courtesy of Keith Hinkle, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
This Australian beauty has been candid regarding her struggles with fertility. Nicole Kidman has openly shared her regret at not having more children. Following miscarriage during her previous marriage with Tom Cruise, the couple decided to pursue adoption, adding two children to their family. Kidman now shares two daughters with her current husband, Keith Urban. Kidman and Urban welcomed their youngest child via surrogate.
Takeaway Message:
Celebrities are increasingly sharing their fertility struggles. Once considered a taboo topic by some, these famous figures have helped to destigmatize infertility. With an estimated 15% of couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, many fans are relating to their shared journeys.
If you are experiencing fertility issues, is it helpful when celebrities discuss their infertility journey? Please share in the comments below.