New Research Finds the Fertility Conversation is Broken

Most People Want Comprehensive Care Beyond IVF, But Aren't Getting It

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:59pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray photograph of a human ovary and fallopian tube, revealing the intricate internal structures in a ghostly, glowing manner against a dark background, conceptually representing the multifaceted nature of fertility care.An X-ray image of the female reproductive system highlights the complex biological factors involved in fertility, beyond just IVF.West Des Moines Today

A new report from Carrot, a global fertility, family-building, and hormonal health care platform, reveals a gap between what people want and what they're being offered when it comes to fertility care. The survey of over 1,000 adults across the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada found overwhelming demand for metabolic health, men's health, and less invasive fertility options, but fewer than half have ever discussed these with a provider.

Why it matters

The findings indicate that expanding access to a broader range of fertility pathways, and introducing them earlier in the patient journey, may better align care delivery with patient preferences while also supporting workforce and insurer retention. Clinicians want to offer comprehensive care, but need benefit structures and care pathways that make room for it.

The details

The report identifies four core gaps shaping the current fertility care experience: high awareness of IVF paired with resistance to pursuing it, strong interest in metabolic and men's health support without corresponding clinical engagement, delayed fertility education, and growing demand for comprehensive fertility benefits. While awareness of IVF is nearly universal, willingness to pursue it is significantly lower, with cost and invasiveness being the primary drivers. Metabolic and men's health support emerged as two of the most sought-after fertility pathways, but fewer than half of respondents reported discussing these topics with a provider. Nearly half of respondents said they first learned about fertility options only after beginning to try to conceive or encountering fertility challenges.

  • The report, "Beyond IVF: What People Really Want from Fertility Care," was published on March 31, 2026.

The players

Carrot

A global fertility, family-building, and hormonal health care platform that conducted the survey and published the report.

Tammy Sun

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Carrot.

Asima Ahmad

Chief Medical Officer at Carrot Fertility.

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What they’re saying

“People are telling us exactly what they want — earlier guidance, more options, and care that doesn't default to the most invasive treatment first.”

— Tammy Sun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Carrot

“These findings confirm what many of us in the field have long observed: factors like metabolic health, nutrition, and lifestyle are central to fertility outcomes yet rarely addressed in a structured, ongoing way. In this report, 84% of people recognize the link between metabolic health and fertility, underscoring the need for care models that integrate evidence-based guidance and longitudinal follow-up into the fertility journey.”

— Asima Ahmad, Chief Medical Officer at Carrot Fertility

What’s next

The full report is available on Carrot's website for further reading and analysis.

The takeaway

This report highlights the growing demand for comprehensive, personalized fertility care that goes beyond just IVF. By addressing the gaps in education, clinical engagement, and benefit coverage, healthcare providers and employers have an opportunity to better meet the needs of those navigating fertility journeys.