Why Fertility Anxiety Is Growing In The Age Of Instagram

I’ve had the same conversation more times than I can count. A woman in her late 20s or early 30s confides that she’s “really worried” about not being able to have children. She’s not trying yet—not even close, in some cases—but the anxiety is already there, constantly bubbling under the surface.

In my work as a therapist and in my personal circles, I’m meeting more and more women who are quietly panicked about their ability to conceive, long before there’s a partner or plan in place. What’s behind this growing fear around fertility? Is it justified? Or are we feeding a kind of pre-fertility panic without meaning to?

Are women more anxious about fertility than before?

Short answer: yes. A growing number of studies and surveys show that fertility anxiety is on the rise, particularly among women under 35. In one survey by Modern Fertility, 60 percent of respondents said they worried they’d struggle to conceive, even before they had started trying. Similarly, a report from Maven Clinic revealed that four in five women experience fertility-related anxiety, and more than 75 percent say that anxiety has increased in recent years.

This fear is especially common among women who plan to delay parenthood, either by choice or due to financial, educational or career factors. They’ve grown up hearing phrases like “biological clock” and warnings about age-related decline. But this anxiety often blooms well before any medical issues are confirmed or even suspected.

What's driving the worry?

There is no single cause, but rather a perfect storm of cultural, medical, and digital influences.

1. Increased awareness

Many young people are more informed about fertility than ever before. They’ve heard about egg freezing, IVF, PCOS, and endometriosis, and in some ways, that’s a good thing. But with awareness comes worry. Fertility has become something to “manage,” even years before it's relevant.

2. The pressure of timing

Women today often face competing timelines: biological, career, financial and the “ideal age” to start a family. For many, that creates a sense of low-grade panic: “Am I waiting too long? Will I regret not starting sooner?”

3. The social media effect

Search “fertility” on Instagram or TikTok and you’ll find a sea of tearful IVF updates, egg retrieval vlogs, and fertility influencers sharing every detail of their journey. For those already worried, this kind of content can heighten the fear. While these stories can normalize and destigmatize fertility struggles (which is incredibly important), they also risk painting a skewed picture: that fertility issues are the norm, and natural conception is a rare win. The statistics do not align with what social media algorithms would have us believe.

Is it actually harder to conceive today?

The answer is: it depends. While female fertility still declines with age, particularly after 35, most women under that age who are healthy and trying to conceive will do so within a year.

That said, there are real trends to be aware of:

• Male fertility is declining. Global sperm counts have dropped significantly over the last few decades, according to several studies, including a 2022 meta-analysis published in Human Reproduction Update.
• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, cosmetics and even food packaging may be impacting hormonal health.
• Stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep, common features of modern life, don’t help.

Fertility is complex. Sometimes worry arises from personal or family history. At other times, it’s rooted in stories we absorb from peers or the media, whether accurate or not.

How can we ease fertility anxiety?

If you’re feeling anxious about your ability to conceive, even if you’re not trying yet, you’re not alone, and you’re not irrational. Stress has an impact on overall health, so it’s important to consider strategies to help calm the noise:

1. Get informed, not overwhelmed

Basic fertility testing, like checking hormone levels or ovarian reserve (through bloodwork), can offer reassurance or flag issues early. Just be cautious about interpreting results without proper medical guidance.

2. Step away from the algorithm

If your social media feed is spiking your anxiety, take control. Mute keywords, curate your follows, and don’t hesitate to unfollow accounts that make you spiral.

3. Talk about it

Anxiety thrives in silence. Whether it’s with a partner, friend, therapist, or doctor, giving voice to your worry can reduce its power. Support groups or fertility coaches may also help if your concern feels overwhelming.

4. Focus on overall health

Good sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management support both mental health and reproductive health, whether you’re trying now or in ten years.

5. Reframe the story

Fertility is not a moral metric. You’re not “better” if you conceive easily, or “failing” if you need support. Everyone’s path is different, and that’s okay.

The bottom line

It’s not irrational to worry about fertility in today’s world. But we also don’t need to carry that fear alone, or let it hijack years of our lives before we’re even ready to have kids or know if there are concerns. The truth is: yes, some people will face hurdles. And many won’t. Whatever happens, support, options, and compassion exist and worrying today will not change or protect us from what is to come.