Fertility platform launches membership to educate patients

The Canadian fertility platform Fertilitywise has introduced a new online membership programme to educate and support fertility patients.

The initiative aims to become a “one-stop solution” that empowers individuals and couples on their fertility journeys with evidence-based resources, articles and moderated discussion boards.

The membership also includes private discussion boards for fertility questions, stories and guidance.

Unlike other fertility forums, Fertilitywise says these boards are free of ads and moderated to ensure a safe and supportive space for open dialogue and shared experiences.

Fertility treatment is a complicated topic, with much to understand about the process, success rates and more. It is also an incredibly high-stakes experience for those going through it.

Research shows people who are struggling to conceive report feelings of depression, anxiety, isolation and loss of control. Depression levels in patients with infertility have been compared with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Studies have found that the majority of women going through infertility do not share their story with family or friends, thus increasing their vulnerability to misleading claims and misinformation.

“At Fertilitywise, our mission is to equip individuals and couples embarking on one of the biggest decisions of their life: their fertility journey,” said Maryanna Basic, the founder of Fertilitywise and a former fertility patient herself.

“We understand the complexities fertility challenges bring and we are committed to providing a comprehensive solution that combines evidence-based information with a supportive community every step of the way.”

Basic said she hoped the new membership programme would provide a “safe space” for members to share their experiences, seek advice in confidence and connect with others who understand and are experiencing the same challenges.

She added: “The moderation will ensure a ‘troll-free’ environment, protect against activities which could contravene regulations and/or laws and shield the patient community from intrusive advertising found on popular social media platforms.”