Investigating perceptions and usage of fertility supplements: a mixed methods analysis of a large online forum.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This study aims to characterize assisted reproductive technology patients' online discussions of fertility supplements to better understand how this audience uses supplements, their attitudes toward perceived effects of the supplement, and the topics patients sought advice on regarding supplements.

Methods

This study used mixed methods, sequential exploratory design. We extracted public posts from the Reddit forum, "r/IVF." Posts about fertility supplements were categorized by the described use of supplements and perceived effect of the supplement. Posts in each qualitative category were then quantified, and post author characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Three hundred sixty-nine posts were included in the analysis. Two hundred

SUBMITTER: Tomlinson AF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12602756 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature