IVF Study Reveals Income Drop for Childless Women
New research shows Australian women face significant financial and mental health impacts after unsuccessful fertility treatments.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Sex Life
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A study of over 121,000 women reveals that those who remain childless five years after starting IVF experience a 14 percent average decline in income. This financial loss, averaging nearly $10,000, coincides with a peak in mental health medication usage two to three years post-treatment.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the significant career and personal toll of infertility, as many women sacrifice promotions or take unpaid leave to manage the demands of treatment. Financial pressures are compounded by the reliance on personal superannuation to cover costs, impacting long-term retirement savings.
Childless IVF patients saw an average income drop of nearly $10,000, with 3,800 women withdrawing $73.8 million from superannuation in 2024-2025. Only 11 percent of employers currently offer paid leave to support staff undergoing fertility treatments.
The players
Australian Bureau of Statistics
This government agency provided the census and data records necessary for the analysis of IVF patient outcomes.
The details
Researchers analysed records spanning 2011 to 2021, finding that one in five women remained childless five years after treatment. Withdrawals from superannuation, often justified on mental health grounds, average approximately $19,400 per person and carry an estimated $147,000 loss in retirement funds.
Timeline
Researchers collected data from study participants between 2011 and 2021.
Women withdrew $73.8 million from superannuation for fertility costs in 2024-2025.
The fertility sector will transition to an independent accreditation model in 2027.
Culture Shift
This data reflects a shift in how Australian society acknowledges the intersection of medical necessity and professional life. The findings align with the documented trend from the Australian Bureau of Statistics report on IVF treatment and labor force participation regarding workplace participation impacts.
Women navigating fertility treatments may find it necessary to account for a significant reduction in household income and potential retirement account erosion. Those currently considering treatment are encouraged to verify if their employer offers paid fertility leave to mitigate these financial pressures.
The takeaway
The data underscores the profound financial risks associated with IVF for women who do not achieve a live birth. Proactive financial planning and checking workplace policies for fertility leave are essential steps for anyone entering the fertility treatment programme.
Further reading
For more context on fertility impacts, explore the Sex Life section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brisbane Times.
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