A growing number of young women in their 20s, without immediate pregnancy plans, are turning to personal YouTube channels for stories about overcoming infertility. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — A growing number of young women in their 20s, without immediate pregnancy plans, are turning to personal YouTube channels for stories about overcoming infertility, including miscarriages, IVF treatments, and egg freezing.
This trend indicates a shift in viewership for such content, from married women preparing for pregnancy and childbirth to now including unmarried women. This shift reflects a societal change where infertility and miscarriage awareness has heightened, paralleling the trend of delayed marriage and childbearing.
A graduate student, Kim (29), who frequently watches videos related to miscarriage despite not planning a pregnancy yet, explained, “Given my cold constitution and gynecological issues, miscarriage doesn’t feel like someone else’s problem. I watch these videos to learn how to cope with potential infertility issues in the future.”
These personal YouTube channels are seen as beneficial, offering unfiltered insights into the journey of infertility, unlike dramas or entertainment shows. “Television often shows only the rosy side of pregnancy and child-rearing,” said Kim. “YouTube helps me realize that getting pregnant and giving birth isn’t always easy.”
The rising trend of these infertility-related videos among unmarried women corresponds with the increasing age of first-time mothers and a growing incidence of infertility and miscarriage.
A study by researchers at Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, analyzing 2,274 women aged 20-45 participating in a pregnancy preparation project run by the city of Seoul, found that 19.48% (443 women) had experienced infertility.
In this context of miscarriage becoming more common, many young women prefer to seek online videos sharing personal experiences rather than discussing them in everyday conversations due to the sensitivity of the subject.
In September 2022, Jeong Ga-hee (32) shared her experience of a missed miscarriage and subsequent pregnancy on her daily life vlog YouTube channel. A missed miscarriage occurs when a fetus dies early in pregnancy but remains in the uterus.
After receiving much support and finding solace, Jeong said, “I uploaded the video to educate young women unaware of infertility and miscarriage. It helped me cope with my sadness.” About a year later, she welcomed a precious son.
Videos offering advice on exercises and diets beneficial for pregnancy post-miscarriage are also easily accessible, as are reviews of fertility treatments like IVF and artificial insemination.
Experts positively view young people’s interest in miscarriage and infertility but caution against taking infertility treatments lightly. Choi Anna, head of the National Medical Center’s Counseling Center for Fertility and Depression, warned, “Fertility declines sharply as one enters their 30s. It’s important for both women and men in their 20s to learn about miscarriage and infertility if they have any plans for pregnancy.”
However, she advised caution against content that glamorizes overcoming infertility through egg freezing and IVF, noting that such portrayals can lead to significant disappointment for women facing different infertility challenges.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
