Lost in translation: are doctors really answering patients’ questions about in vitro fertilization?

TL;DR

This study finds that what IVF patients ask online doesn't match what doctors post, highlighting gaps in digital fertility education.

Contribution

The study identifies specific content gaps and readability issues in digital fertility education on social media.

Findings

Patients often ask about medications and side effects, but providers focus more on procedures.

Provider content is harder to read than recommended for general audiences.

Despite misalignment, social media IVF content receives high engagement.

Abstract

As social media grows as a health resource, IVF patients turn to Facebook and Reddit for guidance, while providers share educational content on TikTok and Instagram. This study examines the alignment between patient inquiries and provider content to identify gaps in digital fertility education.

A cross-sectional qualitative analysis collected 50 top patient posts from five largest IVF Facebook and Reddit groups and 50 provider videos from Instagram and TikTok using popular IVF hashtags. Posts and videos were categorized into ten themes, engagement metrics analyzed, and provider content assessed for readability. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests for content distribution and independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA for readability differences (p < 0.05 considered significant).

Significant discrepancies were observed between patient inquiries and provider content. Patients most frequently inquired about medications, diagnostic testing, side effects, and emotional support—topics underrepresented in provider content. Providers disproportionately focused on procedural details (34.09% vs. 6.17%, p < 0.001). Readability analysis showed provider content exceeded the AMA-recommended 6th-grade reading level (range: 7.93–15.29). Despite misalignment, engagement with IVF-related content was high, with millions of views, likes, and comments across platforms.

There is misalignment between what patients ask and what providers discuss on social media. Providers aiming content at patients should address patient priorities both online and in clinical practice while improving readability to enhance digital health literacy. Given the vast reach of social media, fertility specialists should consider establishing a presence to educate and engage with patients effectively.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10815-025-03538-x.

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