Jessel Taank, a beloved cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), is using her platform to shed light on in vitro fertilization (IVF), sharing her own fertility journey to support others navigating similar struggles.
The mother of four-year-old twin boys, Kai and Rio—born via IVF—hopes to destigmatize the procedure and highlight the challenges many face.
“IVF is something that a lot of women enter into but don’t really truly understand,” Taank told Healthline. “It’s a bit of a whirlwind—that’s why I feel like speaking out now. Advocating for other women is important.”
Taank is part of a global statistic: 1 in 6 people are affected by infertility, according to trusted sources. Since the first IVF baby was born in 1978, over 10 million children worldwide have been born through the procedure.
Infertility impacts both men and women equally, with roughly one-third of cases attributed to each gender, and factors like biological age and health conditions playing key roles.
The emotional toll of fertility treatments is significant. “Fertility treatment can be emotionally and physically demanding, especially when people feel like they’re going through it alone,” noted Janet Choi, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist and Chief Medical Officer of Progyny.
Studies back this, showing higher rates of depression and anxiety among those dealing with infertility. Choi emphasized the need for “a strong support system, access to mental health resources, and care teams invested in your success.”
Financial barriers also loom large. Neel Shah, MD, chief medical officer of Maven, explained that a single IVF cycle can cost more than a new car, and most people require multiple rounds. “Fewer than half of employers offer fertility coverage, and only a patchwork of states require insurers to help,” he said. “Too many families are forced to take on crushing debt or choose between having a child and buying a home.”
Taank, who understands these obstacles firsthand, has partnered with Fertility Out Loud, a community platform that provides education, insurance guidance, and connections to fertility experts.
“I wish that when I was going through IVF, I had had the same resources that Fertility Out Loud offers,” she said. “Armor yourself with as much intel as possible, and find a network of people going through the same thing.”
In a candid interview, Taank opened up about the emotional strain of IVF, particularly during her 30s when friends were announcing pregnancies. “It was very triggering,” she recalled. “I found myself distancing from friendships because I didn’t know how to navigate the stress of not being able to get pregnant.”
As an Indian woman, Taank also addressed cultural stigmas. “In our culture, there’s a huge taboo around infertility,” she said. Sharing her struggle with in-laws, she noted, lacked emotional support, fueling her desire to “normalize IVF” for other Indian women.
Since sharing her story on RHONY, Taank has been overwhelmed by responses—including from close friends who secretly underwent IVF. “It’s shocking how many did it in secret, and I completely understand why,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Taank advised others to research fertility doctors thoroughly (“Social media following doesn’t equal expertise”) and prioritize a holistic approach, as lifestyle factors like diet and sleep impact success. Most importantly, she stressed: “IVF isn’t something to be ashamed of. You don’t have to go through it alone.”
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