Sara Pascoe Reveals How IVF Comedy Helps Her Feel Proud of Fertility Journey
Comedian Sara Pascoe has candidly shared that she incorporates her personal experiences with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) into her stand-up routines as a means to cultivate a sense of pride in her challenging fertility journey. The 44-year-old performer, widely recognised from panel shows like Never Mind the Buzzcocks, has been transparent about her struggles while conceiving her two sons, both born via IVF in 2022 and 2023.
Finding Humour After the Raw Emotions Subsided
In a recent interview with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Pascoe explained that discussing IVF on stage serves as a positive outlet for a topic that often leaves individuals feeling profoundly isolated. She admitted that during the initial stages of attempting to conceive through IVF, the experience was too raw and emotional to address in her comedy.
"When we first started trying for children doing IVF, I couldn't do stand-up about it because it was far too raw," Pascoe stated. "I only really spoke about infertility once I had children and it was reflexing. I also think that's because I couldn't be funny about it until I knew the ending."
The Turning Point: Sharing After Motherhood
Pascoe detailed that she did not feel capable of broaching the subject in her performances until her eldest son, Theo, reached eight months of age. At that point, she felt a sense of security and resolution, which allowed her to share her story with audiences who might be at various stages of their own fertility journeys.
"It was really like, 'I definitely have a son. He survived. He's alive, he's here,'" she recalled. "And I then felt I wanted to share things with people who I knew would be at different stages of it."
The Unique Dynamics of Comedy and Vulnerability
Pascoe highlighted a crucial aspect of comedy, noting that audiences typically will not laugh unless they perceive the performer as being in a stable emotional state. This understanding shaped her approach to discussing sensitive topics like IVF on stage.
"The other thing with comedy is that people won't laugh unless they know you're OK. You can't tell them the stuff you're not OK about," Pascoe added, emphasising the delicate balance between humour and vulnerability.
IVF Statistics and the Growing Prevalence in the UK
Data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reveals a significant rise in IVF births across the United Kingdom. In 2024, nearly 21,000 babies were born through IVF, a substantial increase from 8,700 recorded in the year 2000.
The fertility regulator's report indicates that IVF births now account for 3.1 per cent of all UK births, up from 1.3 per cent in 2000. This marks a notable shift from a decade ago, when the proportion stood at approximately one in 43 births in 2013.
Recognising the Bravery of IVF Participants
Pascoe praised individuals who undergo IVF as exceptionally brave, acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of the process. Common side effects can include mood swings, headaches, cramping, bloating, bleeding, infection, bruising from injections, breast tenderness, potential allergic reactions to medications, anxiety, and depression.
"It's such a big thing to put your body through. Anyone who does it should be so proud of themselves – and that's what I tried to do when I was talking about it more on stage," Pascoe expressed, underscoring her motivation to foster pride and solidarity through her comedy.
