Fox NFL sideline reporter Erin Andrews has candidly discussed undergoing in vitro fertilization at age 47, opening up about her ongoing fertility struggles and the profound emotional journey she has endured. Speaking on the latest episode of her podcast, Calm Down with Erin and Charissa, Andrews revealed to co-host Charissa Thompson that she recently attempted another round of IVF, but it was unsuccessful.
A Psychotic Determination to Conceive
"I tried to do another IVF round... but it didn't work," Andrews shared frankly during the podcast conversation. She described her current mindset as somewhat obsessive, stating, "Here's my whole thing. I am crazy and I am with a doctor that said, 'Listen, we'll call it when it's time.' But I am psychotic right now."
Despite understanding the biological challenges of her age, Andrews expressed an unwavering belief in her body's capabilities. "I just feel like I believe my body can do it even though I know that my age — with what history says — it's not great with producing eggs and the viability of your eggs," she explained. "There's just some s**t in me that I'm like, 'wait, watch me do it.' It's like a weird addiction I have."
Support from a Friend
Thompson, 43, immediately offered reassurance and admiration for her friend's perseverance. "You wouldn't have Mack if you didn't have that tenacity," Thompson said, referencing Andrews' son whom she welcomed with husband Jarret Stoll via surrogate in July 2023. "You wouldn't have Mack if you weren't the person — because by the way, there were plenty of roadblocks that got in the way of him, and you were like, 'Nope I'm doing it.'"
Overcoming Cervical Cancer
Andrews' fertility journey follows a significant health battle that began in September 2016 when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She underwent two surgeries before being declared cancer-free in December of that year. Remarkably dedicated to her profession, Andrews continued working throughout her treatment, even covering a game just one day after surgery, and kept her diagnosis completely private until after her recovery.
Her personal life took a positive turn when she became engaged to former NHL player Jarret Stoll almost immediately after beating cancer in December 2016. The couple married six months later in June 2017 and soon decided to start a family together.
A Decade of Fertility Struggles
What followed was what Andrews described as "10 years of hell" during an interview with the Today show after finally becoming a mother. She began IVF treatments almost immediately after her cancer recovery, enduring seven failed rounds and a devastating pregnancy loss before ultimately deciding to use a surrogate for their final egg.
In a 2021 essay about her experience, Andrews wrote honestly about the physical and emotional toll of IVF treatments. "You feel like s**t. You feel bloated and hormonal for a week and a half. The entire treatment takes such a mental and emotional toll on your body," she revealed. "You could go through this whole experience and get absolutely nothing out of it, that's the crazy part. It's a ton of money, it's a ton of time, it's a ton of mental and physical anguish. And more times than not, they're unsuccessful."
The Mental Health Impact
Reflecting on that difficult period, Andrews told Today that she "really struggled mentally" and didn't handle the challenges well. "I kind of tried to push it aside and act like everything was okay," she admitted, highlighting the often-overlooked psychological aspects of fertility treatments.
Despite the ongoing struggles, Andrews continues to pursue her dream of expanding her family while balancing her demanding career as a prominent sports broadcaster. Her openness about both her cancer battle and fertility journey has brought important attention to women's health issues that many face privately.
