Nigerian media personality and filmmaker Stephanie Coker Aderinokun has shared a deeply personal and emotional chapter of her life — one that speaks to the silent battles many women face behind closed doors. In a raw and heartfelt interview on the popular podcast “With Chude,” the beloved screen queen opened up about her struggles with infertility and a failed IVF attempt that left her broken and questioning her will to live.
The Highs and Lows of IVF
Stephanie, who is widely admired for her poise and brilliance both on and off screen, revealed that her journey with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has not been an easy one. After a successful first attempt that brought her immense joy and hope, her second IVF procedure ended in heartbreak.
“I got pregnant on the first IVF and the second one failed,” she said. “I actually wanted to stand in front of a car and just let the car hit me. I really hated myself then.”
The emotional toll of this disappointment was compounded by the enormous financial investment involved. Stephanie disclosed that she spent approximately $30,000 on the second procedure, which came after an earlier one that had already cost her $40,000.
Devastation in Los Angeles
The media personality recounted how she had flown to Los Angeles for the second round of IVF, hopeful and expectant. But all that came crashing down with a single phone call from the hospital.
“The nurse called and said, ‘Hi Stephanie, I’m sorry to give you this bad news. It was negative,’” she recalled. “I told the nurse I couldn’t go back home with no baby.”
Stephanie’s words paint a vivid picture of the despair and self-blame that often accompany infertility and failed IVF. She admitted to feeling worthless, questioning the outcome of all her sacrifices — time, money, and emotional energy — only to return home without a child.
Breaking the Silence on Fertility Struggles
Stephanie Coker’s decision to share her story is part of a growing movement to remove the stigma around fertility issues, particularly among African women, where societal expectations can often intensify the pain of infertility.
On the same platform, other female stars such as Ini Edo, who opted for surrogacy, and Nse Ikpe-Etim, who bravely revealed that she had to remove her womb due to a diagnosis of adenomyosis, also opened up about their journeys. Their stories collectively highlight the emotional, physical, and financial strain of fertility challenges but also serve to empower women navigating similar paths.
Stephanie’s Strength Shines Through
Despite her heartbreak, Stephanie’s courage to speak openly signals a woman reclaiming her power — and offering hope to others in the process. She joins a growing number of voices advocating for empathy, support, and mental health awareness around fertility issues.
Her story is not just about pain — it’s about resilience and the need for support systems that recognize the complexity of reproductive health, especially in a society where silence often surrounds these topics.
Why This Story Matters
As fertility challenges continue to affect millions of women worldwide, public figures like Stephanie Coker Aderinokun choosing to speak up helps demystify the process and destigmatize IVF, surrogacy, and infertility. It reminds us that behind every smile on TV or Instagram, there’s a human being with struggles and scars.
Her story is also a call for greater access to reproductive healthcare, emotional counseling, and societal understanding, especially in African cultures where fertility is so deeply tied to identity and womanhood.
Stephanie’s revelation is a powerful reminder that no woman should suffer in silence. Her story will undoubtedly serve as a beacon for others who are still trying, healing, or simply seeking understanding.