On Thursday, the new season of Hulu’s The Kardashians premiered with an episode addressing the fertility journey for newlyweds Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker. The couple have decided to set aside their attempts at in vitro fertilization. The reality TV star and Blink-182 drummer have been very open about their experience, including the challenging aspects of it.
In the first episode of the show, Kardashian states that she and Barker are “officially done with IVF.”
“We would love a baby more than anything,” she went on, but added, “Whatever’s meant to be. We have a full, blessed life.”
The IVF process can be very physically difficult to go through, and the Poosh founder says the medications she received put her into “early menopause.”
“It took a toll on me physically. My health is still impacted because it’s hormones and also mentally, it definitely took a toll,” she explained. “I think being happy is most important and being a good parent to my kids. We are just embracing whatever is meant to be will be.”
In November 2022, Barker told GQ in that he and Kardashian decided to talk about IVF to normalize the process, especially for men who might be less aware of what it entails.
“If any of that can help people — seeing Kourtney’s journey through IVF, which is super hard for a woman. You saw her struggle with it and talk about it. That’s real,” he said. “I don’t care if I’m c—ming in a cup or whatever. It’s real life… And there’s however many millions of dudes that have to go give their semen for this same procedure. So it’s, like, relatable, you know? I’ve never been fazed by any of that.”
When she was in her late 30s, Kardashian did freeze seven eggs, but none of them were viable following the thawing process. Both she and Barker have several children already. Kardashian shares three kids with her ex Scott Disick, 13-year-old Mason, 10-year-old Penelope, and 8-year-old Reign. Barker has two children with his ex, Shanna Moakler, 19-year-old Landon and 17-year-old Alabama, as well as his 24-year-old step-daughter, Atiana De La Hoya.
Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at ELLE.com. Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.
