Being (a) patient—navigating desire through online communities in assisted reproductive technology

ART is a complex, multimodal experience involving clinical, emotional, and relational dimensions. In Italy, infertility and medicalized parenthood are often stigmatized, pushing these experiences into digital spaces where platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and ForumFree provide crucial support and community. These platforms allow users to share personal and medical experiences, manage uncertainty, and create a sense of belonging. However, challenges such as access barriers, misinformation, and the reinforcement of normative expectations remain. The study highlights that ART is not just a medical process but is deeply shaped by digital storytelling and collective participation, influencing how reproductive subjectivities are constructed and understood.