Ivy was born in Munich, West Germany, on June 14, 1989. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Texas, where she grew up. Instead of going to a public school, Ivy was homeschooled. In 2007, she moved to Sacramento, California, where she had jobs laying tiles, working for the fast food chain In-N-Out Burger as well as helping out as a mechanic at a local bowling alley.

Ivy first began performing in explicit hardcore movies in February 2008 at age 18 for companies including Hustler, Naughty America, Elegant Angel, Brazzers and Bang Bros.

In December 2009, she underwent breast surgery from a C cup to a D cup. In 2011, she became the titular Actress for a film entitled Madison Ivy Loves Cock, released by Hustler.

In July 2013, Ivy became the first female contract-star for the pornographic production company Brazzers. The contract, signed in July 2013, called for her to perform in her first anal scene, which she did in May 2014, together with Mick Blue. The scene was written and directed by Ivy herself.

In 2015, Ivy was a Passenger in a car accident and suffered several injuries which include a fractured spine and her stomach being torn open. Ivy wrote,“I can still move my legs luckily, but I will be off my feet for a month maybe 2, maybe longer we are still unsure. All things happen for a reason and I am just happy to be alive. Live life, love, rave and just know even when life is hard you have love of good people around you".