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Fertility Blog by Illume Fertility

Everything you need to know about reproductive health, fertility testing, fertility treatment (like IUI and IVF) and how to navigate fertility challenges.

Lisa Rosenthal

With 35+ years experience in the fertility field, as well as her own experience navigating infertility, Lisa has dedicated her life to advocating for and supporting those struggling to grow their families. Her work has included serving as Illume Fertility's former Patient Advocate and founder of Fertile Yoga, hosting support groups, and advocating for those with infertility at RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, AllPaths Family Building, and other organizations.

Wellness | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
June 8th, 2023

What are the positive impacts of yoga for fertility and overall wellness? The founder of Fertile Yoga explores the benefits of fertility yoga, ways to modify yoga poses for your needs, yoga mistakes to avoid, and why she believes in the power of getting on the mat.

IVF | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
May 24th, 2023

While you're trying to grow your family through IVF, you will have to make a temporary decision about what to do with future excess embryos. When you're still riding the emotional roller coaster of infertility, this may feel ridiculous. It’s almost inconceivable (pardon the pun) to think you will ever finish building your family and end up with more embryos than you need.

Mental Health | Pregnancy & Infant Loss

By: Lisa Rosenthal
October 12th, 2022

The loss of a much-wanted pregnancy or baby is an unimaginable heartache that touches countless lives, yet remains shrouded in silence. This guide explores the complexity of this experience and offers a list of trusted resources to support those facing such profound loss.

Fertility Treatment | Advocacy | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
July 27th, 2022

No one wants to be seen as the "problem patient." We fear that if we ask too many questions, need too much help, have a complaint, or need reassurance on our fertility journey, that we will be seen as needy or annoying. We may even worry that we'll get lower quality care instead of the professional and humane treatment we deserve. So how can we advocate for ourselves to ensure we're getting the best care possible? Keep reading for 20 actionable tips straight from experienced fertility advocates - and don't miss Part 1 and Part 3 of this series about being an effective and empowered patient, which includes perspectives from health care providers on what they want and need from us as patients!

Male Infertility | Men's Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
June 17th, 2022

Father’s Day can be an exceptionally tough day for men who are still trying to conceive or experiencing infertility. Similar to how Mother’s Day affects women, hopeful fathers may find this holiday very difficult to navigate. As a partner, how can you show your love and support around Father's Day? Keep reading for some helpful ideas.

Infertility | Fertility Basics | Secondary Infertility

By: Lisa Rosenthal
May 26th, 2022

For decades, patients have come to fertility clinics for help growing their families, whether it be their first child or their next child. The terms "primary infertility" and "secondary infertility" are often thrown around in the fertility world, but what do those with primary and secondary infertility have in common and where do the similarities end?

Fertility Treatment | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
October 15th, 2021

Infertility and fertility treatment are often compared to either a roller coaster or a Ferris wheel, and for good reason. Throughout your journey, there are many twists and turns, ups and downs - and it often feels like the entire thing is out of your control. That got us wondering, “If all the pieces of fertility treatment were like rides at an amusement park, which ones would they be?”

Wellness | Fertility Treatment | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
February 19th, 2021

Taking a break during fertility treatment can be a real gift to yourself (if you can bring yourself to actually take the time off). One might even think of "time off" as, gasp, a vacation! A vacation from the doctor's appointments, monitoring, testing, procedures, blood draws, and more.