Ask Monica is a Q&A video series hosted by Nurse Practitioner Monica Moore. Doctor's appointments often generate anxiety. Whether it’s getting your blood drawn, having to undergo a painful procedure or test, or the fear of receiving bad news about your health, going to the doctor’s office doesn’t feel like a walk in the park for most people.

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director and Partner in Reproductive Endocrinology at Illume Fertility, has received Crain’s Notable Healthcare Leaders Award. Prestigious honorees are notable for their consummate leadership, pioneering accomplishments and ability to adjust to crises.

When Sarah and her husband began trying to conceive six years ago, they never imagined they'd end up needing the help of fertility treatment. After a long, winding road through multiple pregnancy losses, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and countless tests and appointments, Sarah shares how this journey has shifted her perspective and turned her into a courageous fertility advocate - as well as what's next for their family.

Building a successful doctor-patient relationship starts with connection, interaction and, of course, conversation. After exploring how patients can advocate for themselves and become more empowered, we turned to the experts (our doctors, nurses, and other team members) to get their perspective. Keep reading to discover their tips for cultivating the best experience possible throughout your fertility journey!

What happens after you successfully conceive with the help of fertility treatment? This big and exciting transition of care from your fertility clinic (where you've been closely monitored for so long) back to your OB/GYN's office (where you're "just" a regular pregnant patient) can also be nerve-wracking. So let's talk about it!

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!

When faced with fertility struggles, people rarely feel empowered or effective. Infertility challenges everyone. Regardless of who you are and how you are trying to build your family, if it’s not happening easily, it’s frustrating and difficult! So how can you communicate your preferences, concerns and questions more effectively to your Care Team and feel like you're being heard and understood? Let's explore some ideas together. Note: In any conversation, communication needs to go both ways! In the third part in this series, our fertility care team (including doctors) reveal their thoughts about fertility patient do's and don't and ways to be an effective patient. You may be surprised by their responses!

After receiving some shocking news on their fertility journey, Alyson and her husband were advised to move straight to IVF treatment - something they never expected to hear. This is the story of what happened next and everything they learned on the way to meeting their baby girl, Emmy.