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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.

PCOS

By: Lisa Rosenthal
October 16th, 2020

When it comes to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, there are two major statistics you should know: One, it affects up to 15% of women. Two, it is one of the most common infertility diagnoses. If you’ve never heard of it, maybe you’re wondering why? Why is something that’s so common and so impactful on fertility seemingly a secret? We couldn’t agree more! One of our biggest goals of the RMA of Connecticut PCOS Team is to bring awareness to the condition, spreading knowledge and giving women with PCOS a fair shot at treatment, management, and family building success. That’s why, in coordination with PCOS Challenge, we’re sponsoring a grant for a woman with PCOS to pursue an in vitro fertilization cycle free of charge! Read on to learn more...

IVF | Mental Health | Pregnancy & Infant Loss

By: Lisa Rosenthal
October 14th, 2020

You're waiting - counting the days until you can share your pregnancy news. We're taught that sharing pregnancy news is safe at 12 or 13 weeks but that telling anyone before that milestone is iffy, at best. Where did we learn this? And what are the facts behind miscarriage, pregnancy, and silence?

Genetic Testing

By: Jamie Speer, M.S., LCGC
October 2nd, 2020

In the 40+ years since in vitro fertilization (IVF) first helped bring a baby into the world, doctors and scientists have made many improvements to this amazing form of assisted reproductive technology. One of these cutting-edge procedures is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). But can PGT actually improve IVF success rates? Let's explore what PGT is used for, the risks and benefits, and whether you should consider it.

PCOS

By: Virginia Hamilton Furnari
September 29th, 2020

When you have PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, every choice counts. Every meal, every exercise, every anxiety… the way women choose to handle these everyday decisions plays into the overall management of our PCOS. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine disorder that causes hormonal imbalances in up to 15% of women. These imbalances spark an array of symptoms such as weight gain, acne, hirsutism (growth of hair you DON’T want), hair loss (thinning of hair you DO want), and insulin resistance. Long-term effects can include infertility, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart disease.

Women's Health

By: Monica Moore, MSN, APRN
September 25th, 2020

When it comes to conception, there has been a theory shift that might surprise you: losing a ton of weight in a short period of time may NOT be the key to solving your infertility. An emerging body of research shows that achieving an overall healthy lifestyle may be better than just losing the weight, particularly if the method of losing weight is not healthy or sustainable, such as a crash diet. First, though, it’s important to define what a “healthy lifestyle” means for you.

Reproductive Endocrinologist | Our Doctors

By: Dina D'Amelio
August 18th, 2020

Laura Meyer, M.D. has joined our award-winning team of fertility specialists to deliver high quality care to patients in the region. Born and raised in Westchester County, Dr. Meyer graduated magna cum laude from Duke University, and earned her medical degree at the NYU School of Medicine. She continued her medical training at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she completed both her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. During residency, she was appointed Administrative Chief Resident and was the recipient of several honors, including the Distinguished Housestaff Award. Prior to joining RMA of Connecticut, Dr. Meyer was an Assistant Professor at NYU School of Medicine and practiced in Westchester and Fairfield Counties. “RMA of Connecticut is very proud to add Dr. Laura Meyer to our award-winning team,” says Dr. Mark Leondires, Medical Director and Founder of RMA of Connecticut. “Dr. Meyer’s experience, coupled with her notable achievements and deep connection to the Westchester and Fairfield County communities will add tremendous value to our RMA of Connecticut team. We are thrilled that she has joined our team to continue to help our patients grow their families.” Dr. Meyer is experienced in ovulation induction, in vitro fertilization, preimplantation genetic testing, egg freezing, fertility preservation for cancer patients, recurrent pregnancy loss, and third party reproduction. She is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. She is fluent in Spanish. “I am honored to join the talented team at RMA of Connecticut, where I look forward to providing personalized, state-of-the-art care in a patient-centered environment,” says Dr. Laura Meyer. “RMA of Connecticut is renowned for its commitment to treating the “whole patient,” pairing world-class medical care with individualized emotional support and integrative programs such as nutrition, yoga and acupuncture. I am excited to offer all of these resources to my patients throughout their journeys to parenthood.”

Fertility Treatment

By: Dina D'Amelio
July 27th, 2020

Wellness influencer Hannah Bronfman and her husband, Brendan Fallis, have been open and honest about their pregnancy journey. After a miscarriage, multiple IUI cycles, and then IVF, they give us an update on their family-building story.

By: Shaun C. Williams, MD
July 16th, 2020

In honor of July being Fibroid Awareness Month, we asked one of our experts and board-certified reproductive endocrinologists, Dr. Shaun Williams, some basic FAQs about fibroids; what they are, how common are they, how to know if you have one, treatment options, and whether or not they cause infertility. Check out responses to these questions and more below.