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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.

Acupuncture | PCOS | Fertility Treatment | IVF | Embryo Transfer

By: Virginia Hamilton Furnari
February 8th, 2023

I don’t wish infertility on anyone, but experiencing an embryo transfer is truly something special. This is my real, unfiltered perspective on this huge milestone in the IVF process - from start to finish.

Fertility Treatment | IVF

By: Jocelyn Crespo, RN
February 6th, 2023

While beginning an IVF journey is very exciting, managing all of the appointments, injections and medications can feel overwhelming. It's only natural to want to do everything just right in the hopes of giving yourself the best shot at IVF success. Let's explore the do's and don'ts of IVF so you feel as empowered and confident as possible!

Fertility Treatment | Advocacy

By: Lisa Rosenthal
August 12th, 2022

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!

Pregnancy | Fertility Treatment | Mental Health

By: Sierra Dehmler
August 4th, 2022

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!

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!

Fertility Treatment | Advocacy | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
July 15th, 2022

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!

Fertility Treatment | IVF | Genetic Testing | Mental Health | Genetics

By: Sierra Dehmler
June 21st, 2022

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.

Reproductive Endocrinologist | Fertility Treatment | Our Doctors | Fertility Testing | Choosing a Clinic

By: Sierra Dehmler
June 10th, 2022

People often use the terms “reproductive endocrinologist” and “fertility specialist” interchangeably, and it makes sense why many use the latter term so frequently – “fertility specialist” is much easier to rattle off in a conversation than “reproductive endocrinologist.” Unfortunately, though, these two terms are not one and the same and carry major differences that you should be aware of.