Fertility Blog

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.

Cynthia Murdock, MD

Dr. Cynthia Murdock is a staff physician and a fertility specialist at Illume Fertility. She is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Infertility | Reproductive Health

Can STIs Affect My Fertility? Here's What You Need to Know

By: Cynthia Murdock, MD
December 19th, 2025

It may not be the sexiest topic, but sexual health is an important piece of the fertility conversation. By understanding the link between sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and fertility, you can better protect yourself and reduce your risk of STI-related infertility.

Fertility Treatment | IVF | Egg Retrieval | Video

IVF Attrition Rate & Embryo Survival: What to Expect

By: Cynthia Murdock, MD
February 26th, 2025

You're finally ready to take the next big step on your IVF journey - egg retrieval and embryo creation. This is an exciting stage, but can also feel disheartening as you receive daily reports of your dwindling egg or embryo count. Is this normal? And what is the IVF attrition rate?

News | IVF | Reproductive Health | Advocacy

Is Access to IVF At Risk In a Post-Roe v. Wade World? [2025]

By: Cynthia Murdock, MD
February 19th, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade directly impacted access to abortion care, but has also had concerning implications for IVF. Even states with stronger protections for reproductive healthcare have felt the ripple effects of this decision, including an increased demand for IVF treatment and legal uncertainty for providers.