Skip to main content

Get Your FREE Fertility Assessment

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 includes serving as Illume Fertility's Patient Advocate, Strategic Content Lead, and founder of Fertile Yoga, hosting Illume's support groups, and advocating for those with infertility at RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, AllPaths Family Building, and other organizations.

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!

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?

Holidays | Support | Advocacy

By: Lisa Rosenthal
May 6th, 2022

Mother’s Day can be an extremely difficult day for the one in eight people who want so badly to be a mother but haven't become one yet. It can also be exceptionally challenging for those who identify as women but often get excluded from the conversation and those who have tenuous relationships with their own mothers (or none at all). Learning to advocate for myself and others who struggle with this holiday has changed me and shown just how important it is to be inclusive and aware of what others may be going through.

Support | Fertile Yoga | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
April 27th, 2022

Yoga, and more specifically, Fertile Yoga is not all about poses (called asanas in our yoga practice). What we do with our arms, legs, head, and torso is not as important as our breath, our mind, or our spirit. In that same vein, expanding or exploring energy is just as important as movement, and perhaps even more so! In this blog we will explore the foundational principles of Fertile Yoga, and how chakra work can be a powerful connection to yourself, your center, and your fertility.

Fertility Treatment | Mental Health | COVID-19

By: Lisa Rosenthal
February 24th, 2022

We're all so tired of hearing about the COVID-19 pandemic (and having to live through it). But there is one thing that doesn't get acknowledged enough: the similarities between COVID testing and pregnancy testing, and all of the emotions those two little pink lines can bring up for someone who has struggled with infertility. Skip to a section: The Painful Connection Between Pregnancy Tests & COVID Tests Facing COVID with Confusing Emotions How Infertility Changes You Forever More Infertility Resources

Support | Fertility Treatment | TTC | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
January 26th, 2022

Is exhausted your word for the day? If so, know you're not alone. A lot of us are feeling pretty exhausted - especially those of us who are struggling with fertility challenges. Staying on top of life in general often feels tiring, but once you add fertility treatment to it...exhausted may be the exact word to describe how you're feeling right now. Taking the first step on a fertility journey is tough, but manageable. Find a fertility clinic. Schedule your first appointment. Go through fertility testing. Start fertility treatment. Keep going, one step at a time... Skip to a specific section: Are you tired of trying to get pregnant? Tips to Fight Infertility Fatigue Find Your Community Reach Out to a Fertility Counselor Take a Break Infertility is Exhausting More Infertility Resources