Fertility Blog

You’ve finally made it to your egg retrieval! As you prepare for this big milestone, let's walk through the biggest side effects of IVF egg retrieval - what to expect, what symptoms to look out for, how to spot OHSS, and what comes next on your fertility journey.

Making the decision to begin fertility treatment is a big step for any hopeful parent. Now that you've decided to move forward with in vitro fertilization (IVF), what happens next? Let's walk through what to expect as you prepare for your IVF cycle, including which fertility tests and procedures you may undergo and why proper preparation for IVF is so essential. 

As a nurse at Illume Fertility who has also been a patient here, I know how daunting fertility treatment can be. One of the big milestones in IVF is egg retrieval day - let's talk about what to expect before, during, and after your procedure so you feel as prepared as possible!

The world of fertility can be overwhelming to navigate, and this holds especially true for many women of color. Harmful stereotypes, a lack of representation, and injustices in the healthcare system can cause women of color, especially Black women, to feel isolated from the conversation and discouraged from seeking fertility support. 

One of the first steps on any family-building journey is a comprehensive fertility workup. This assessment includes blood work and other tests performed at various points in your menstrual cycle. Day 21 fertility testing is an essential part of evaluating your hormone levels and ensuring your body is prepared for a healthy pregnancy. Let's explore why!

According to a study published in Contraceptive and Reproductive Medicine, 15% of White women between ages 25 and 44 seek treatment for infertility, but only 8% of Black women in the same age range seek the help they need to grow their families.  In the following story, Shiraine shares her journey to parenthood and opens up about why infertility is so difficult for many in the Black community to talk about. 

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.

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!