Fertility Blog

At a glance → Around 40% of women experiencing infertility meet criteria for depression or anxiety, and many partners do too, even when they do not show it → The hardest emotional terrain often lives in places no one talks about, like the two-week wait, unnamed grief, and the slow erosion of who you used to be → Stress and anxiety can affect treatment adherence and quality of life, which is why mental health support is part of fertility care, not a separate concern → Illume Fertility’s Integrated Fertility & Wellness program connects patients with vetted therapists who specialize in fertility treatment, grief, and uncertainty In this guide, you will find validation, clarity, and practical strategies for navigating the psychological impact of a fertility journey, from a therapist who frequently works with individuals and couples who are trying to conceive.

At a glance → Stress is a normal part of fertility treatment, but chronic stress can affect your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing → Stress may not directly determine fertility treatment success, but it can impact your mental health and ability to keep going → Breath work, support groups, therapy, movement, acupuncture, journaling, and boundaries can all help activate the relaxation response → You do not need to manage infertility stress alone; your care team, therapist, and trusted support network can all be part of your toolbox Infertility can make everyday stress feel heavier, especially when treatment adds appointments, decisions, uncertainty, and emotional highs and lows. In this guide, a fertility counselor shares practical ways to care for your mental health throughout the process.

At a glance → Fertility nurses coordinate every phase of an IVF cycle, from setting up treatment protocols and ordering medications to relaying test results and answering patient questions throughout the day → At Illume Fertility, nurses collaborate with doctors during daily review sessions to evaluate each patient's progress and adjust care plans in real time → IVF nurses typically complete 3 to 4 months of one-on-one mentorship with an experienced nurse on top of their registered nursing credentials before managing patients independently → Beyond their clinical responsibilities, fertility nurses serve as emotional anchors for patients, celebrating milestones and providing steady support through setbacks Behind every IVF cycle is a team working diligently to keep treatment moving forward. For many patients, their fertility nurse becomes one of the most familiar voices in the process: the person who helps translate next steps, ease uncertainty, and make an intensely personal experience feel a little more manageable.

At a glance → More than 100,000 babies were born through IVF in the U.S. in 2024, a new national record → IVF now accounts for nearly 3% of all U.S. births, or about 1 in 36 babies → Single embryo transfer is now standard for most patients, helping make IVF safer than in the past → National averages are helpful, but your age, diagnosis, ovarian reserve, clinic, lab, and treatment plan matter more As the founder of Illume Fertility, I’ve followed national IVF outcome data closely for decades. SART’s newest report matters not only because it set a record, but because it shows how fertility treatment is evolving and what that means for patients considering care today.

Last updated February 2026 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.

Why don’t we talk about sex when we talk about fertility? Despite the very personal nature of fertility treatment, the sex life of a couple navigating infertility often becomes a low priority. Let's talk about why this happens and some easy ways to reconnect with your partner.

The new year represents fresh beginnings, renewed hope, and the perfect opportunity to take control of your family-building dreams. If growing your family is on your 2026 vision board, there's no better time than January to schedule your first fertility consultation. Here's why fertility clinics experience a surge in visits during this pivotal month, and what you need to know about starting your journey.

When you're trying to conceive, the prospect of a brand new year can bring a renewed sense of determination. It can also bring a deep sadness after navigating another holiday season without a baby in your arms. No matter which end of the spectrum you're on, there are some steps you can take to maximize your chances of success with fertility treatment in 2026.