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.

We often see the heartwarming pictures: a tiny baby in a onesie that says, “Made with love and a little bit of science.” We love those photos for so many reasons! Healthy babies are our goal. Love is invaluable. And science is powerful. But what are your real chances of success with fertility treatment?

When it comes to seeking fertility assistance, sometimes it feels like you need a crash course in a whole other language. Anti-Müllerian hormone. Aneuploidy. Letrozole. Blastocyst. The list of new words goes on and on… But before you understand the textbook of treatments, you need to know who to turn to for help on your family-building path. And guess what? We have more definitions to learn! It’s okay, though, this one’s easy. 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.

Did you know that Illume Fertility has a dedicated program created just for LGBTQ+ patients called Gay Parents To Be? Read on to learn more about why we created this special resource, what our Gay Parents To Be program offers, its special connection to our Medical Director, Dr. Mark Leondires, and more. 

Are you thinking about trying to conceive? Or maybe you’re already trying! Trying to conceive (often referred to in the fertility community as TTC) is a special time in life, as it marks the beginning of the monumental transition into parenthood (or growing your family, if you already have little ones). Congrats! We are so excited for the journey you’re about to embark on, whether you end up being able to conceive on your own or need a little assistance from a fertility specialist. 

We recognize how stressful it can be to A) need fertility treatment to conceive, and B) have to undergo an IVF cycle. While we can’t take the stress away completely, we can give you the tools and information that you need to tackle this journey with a clear head, a sound plan, and the comfort of knowing you have a supportive team rooting for you.