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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.

News | Support | Fertility Treatment

By: Sierra Dehmler
May 10th, 2022

Along with our new name, we're excited to introduce you to our new website! We've redesigned the site to be more accessible, convenient and user-friendly, so you can easily find all the information you need to help you navigate your fertility journey. Let's take a virtual tour together!

Wellness | Fertility Treatment | Mental Health

By: Sierra Dehmler
March 31st, 2022

When you’re considering making an appointment with a fertility specialist, there are so many factors to consider. 

Fertility Treatment | IUI

By: Monica Moore, MSN, APRN
March 29th, 2022

Are you exploring the possibility of fertility treatment and wondering what all your options are? In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may be the most well-known treatment method, but it's important to remember that you don’t have to jump straight to IVF. Depending on your situation and the recommendation from your Reproductive Endocrinologist, you may want to consider other, less-invasive treatment options that show promising results. One of those methods is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). Let's talk about what IUI is, how it works, and how (and who) it can help.  Skip to a section: What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)? Why is IUI helpful for some patients? How does IUI increase your chances of conceiving? Are there different types of IUIs? IUI Procedure Step-by-Step What does an IUI feel like? IUI Success Rates Is IUI right for me? More Fertility Treatment Resources

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

Fertility Treatment | Mental Health

By: Sierra Dehmler
February 22nd, 2022

Ah, yes. Everyone's least favorite thing about trying to conceive: the dreaded "two week wait." Obsessively wondering if you're pregnant, documenting your symptoms by the hour, blowing through packages of pregnancy tests even though you know you should wait to test...it's a difficult time to navigate.  Skip to a section: What is the two week wait? The Emotional Struggle Common Two Week Wait Questions, Answered by a Nurse Why is it important to wait until your official pregnancy test? Is it possible to get an early positive? How long is the wait after a timed intercourse or IUI cycle? How long is the wait after an IVF embryo transfer? Tips for Surviving the Two Week Wait Early Pregnancy Symptoms More Fertility Support

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

Infertility Awareness | Support | Fertility Treatment | Mental Health

By: Joshua Hurwitz, MD
January 20th, 2022

As a reproductive endocrinologist who works with fertility patients every day, I hear about a lot of the insensitive “tips” given to them. Patients will tell me they've heard that if they just stop worrying, they will magically get pregnant, or that a specific diet will help.

Support | Fertility Treatment | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
December 23rd, 2021

No matter how you choose to grow your family, whether that's through fertility treatment, surrogacy, adoption, fostering or other means…each of these paths to parenthood have one thing in common: they all require us to be incredibly adaptable and patient throughout the entire journey - a difficult task when we’re yearning for a child.  The loss of control we feel during this often complicated (and time consuming) process cannot be understated. It can feel like your individual autonomy has flown straight out the window and even make you question your own sanity. Let’s explore why that is and some things you can control during your fertility journey. Skip to a specific section: Why We Crave Control During Infertility 10 Things You Can Control On Your Fertility Journey Get Support  Ask for Help Practice Self Care Set Boundaries Do a Personal Check In Take a Break Look at the Big Picture Understand Your Treatment Plan Build Relationships with Your Care Team Make Honest Communication a Priority A Reminder from Dr. Cynthia Murdock Focus On What You CAN Control