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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!

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

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.

Fertility Treatment | IVF | Patient Stories

By: Sierra Dehmler
November 5th, 2021

After four failed IVF cycles at another fertility clinic and almost ready to give up their hope of ever having children, Chris and Desiree decided to reach out to the team at Illume Fertility to see if they could help. This is their story. Want to jump to a specific section? Meet Chris and Desiree A New Start Navigating the Highs and Lows Finding Success After Failed IVF Reflections on Their Fertility Journey Advice to Other Fertility Patients Desiree's Top Tips Want to Share Your Story? More IVF Resources

Fertility Treatment | Mental Health

By: Lisa Rosenthal
October 15th, 2021

Infertility and fertility treatment are often compared to either a roller coaster or a Ferris wheel, and for good reason. Throughout your journey, there are many twists and turns, ups and downs - and it often feels like the entire thing is out of your control. That got us wondering, “If all the pieces of fertility treatment were like rides at an amusement park, which ones would they be?”

Ovulation | Fertility Treatment | IVF | IUI | Affording Treatment

By: Mark Leondires, MD
May 13th, 2021

For the 1 out of 8 couples struggling with family building, the costs associated with fertility treatments can be staggering. However, if you live in one of the nineteen states that mandate fertility coverage, the costs can become much more manageable. Even if you live in a state that doesn’t provide extended coverage, many insurance policies will cover some testing or medications if you have met your annual deductible. If you’re paying out-of-pocket, it’s important to understand the investment you might have to make in order to complete your treatment and the many grants, scholarships, and loans that are available to you. When pursuing fertility assistance, it is very difficult to pinpoint a precise cost for your particular treatment until you and your partner, if applicable, have both undergone a complete assessment. This includes confirmation of ovulation, a sperm analysis, and an examination of reproductive organs. At that point, your fertility specialist, or Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI), can determine a treatment path according to your diagnosis, narrowing the scope of your estimated costs. Let's break down some of the most common infertility treatments, and talk about the average associated costs of each.