Your questions, answered by an expert.
Ask Monica is a Q&A-style video series where Nurse Practitioner Monica Moore answers real questions from real fertility patients with insight and empathy.
These videos are informative, easy to digest, and above all - honest. Monica is a Nurse Practitioner and health coach with over two decades of experience working in the fertility field. She has worked at Illume Fertility for over 18 years, and now - she's ready to answer your questions.
Learn more about Monica here.
While it’s undoubtedly an anxiety-filled time for most, the biological processes that occur during these important days post-embryo transfer or IUI is pretty incredible. In this episode, Monica explains what happens in the body during the two-week wait and how to manage the roller coaster of emotions you may feel during this time.
Learn MoreMonica tackles a question that many folks in our community grapple with after experiencing a loss. If this is you, please remember that (1) it is natural to feel those feelings, (2) you did not cause your pregnancy loss and (3) it is not your fault. 🤍
Learn MoreMonica explains exactly why BMI is a valuable data point when designing your treatment plan, what your first visit will look like and the other important information we gather during your initial evaluation.
Learn MoreWatch the full video to hear more about PGT-A vs. PGT-M, what they can screen for, and if getting these tests during your fertility journey might be helpful for you.
Learn MoreWhile many patients do opt for a traditional IVF cycle, others prefer to explore modified IVF cycles with fewer medications or monitoring. In this episode of Ask Monica, she explains what it means to do a “mini” or low-dose IVF cycle, and who might be a good candidate for this type of treatment.
Learn MoreA common question, and one that the internet often gets wrong! The short answer is no but the good news is that PCOS symptoms can certainly be managed - Monica is here to explain.
Learn MoreOne of the most common questions we hear from our patients is “How long should I wait after delivery before trying to conceive my next baby?” Monica explores this highly sought-after answer for fertility patients eager to grow their family after a successful IVF or IUI cycle.
Learn MoreIs your head spinning about IVF meds? Monica is here to explain commonly used medications for IVF, how they all work, and how we use them to help you find fertility success through IVF treatment.
Learn MoreCurrently navigating an IUI journey? Monica is here to explain a few factors that we’ll consider with you before switching to IVF (like how you respond to medications and what your insurance coverage looks like).
Learn MoreMonica explains exactly why we weigh you and why it can be a valuable data point when personalizing your treatment plan, giving you the best chance of success.
Learn MoreMonica explains what a typical IVF protocol looks like for many fertility patients, and what these medications do to help prepare your body for the perfect embryo transfer.
Learn MoreMonica explains what happens to your body in the first trimester and when/if you should worry about bleeding.
Learn MoreMonica explains exactly why we ask that you come in for multiple days of testing and what each of these specific days can tell us about your fertility and the journey ahead.
Learn MoreHave an egg retrieval coming up? Monica is here to unpack why we want to get as many eggs as we can during egg retrieval.
Learn MoreMonica explores the amazing science behind IVF, why we wait 5 days for those little embryos to grow, what a blastocyst is, and why we do embryo transfers at the blastocyst stage.
Learn MoreAre the vaccines safe? Monica tackles some of the biggest concerns around the COVID vaccines, fertility and pregnancy.
Learn MoreMonica explains whether or not you need to worry about the fragility of your embryo after transfer (spoiler alert: you don’t!)
Learn MoreMonica gives tips the best exercise if you have PCOS or insulin resistance, and how to establish a movement practice that you can stick to.
Learn MoreMonica explains what a healthy movement routine can look like for your pregnancy, whether you're continuing activity or establishing a new movement practice.
Learn MoreMonica breaks down why you might need to see a reproductive endocrinologist, some key things to identify when TTC, and explains what fertility services typically help achieve.
Learn MoreMonica explores actionable, easy steps you can take to help combat insulin resistance and help your body become more sensitive to insulin.
Learn MoreOne of the ways to check for an optimal embryo implantation environment is to check progesterone levels during your cycle. Monica explains how Day 21 testing helps us evaluate your fertility.
Learn MoreInsulin Resistance (IR) is one of the most common health challenges associated with PCOS. Monica explains exactly what it is, how it can affect your body, and suggest some strategies to cope with IR.
Learn MorePGT can be a helpful tool in assessing the potential of your embryos prior to an embryo transfer, and can optimize your chances of choosing the best embryo to have a successful transfer and a healthy baby.
Learn MoreWhile 2/3 of PCOS patients have a higher BMI, some don't - but still struggle with other aspects of PCOS. Monica breaks down the definition of Lean PCOS, how to manage its symptoms, and much more!
Learn MoreIn this week’s episode of Ask Monica, she explains why yoga is such an amazing and useful tool to add to your fertility treatment plan.
Learn MoreShould you add acupuncture to your fertility journey? Monica explains why acupuncture is an amazing (and effective!) addition to your treatment plan in this third episode of Ask Monica.
Learn MoreMonica uses a quick visual to explain how egg retrievals really work, how they affect your fertility and egg supply, why we do procedures on specific days of your cycle, and much more!
Learn MoreEver wondered just how "full" you should be for your embryo transfer? Or been curious why you need to have a full bladder at all? Monica tackles this frequently asked question with an easy-to-understand explanation (and diagram)!
Learn More