Fertility Centers of Illinois

07/25/2025

Before there’s a heartbeat, there’s an embryo. And behind every embryo at FCI, there’s a dedicated team of embryologists guiding the most delicate moments of life in the lab.

On , we’re celebrating the steady hands, sharp minds, and compassionate hearts behind every embryo created at FCI. Your precision and care help make parenthood possible — and we’re endlessly grateful.

07/23/2025

One year to the day after their egg retrieval, this sweet family welcomed their miracle baby boy into the world. 💙

"We are forever grateful to FCI and Dr. Burks for our miracle baby BOY! He was born on July 10th, exactly one year after our egg retrieval. Thank you to Dr. Burks for her patience, guidance, support, encouragement and expertise throughout every step!"

Congratulations to this incredible family, and thank you for sharing your journey.

07/18/2025

What is assisted hatching? 🔬 Before an embryo can implant into the uterus, it must first "hatch" out of its protective shell. Sometimes, a little help in the lab can improve the odds.

Assisted hatching is a technique where our embryologists use a precise laser to gently create a small opening in the embryo’s outer layer prior to transfer—helping it complete this important step toward implantation.

This technique may be recommended in specific IVF cases and is just one of the many ways we personalize care to support successful outcomes. Swipe through to learn more! ➡️

07/16/2025

How your embryos are frozen matters! At Fertility Centers of Illinois, our lab team is constantly working behind the scenes to improve IVF outcomes—and the world is taking notice.

We’re proud to share that Reproductive BioMedicine Online (RBMO) recognized research from our very own Juergen Liebermann, Ph.D., HCLD, in its 2024 highlights. His work addresses how IVF labs are updating the way eggs and embryos are frozen and thawed to make the process faster, more efficient, and more reliable.

Why does that matter for you? Because smarter cryopreservation means:
✔️ Better protection of your embryos and eggs
✔️ Improved consistency across IVF cycles
✔️ Less risk of lab-related complications

At FCI, our lab team doesn’t just follow best practices—we help define them.

07/02/2025

Fibroids are more common than you think, and for some, they can be a hidden factor in fertility struggles. The good news? Not all fibroids affect your chances of getting pregnant, and there are treatment options available. Learn how fibroids could be impacting your journey, and when to seek support from a fertility specialist. Read the full article: https://ow.ly/UK8550WjZi8

06/30/2025

Considering third-party reproduction? Whether you're working with an egg or s***m donor, embryo donor, or gestational carrier, we're here to guide you through every step of the process.

From prescreening to final coordination, we break down what to expect, so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and the support of a dedicated care team. Swipe through to see how it all comes together. 💛

Learn more: https://ow.ly/vJsm50WiBtm

06/15/2025

Fatherhood starts long before the title. We see the men holding space, showing up, and staying hopeful through every step of the journey. We honor your strength, love, and quiet support through the ups and downs of fertility treatment. 💜

06/04/2025

Join us for a free virtual webinar and understand how donor and surrogacy options can support your journey to parenthood.

📅 Date: Thursday, June 12
🕠 Time: 5:30 p.m. CST
💻 Format: Free virtual webinar with live Q&A

Knowledge is the first step. We’re here to guide the rest. Register for free: https://ow.ly/H6AT50W4tcE

05/21/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and when you're facing infertility, the emotional toll is very real.

Dr. Tiffany Edwards, licensed clinical psychologist at FCI, shares supportive, practical tips to help you protect your mental health while navigating fertility treatment.

Whether you're managing stress, grief, anxiety, or just trying to keep going, you're not alone. There are ways to cope, and support is always within reach.

05/18/2025

Samantha and her husband’s love story began in childhood and blossomed into a lifelong partnership. After marrying, they looked forward to enjoying life's adventures, including one day growing their family. However, their path to parenthood was filled with unexpected challenges.

Initially, Samantha faced confusion and contradictory advice regarding her fertility. Some doctors speculated she had polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS), but no one confirmed it with testing. Others dismissed the idea altogether, repeatedly telling her to “lose weight,” a hurtful oversimplification that left her feeling overlooked and frustrated.

With her gynecologist, Samantha tried Clomid and timed in*******se without success. Still, no thorough diagnostic testing was offered. Eventually, they moved to their first fertility clinic, where she finally received a clear diagnosis of PCOS and learned that her husband also had male factor infertility.

Three failed IUIs later, she was left heartbroken. She was then told by her former clinic that they wouldn’t continue treatment unless she had weight loss surgery.

Samantha knew she deserved better. Through a local support group, she found Dr. Elie Hobeika at Fertility Centers of Illinois and everything changed. She felt seen, supported, and finally had a plan that fit her.

He provided thorough diagnostic testing and crafted a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. After a round of IVF, Samantha and her husband finally achieved their dream of parenthood.

Today, their little boy is an energetic, independent toddler zooming through the house on his balance bike, filling every corner of their home (and hearts) with love and laughter. Parenthood, Samantha says, is everything they dreamed of and more."

Read her full story: https://bit.ly/4jPID18

05/16/2025

Confused about fertility supplements? You’re not alone. From prenatal vitamins to CoQ10, it can be hard to know what actually helps when you're trying to conceive.

Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron breaks it all down in our latest blog post, including what to take, what to look for, and why it matters.

A fertility specialist explains what to look for in a fertility supplement, including ingredients, dosages, and more.

05/11/2025

To our infertility warriors, we see you.

Mother’s Day can bring a complex mix of emotions and we know that today isn’t easy for everyone.

Whether you’re in the thick of treatments, grieving a loss, holding space for a baby you’ve dreamed of, or quietly hoping for a different future, know that you are not alone.

Here are some tips for coping with difficult occasions: https://bit.ly/4deWnRf