Past FCI Patient Guest Blog: Rachael Kobleske & Family

Former patient, Rachael Kobleske, wrote in her own words about her journey to motherhood with Fertility Centers of Illinois. She wanted to share her experiences so that they could help anyone who might be going through the same struggles, pain and worry. Read on to experience her journey through her eyes.

FCI Gave Me Hope - by Rachael Kobleske

Jon, Rachael, Sophia (left) & Chloe (right)

Seven years ago my husband and I decided we wanted to have children. Me being the naive person I was back then just thought that we would actually "try" to get pregnant now, instead of preventing it, and things would work out right away. After all, my mother told me over and over that unprotected sex leads to unexpected pregnancy! I had NO clue what sort of journey I was in for.

After a year of trying to conceive without success and then a miscarriage I started to worry that I would never get pregnant and kept wondering "What is wrong with me???".

Advice from Two Pros: How to Navigate the Holidays With An Infertility Diagnosis

Time-tested techniques and advice from two infertility counseling experts at Fertility Centers of Illinois

The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone. Our culture promotes an ideal of the perfect holiday season with unrealistic expectations, and when that experience inevitably falls short, it can lead to disappointment. For those coping with infertility, the joy of the holidays can seem even harder to attain.   

The holidays are focused on family, with children at the epicenter. Those who long for the child that has not yet come can feel isolated, sad, and discouraged.

"The holidays tend to remind those dealing with infertility that family building has not gone the way they imagined," says Dr. Ariadna Cymet Lanski, a clinical psychologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois. "Seeing your siblings and cousins with their children can remind you of what you don't have, and that's not easy."

Dr. Marie Davidson, who is also a clinical psychologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois, agrees. "For couples experiencing infertility, there can be deep sense of alienation from the spirit of celebration. As a result, you may not want to participate in the usual family rituals, and you may search for ways to protect yourself from the distresses of social comparison."

Yet the holidays and family gatherings can still be meaningful and enjoyable. Drs. Davidson and Cymet Lanski offer advice and techniques on how to navigate the emotions that surround the holidays.

Women: You May Not Be Ready for Pregnancy, But Your Body Is

You may not be ready to have children at this point in your life, but your body might be. Ensure your future with our Fertility Preservation options at our Fertility Centers of Illinois locations all over the Chicagoland area!

Read a first-hand account of one woman's journey to freeze her eggs and preserve her fertility until she's ready to have a child here!

One Woman's First-Hand Experience with Fertility Preservation, Freezing her Eggs

One of the largest stressors in a woman’s life is the idea of a “ticking biological clock” or the potential for diminishing fertility. While we may be well educated about the best ways prevent pregnancy, how much do we know about options for preserving our fertility potential for the future?

As women have broken through the glass ceiling and become more career-oriented, it’s time to talk about how they can achieve both career and family goals. By preserving fertility at the most optimal time in a woman’s life, women will be able to achieve motherhood at a time when they feel ready.

With new, cutting edge technology, achieving career and family goals is possible! The ability to freeze young, healthy eggs for use later in life now gives women the opportunity to take control of their future.

Fertility Centers of Illinois Nurse Spotlight: Julie Wiese R.N. B.S.N.!

We love our nurses & want you to get to know them as well as we do, too! In our Nurse Spotlights, we interview each of the nurses here at the Fertility Centers of Illinois so you can learn about their backgrounds, a bit of their personal lives and to get to know them as a friend since you'll see them a lot during your time with us. Stay tuned for more Nurse Spotlights to come!

Here's your chance to meet, Julie Wiese, R.N. B.S.N.!

Why did you choose to become a nurse? 

To pursue a licensed profession that would be fulfilling as much as a challenge. Nurses are educated to be attuned to the whole person/ whole family, not just the unique presenting health problem.  The most current definition that reflects the evolution of professional nursing is from the 2003 edition of ANA's Nursing's Social Policy Statement: Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.

Understanding Infertility: 5 Most Common Diagnoses & Treatment Solutions

If you’ve been trying to conceive and those two little pink lines still elude you, know that you are not alone. While it takes most couples an average up to one year to become pregnant, one in six couples experiences infertility issues.

Here are five of the most common infertility diagnoses, along with example treatment solutions. Keep in mind that each person, diagnosis and situation is different, and only after a medical evaluation can a tailored treatment plan can be prescribed.

But first, what is the definition of infertility?

For women under 35, infertility is defined as trying to conceive for one year without a pregnancy. For women over 35, infertility is defined as trying for six months without a pregnancy.

While the causes of infertility can vary greatly, there are five common diagnoses to be aware of:

Dr. Angeline Beltsos to Speak at The Fertility Show in London

Dr. Angeline Beltsos is a guest speaker at The Fertility Show, a two-day event held in London, U.K. on November 2 – 3, 2013. Dr. Beltsos is a reproductive endocrinologist and the medical director at Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI).

The Fertility Show provides a discreet environment where attendees can learn more about infertility, fertility treatment options and ways to grow a family through donor egg, gestational surrogacy and more. Attendees can speak with health professionals on-site and attend educational sessions on a variety of topics.

The program includes 60 guest speakers and 100 exhibitors, from nutritionists to clinics. Last year, more than 3,500 people attended. The Fertility Show is backed by Britain's leading fertility support group, Infertility Network UK.

“Many people have questions about their fertility treatment options, and this event provides a free, convenient way to come away with a wealth of information,” says Dr. Beltsos. “We aim to help couples and individuals, no matter what country they reside in, achieve their dream of growing a family.”

Interested attendees can sign up online for a personal consultation on-site at the event with Dr. Beltsos. Those who register for a free consultation will receive an invitation to the Fertility Center of Illinois event on Nov 2nd and 3rd. Interested individuals that cannot attend can arrange a Skype meeting with Dr. Beltsos at a later date.

The Fertility Show will be held the Olympia Exhibition Centre. For more information see http://www.fertilityshow.co.uk/.

Why You Should Become an Egg Donor with Us!

Many of our past patients always seem to have stories of their family or friends asking "WHY are you donating?" We've heard many reasons, but whittled down the most popular reasons to become an Egg Donor!

After you've read all of these reasons, we're sure you'll want to head over to our Fertility Centers of Illinois Egg Donor form to apply!

Financial Gain

Egg donors are compensated generously, around $7,000. This covers the time and effort it takes to complete an Egg Donation cycle. This generous compensation can provide a head start on personal and professional goals. Many FCI Donors use their compensation to plan a wedding, pay off college loans or buy a new home. 

Review Your FCI Home Office on Yelp!

Hello, past patients! We're looking for your help to spread the word about the Fertility Centers of Illinois!

To make sure those new to FCI get the best possible information online - we'd be very appreciative if you all could post your experiences with us on Yelp!

If you'd like to help us out - please click on your FCI office location and write a review on Yelp for us! We'd love to hear what you'd have to say after your time with us so that you can help other interested hopefuls make educated decisions about their fertility!

Which location did you visit?:
Buffalo Grove
Chicago
Crystal Lake
Glenview
Highland Park
Hoffman Estates
Lindenhurst
Oakbrook Terrace
Orland Park

Thank you so much for your help with spreading the word about the Fertility Centers of Illinois!

FCI Online Webinar: Living with PCOS: Nutrition, Supplementation & Treatment Strategies -- Sept 12, 7pm

If you're suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) have you ever looked into your diet to help manage the symptoms?

In our upcoming online webinar on Sept. 12 at 7PM, listen to our own Dr. Laurence Jacobs and Margaret Wertheim, M.S., R.D. of Pulling Down the Moon, as they explain which foods to eat, avoid, and also give you information about nutritional supplementation options that are available for your management!

For those trying to conceive, this webinar will also provide insight on how to maximize your fertility.

How to Sign Up:

1. Click on this link here to see our FCI Patient Events Page.
2. Click on the "Living with PCOS: Nutrition, Supplementation & Treatment Strategies WEBINAR"
3. Fill in the required information and your Webinar instructions will be emailed to you via the email address you provide.
4. Follow those instructions provided in the email to participate in the webinar. 

If you have any questions please call Pulling Down the Moon at 312.321.0400

What is Endometriosis & How Does It Affect Your Fertility?

Having painful periods? Do you think it might be more than just menstrual cramps? Read on to figure out the difference between a painful time each month and something much more than that; endometriosis.

Every month during menstruation, a woman sheds the endometrial lining in her uterus. When the endometrium tissue (normally found in the uterus) grows outside the uterus or in other places of the body, the condition is known as endometriosis.

Each month, endometrial tissue continues to break down and shed as it would during a normal menstrual cycle. Endometrial tissue in other parts of the body follows the same pattern, causing period-like symptoms such as cramps and discomfort. Without the ability to drain through the uterus as it would during menstruation, the endometrial tissue is released into the body, causing pain, inflammation, and scar tissue.

Endometrial growths have been found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, on the outside of the uterus, lining the pelvic cavity and between the vagina and rectum. In rare cases, growths have been found in other parts of the body.

Endometriosis affects the body in many different ways. For some, fertility, bowel function, gynecological health and quality of life are disrupted.

If you have experienced these symptoms before, it is best to call your doctor and get a medical professional to determine if your painful periods are much more than just that.

If you have any questions regarding your fertility or endometriosis, please reach out to us and fill out our online fertility consultation form or call us at 877.324.4483.

Fertility Centers of Illinois Doctor Spotlight: Dr. John Rapisarda!

We love our doctors & want you to get to know them as well as we do, too! In our Doctor Spotlights, we interview each of the doctors here at the Fertility Centers of Illinois so you can learn about their backgrounds, a bit of their personal lives and to get to know them as a friend. Stay tuned for more Doctor Spotlights to come!

Here's your chance to meet Dr. John Rapisarda!

Why did you choose to become a doctor?

From the time I was a little boy, I was always fascinated by science and the diversity of life on earth.  I loved learning about the way our bodies work and how they respond to fight infections, or disease.   I knew that I had to do something in the scientific field.  As I got older, I had a close family friend and a relative who were struggling with infertility.  It was right around the time that IVF was making the news and I felt that it would be very exciting and rewarding to be able to help people who were unable to have children on their own with the use of this new technology.

Why did you choose fertility treatment as your career?
(see above).  In addition, I was interested in working with essentially healthy people who were facing a significant life crisis that I could help resolve.  Having children is such a wonderful, enriching and rewarding part of life that I knew it would be very fulfilling to help others share this experience. Reproductive Endocrinology is a great mix between medical thinking, interacting with people regularly and performing procedures; all of which I love.

What do you find is the most enjoyable part about working for Fertility Centers of Illinois?
I love what I do on a daily basis and the relationships that are formed with both staff and patients.  The best part of the job is getting baby pictures in the mail, or actually seeing the “fruits of our labor” in person when proud parents return for a visit with their beautiful new babies.

What do you like to do for fun outside of the office?
I love movies, reading, travel, any outdoor activities (as long as it’s warm outside!) and working with my hands building, or tearing something apart.

We hope you've enjoyed getting to know one of our FCI doctors! Keep checking back for our next edition. See Dr. John Rapisarda's FCI page here!

MTV True Life "I'm Desperate to Have a Baby" Recap

Recently, MTV has showcased what women and men endure when faced with the perils of infertility in and episode of the documentary show True Life titled "I'm Desperate to Have a Baby."

Have you seen it yet?

If you're new to the fertility treatment scene, much of what was covered in this episode is new to you: the heartache of being told you can't conceive naturally, the seemingly endless wait for answers, the possibility of never having children, hanging onto your hopes and dream so tightly...

Or if you're a veteran to this world - you've been here, or know someone who has and your heart goes out to these two profiled.

In this episode, True Life follows two women going through fertility treatments in order to have children, and one of those couples comes to our fertility center in Chicago to meet with our own Dr. Beltsos. Chicagoland couple Jenna & Kurt's road to pregnancy is documented below and we are so happy we were able to share in this experience with them.

WATCH the full episode here & let us know what you think:

Get More: True Life, Full Episodes

See the recap of Jenna & Kurt's experience and where they are now from the Chicago Sun Times!

Fertility Centers of Illinois Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Jane M. Nani

We love our doctors & want you to get to know them as well as we do, too! In our Doctor Spotlights, we interview each of the doctors here at the Fertility Centers of Illinois so you can learn about their backgrounds, a bit of their personal lives and to get to know them as a friend. Stay tuned for more Doctor Spotlights to come!

Here's your chance to meet Dr. Jane M. Nani!

Why did you choose to become a doctor? 

I was inspired by my father, who was an internal medicine doctor, to become a physician myself.  I remember him always as someone who absolutely loved his job and was dedicated to the care of patients.  In my career, I try to emulate the wonderful bedside manner that he had with patients and to always listen to the cares and concerns of patients as well as treat any medical issues that they had.  

Why did you choose fertility treatment as your career?

I particularly chose Reproductive Endocrinology, because it is the best field in all of medicine, in my opinion.  I particularly like the dramatic increase in IVF pregnancy success that has escalated over the course of my career in infertility. 

What do you find is the most enjoyable part about working for Fertility Centers of Illinois?

FCI is a wonderful practice because of the commitment we have to make all of our work, patient-centered.  We care most about the experience of the patient throughout all facets of treatment .

What do you like to do for fun outside of the office? Do you have any hobbies, favorite activities, etc?  I am an avid reader, jig-saw puzzle and crossword puzzle addict during the winter months and I enjoy motorcycle riding with  my family during the summer months.

We hope you've enjoyed getting to know one of our FCI doctors! Keep checking back for our next edition. See Dr. Jane Nani's FCI page here!

Find the Fertility Centers of Illinois on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

What is a Fertility Awareness Check Up? (We'll help explain!)

A Fertility Awareness Check Up is a great starting point on the fertility path for many individuals or couples. This program provides basic fertility testing for both males and females - the first step in discovering fertility issues.

Our Fertility Centers of Illinois Fertility Awareness Check Up will help individuals or couples in their quest to plan a family by providing an initial overview of reproductive potential. This will help alleviate stress, save valuable time and financial resources in your journey to become a parent.

Why should I be tested? 
40% of Infertility involves men, 40% involves women, and the other 20% is a combination of the two. Our Fertility Awareness Check Up offers a Semen Analysis for men, two blood tests and a specific Ultrasound, called an Antral Follicle Count, for women, to get basic information about your potential for getting pregnant.

What does FCI find out?
The fertility specialists at FCI will read and interpret your test results, which to date, are the most predictive in determining fertility potential. These results do not give a definitive answer, but give an estimate of your fertility potential. You should also be aware that these tests are not necessarily an insurance policy guaranteeing future fertility, but will help answer questions about when to start planning your family.

How do I arrange an appointment? 
Call our call center at 877-324-4483 to schedule your appointment. We're here for you!


Find the The Fertility Centers of Illinois on Facebook & Twitter!

Fertility Centers of Illinois Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron

We love our doctors & want you to get to know them as well as we do, too! In our Doctor Spotlights, we interview each of the doctors here at the Fertility Centers of Illinois so you can learn about their backgrounds, a bit of their personal lives and to get to know them as a friend. Stay tuned for more Doctor Spotlights to come!

Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron

Here's your chance to meet our newest addition to the Fertility Centers of Illinois team, Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron!

Why did you choose to become a doctor? 

I became a doctor for the unique opportunity to help people. I also enjoy science and working closely with people. I find being a doctor a true honor. I feel so lucky to have a job in which, I absolutely love going to work everyday!

Why did you choose fertility treatment as your career?

Being a fertility doctor provides a wonderful opportunity to work closely with a couple on a common goal.  As a mother I can appreciate how truly special having children is to a person’s quality of life.  Infertility patients have been through a lot already. The field of infertility has improved so greatly in the past 20 years that sharing all of the technological advancements with patients is very exciting.  

What do you find is the most enjoyable part about working for Fertility Centers of Illinois?

I have recently joined FCI and am so excited about being a part of such a special institution.  FCI balances state of the art technology with personalized patient care.

What do you like to do for fun outside of the office? Do you have any hobbies, favorite activities, etc?

I love to travel, run, watch movies and spend time with family and friends.  Sadly, I am a sucker for anything on the BRAVO network!

We hope you've enjoyed getting to know one of our FCI doctors! Keep checking back for our next edition. See Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron's FCI page here!

Fertility Centers of Illinois: In the Press!

Everyone here at the Fertility Centers of Illinois has been very busy over the last few weeks lending our expertise to local news organizations and blogs to help bring light to an issue we hold most dear - fertility.

We've put all of our most recent coverage here on our blog for easy access for all of you! Enjoy!

"Making Peace with Infertility: When you don’t have as many children as you want"- SheKnows - Drs.  Eve Feinberg and Jane Nani interviewed

"What Women Can Learn From Angelina Jolie’s Double Mastectomy" [audio] - Dr. Angie Beltsos interviewed

"Infertility out in the Open" - Living Healthy Chicago [video] - Dr. Feinberg interviewed

"Men’s Health Month: 11 Male Infertility Myths Debunked" - Chicago Tribune - Dr. Christopher Sipe interviewed

"Gene mutation affects group of sisters" - NWI Times - Dr. Angie Beltsos interviewed

"Freezing eggs gives women more motherhood options" - The Northbrook Star - Dr. Eve Feinberg interviewed

Enjoy these articles!

The FCI Ladies Night Out: A Very Fun Evening!

On May 16th, we held a very fun, ladies-only event to unveil our newest location in Warrenville & to have a fun way to learn about what we have to offer at the Fertility Centers of Illinois! 

First off - we have a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Warrenville, David Brummel. We had such a fun time with him and introducing ourselves to Warrenville. 

We're very proud to say we had a full house - almost all guests brought a friend - and everyone seemed to not only learn something during our event, but had fun, too! Dr. Meike Uhler and two other speakers gave seminars about fertility-related topics, we had delicious food catered from Gourmet 45 and vendors from lia sophia, Mary Kay and The Pampered Chef. For a handful of lucky winners we even had raffles for door prizes!

See our photo album to experience the entire event via Facebook!

Fertility Centers of Illinois Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Laurence Jacobs

We love our doctors & want you to get to know them as well as we do, too! In our Doctor Spotlights, we interview each of the doctors here at FCI so you can learn about their backgrounds, a bit of their personal lives and to get to know them as a friend. Stay tuned for more Doctor Spotlights to come!

Read on & get to know more about Dr. Laurence Jacobs!

Why did you choose to become a doctor?

I was influenced by an old family doctor when I was only 8! He would come over to my folks’ house and make house calls every night to see my dying grandparents… he was revered by my parents and made a lasting impression.

Why did you choose fertility treatment as your career?
I was an OB/Gyn for 7 yrs, but had fertility problems which got me very interested in the field back in the mid 80s when IVF was first becoming a reality.

What do you find is the most enjoyable part about working for Fertility Centers of Illinois?
I think that the challenge of solving complicated fertility issues and seeing the end results is the best feeling about working for Fertility Centers of Illinois!

What do you like to do for fun outside of the office? Do you have any hobbies, favorite activities, etc?
I love to travel with my kids and girlfriend - I also enjoy red wine and I love to garden.


We hope you've enjoyed getting to know one of our FCI doctors! 

Keep checking back for our next edition. See Dr. Jacobs' FCI page to learn even more about him & take some time to visit his fertility practice website.

National Infertility Awareness Week: All of our FCI Events!

NIAW 2013 Events

FCI Has a Week of Events to Support National Infertility Awareness Week

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TODAY WITH  FCI & RESOLVE! 

Every day, people do amazing things in their communities to improve the lives of people with infertility. During National Infertility Awareness Week, RESOLVE asks the infertility community to tell us how you are making a difference in ways large and small. By sharing our stories, we not only call attention to the disease of infertility, we inspire more family members, more friends, more medical professionals, and more lawmakers to join the movement.

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Sunday, April 21  

What Do You Know About Fertility?  Take the Quiz! 

Take OUR QUIZ to learn more about Fertility and then take the discussion online by sharing with your social media community! Share your thoughts on our FACEBOOK page --- ! LIKE US and SHARE the quiz!  Together we can exchange information and experiences to spread Fertility Awareness in our community!

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Monday, April 22 (7:00 – 8:30PM)  

Making Embryos At River North Lab: An Embryo’s Day-By-Day Journey

FCI Physician:  Edward Marut, MD

FCI Embryologist:   Jill Matthews, TS (ABB) 

Join us at FCI River North as Dr. Ed Marut joins our embryologist and learn what actually happens to your eggs, sperm, and embryos. You will learn how eggs are fertilized, how embryos grow, and how eggs, sperm, and embryos are frozen. This is a fascinating presentation!

Cost of the class is $10.00.  Online registration is required.

Register www.fcionline.com | Patient Support / Patient Education Events CLICK HERE

FCI – Chicago River North, 900 N. Kingsbury, RW 6, Chicago, IL 60610

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Tuesday, April 23 (7:00-8:30PM)

FCI Cracks the Door on Adoption

FCI Psychologist:  Marie Davidson, Ph.D., FCI

Special Guest:  Jane Turner, Associate Director | Family Resource Center 

Many fertility patients, as annoyed as they are to be asked, “Have you ever thought about adoption?", actually are curious about it.  Come listen to an adoption professional present an overview of the adoption process.  Learn about different paths to adoption, costs, time frames, and how to start investigating this family-building alternative.  Cost is Free.  Online registration is required.  

Register on our website www.fcionline.com Patient Support / Patient Education Events CLICK HERE

FCI - 3703 West Lake Avenue - Lower Level Classroom - Glenview, IL 60026

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Wednesday, April 24 (6:00-7:30PM)

Nutrition and Supplements to Support Egg Quality

FCI Physician – Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron, MD

Pulling Down the Moon - Margaret Wertheim, MS, RD

Join this engaging workshop on dietary strategies and nutritional supplements to improve egg quality. This workshop will be helpful for women going through ART or those trying to conceive naturally.  During this workshop, you will develop a nutritional plan to help maximize the quality of your eggs.

Cost of the class is $25 / For more information about Pulling Down the Moon go to: www.pullingdownthemoon.com.  Questions call Pulling Down the Moon at (312) 321-0004.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER WITH PULLING DOWN THE MOON

Pulling Down the Moon – Chicago / River North 900 N. Kingsbury, RW 6A, Chicago, IL 60610

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Thursday, April 25 (7:00 – 8:00PM)

Join the Movement Webinar:  Find Out How You Can Make a Difference 

WEBINAR HOSTED BY FCI - Jen Pishotta

EMD Serono - David Nichols | RESOLVE - Barbara Collura 

NIAW Educational Webinar  REGISTER

Learn why you need to be proactive about supporting the rights of all fertility patients, educate,  and encourage your Congressional Representatives to vote for the Family Act in 2013.  Your voice can make a difference ... learn more by joining us in this informative webinar. For more information about RESOLVE - go to:  www.resolve.org

Learn About RESOLVE - ADVOCACY DAY - Washington D.C.   There is still time to join RESOLVE in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 8th. 

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 Friday, April 26 (8:00AM-4:00PM)     SPECIAL OFFER TODAY ONLY!!

Schedule Your FCI - Fertility Awareness Check Up  today and receive a 50% discount on your screening!! (Value $45.00) 

Go to  www.fcionline.com  click on “Schedule a Consultation” Fill out the form and put in the code “NIAW-FA” in the comment field. An FCI patient services liaison will contact you to set up our screening.   

If you prefer to call FCI directly, call 877.324.4483 and make sure to tell your patient services liaison the offer code NIAW-FA when you call.  

This offer expires at 4:00PM on April 26 2013.  Learn More about Fertility Awareness Check Up CLICK HERE!

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Saturday, April 27   

Check Out Your Community To Find Support! 

Education, Mind Body & Support

Fertility Centers of Illinois | Patient Education Program offers community education seminars, mind body workshops, women and couple support groups. Visit www.fcionline.com | Patient Support | Patient Education Events each quarter for new class schedules. 

CLICK HERE for Current FCI Patient Education Schedule

Find Community Support /Organizations

    www.resolve.org

     www.theafa.org

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Monday, April 29   (6:00-8:00PM)   

April Wellness Event:  West Meets East

FCI Physician - Eve Feinberg, MD

Holistic Women’s Health Specialists – Jeanie Bussell and Caroline Jung

This event is an up close and personal opportunity for all who are on the fertility journey to have your questions guided.  Learn about treatments and mind body approaches. Complimentary consultations provided by Dr. Eve Feinberg. Dinner provided by FCI.  To Register contact:  call 312.260.9000 |  www.tiffanikiminstitute.com.  CLICK HERE for more information.

Tiffani Kim Institute, 310 W. Superior St., 2^nd floor, Chicago, IL 60654

FCI Doctor Spotlight: Dr. Eve C. Feinberg

We love our doctors & want you to get to know them as well as we do, too! In our Doctor Spotlights, we interview each of the doctors here at FCI so you can learn about their backgrounds, a bit of their personal lives and to get to know them as a friend. Stay tuned for more Doctor Spotlights to come!

Why did you choose to become a doctor?

Dr. Eve Feinberg at an FCI event

I have always had a deep desire to help other people and I have always craved intellectual challenge. Becoming a doctor was the ideal combination of science and humanity. I’ve never regretted the decision to pursue medicine. I love what I do and it is a privilege that people put their trust in me to help them. It is a responsibility that I take seriously and I dedicate much of my life to my practice.

Why did you choose fertility treatment as your career?
I like the humanistic aspect of reproductive medicine. You need to be able to combine very technical and difficult science with a large element of caring for others on a deeply personal element. I love that. It’s not about numbers, statistics or graphs. It is about connecting with another person and using your knowledge and expertise to really help them.

What do you find is the most enjoyable part about working for Fertility Centers of Illinois?
The best part of FCI is our incredible staff. We have the most caring nurses, embryologists, ultrasound techs and office managers. Everyone is on the same page and just wants to see our patients succeed. We laugh with our patients, we cry with them and we love nothing more than meeting their babies.

What do you like to do for fun outside of the office?
I like spending time with my husband and our three kids.  Nothing beats that, and it makes me appreciate what I am trying to help other accomplish. I am also a runner and really enjoy the clarity that running brings to other areas of my life.


We hope you've enjoyed getting to know one of our FCI doctors! Keep checking back for our next edition. See Dr. Feinberg's FCI page here!

FCI Events: All of March

This month, we are hosting a large number of events to make sure our patients and their families are happy and healthy in this new year! Here's our entire list of March events.

Date & Event Name

March 10: Massage Self-Care - PDTM - Chicago

March 12: Cracking the Door to Adoption Glenview

March 13: Acupuncture at Pulling Down The Moon - Arlington Heights

Making Embryos at River North: The Day by Day Journey

March 14: Acupuncture - PDTM - Chicago

March 18: Relaxation Training - Learn to Turn Off Stress - Pulling Down The Moon - Chicago

March 21: Egg Donation: Does it Make Sense for You? - Chicago

Nutrition & Underlying Causes of Infertility - Pulling Down The Moon - Chicago

Next Month, April!:
Mindfulness Training for Fertility - Chicago - 6 Week Course

Remember: Sign up closes 1 day before the events - be sure to visit the EventBrite pages well in advance to reserve your spot.

All FCI Patient Education Programs are open to the community. You do not need to be a current FCI patient to attend. We continue to support your fertility journey by offering a selection of complementary patient education seminars, holistic healing seminars, and support groups.  If you have any questions or comments please contact us at (877) 324-4483.

New Orland Park Physician Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron Joins Fertility Centers of Illinois

The following is from the article published online by the Chicago Tribune.

Fertility Centers of Illinois is pleased to welcome Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron to their experienced and reputable physician team. Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron will practice at the Orland Park location. 

Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron’s areas of interest and expertise include fertility preservation, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, and cost analysis of fertility care. She is part of a research project analyzing the impact of stress, anxiety and sleep dysfunction for patients undergoing fertility preservation and IVF treatment. Her work on the cost analysis of fertility care has been published in the Fertility & Sterility and the Chicago Tribune. 

Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron hard at work in the lab.

She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Chicago Hospitals, followed by a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Northwestern University Hospital. She also serves as faculty at the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago, and previously served as the director of the fertility preservation program. 

Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron is a board certified physician who serves as a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Endocrine Society, and Society of Gynecologic Investigation. 

“As a mother, I can appreciate firsthand the incredible gift it is to be a parent,” Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron says. “As a doctor, I have the unique privilege of helping people become parents. The advances in reproductive technology have significantly increased patient’s success rates. It is imperative as a fertility specialist to help patients decipher the various treatment options and chose the one that is best for her. It is a true honor to assist couples on this journey to become parents.” 

Dr. Angie Beltsos, co-managing partner and physician, on behalf of Fertility Centers of Illinois, is eager to welcome Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron to the team. 

“We strive to provide state-of-the-art fertility care and positive patient outcomes,” she says. “Dr. Hirshfeld-Cytron has the skill set and experience to enrich our practice and provide exemplary patient service. We are very happy to have her join the Fertility Centers of Illinois team.” 

For more than 30 years, Fertility Centers of Illinois has helped thousands of couples begin their families. Fertility Centers of Illinois offers cutting-edge fertility treatment technologies and practices to patients, and currently serves as the most renowned center in the Midwest. For more information visit www.fcionline.com

FCI Events: All of Februrary

This month, we are hosting a large number of events to make sure our patients and their families are happy and healthy in this new year! Here's our entire list of February events.

Date & Event Name
February 3: Couples Support Group - Glenview

5: Acupuncture, Pulling Down the Moon - Arlington Heights

6: Making Embryos at River North: The Day by Day Journey

7: Cracking the Door to Adoption - Glenview

8: Nutrition and Underlying Causes of Infertility, Pulling Down the Moon - Arlington Heights

10: Couples Support Group - Glenview

Couples Massage, Pulling Down the Moon - Chicago

15: Yoga Date Night, Pulling Down the Moon - Chicago

16: Yoga for Fertility, Pulling Down the Moon - Arlington Heights

21: Egg Donation: Does it Make Sense for You? - Chicago

23: Nutrition and Underlying Causes of Infertility - PDTM - Chicago

24: Couples Support Group - Glenview

27: Acupuncture, Pulling Down the Moon - Arlington Heights


We continue to support your fertility journey by offering a selection of  complimentary patient education seminars, holistic healing seminars, and support groups. If you have any questions or comments please contact us at (877) 324-4483.

Patient Testimonial: Amazing FCI Nurses

FCI Remembers Dr. Kevin Lederer

With great sadness, the Fertility Centers of Illinois family would like to share the loss of our beloved colleague, Dr. Kevin Lederer.

Dr. Lederer dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in women’s health and reproductive medicine, and he has left an indelible impression on the countless lives that he has touched.  As President and Managing Partner of FCI, Dr. Lederer collaborated with our medical team to establish a patient-centered standard of quality care that has served to define our medical practice to this day.

Dr. Lederer was passionate in his efforts to help patients overcome the hurdles of infertility and achieve their family-building dreams.  He was an inspiration to all with his commitment to patients and compassion for others.  He will always be remembered for his larger-than-life presence and robust personality. His booming laughter will continue to echo through our halls for years to come.

Kevin J. Lederer, MD Tribute

Happy 2013!

All of us here at the Fertility Centers of Illinois would like to wish everyone a happy & healthy 2013!

This year can be anything you make it - all you have to do is take that first step and the future is yours. Sure, that first step may be a little difficult to take, but you can do it!

Make your 2013 something to remember - and if growing your family is something you'd like to pursue this year, please visit our WEBSITE to fill out our online consultation form. You can also give us a call at 877.324.4483 to directly speak with our FCI fertility counselors today.

We're here for you in 2013 and beyond!

Happy New Year!
The FCI Family