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!

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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!