CHICAGO, April 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With 7.4 million women experiencing infertility — almost 12 percent of women — infertility is a national issue that affects one in eight couples, regardless of age or race. Approximately 286,861 women in Illinois have experienced "physical difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to live birth."
For those who long for a child, an infertility diagnosis is devastating, and going through fertility treatment can be a challenge physically, emotionally, and financially.
"We've come a long way in building infertility awareness, and people of all ages have never been as empowered with information," says Dr. Jane Nani of Fertility Centers of Illinois. "But we still have a long way to go in terms of medical insurance coverage and reduced stigma of infertility."
In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week on April 19-25, Fertility Centers of Illinois is hosting several events and webinars to support the infertility community.
A full listing of events and event details can be seen here: http://bit.ly/1CHZRke
April 20th
Webinar: Egg Donation - Your Journey Starts Here
For couples who are unable to have a child using their own eggs, donor egg is the next option to carry a baby. We have found that third party reproduction can be one of the greatest challenges for our patients. Fertility Centers of Illinois has developed a webinar to streamline the egg donor process. It will include an overview of egg donor program options, steps to prepare, and realistic treatment expectations.
Event: Fertility for Colored Girls - Cupcakes, Coffee & Conversation
Join Rev. Dr. Stacey Edwards-Dunn of Fertility For Colored Girls, Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron of Fertility Centers of Illinois and other FFCG partners for an evening of cupcakes, coffee, and shared conversation about the variety of pathways available to build the family of your dreams. Discussion will include such topics as IVF, surrogacy, donor egg/sperm, egg freezing, adoption and more.
April 21st
Webinar: Fertility for Colored Girls - Fertility Awareness & The Importance of Knowing Your Fertility Status
Presented by Rev. Dr. Stacey Edwards-Dunn of Fertility For Colored Girls and Dr. Angeline Beltsos of Fertility Centers of Illinois, this webinar will discuss how you can know your fertility status with the help of an easy checkup. Be informed.
April 22nd
Special Discount for Life Foundation Run for Life 5k During NIAW
Participants can register for the September 20th Life Foundation Run for Life 5k for a $5 discount during NIAW. The Life Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote health and alleviate the mental and physical distress of persons and couples diagnosed with infertility through education and financial assistance via Life Grants. Learn more and apply for a Life Grant at www.lifefindsaway.org.
April 23rd
Webinar: Have You Had Your Fertility Awareness Check Up?
Presented by Dr. Meike Uhler of Fertility Centers of Illinois, this webinar will help individuals and couples in their quest to plan a family by providing an initial overview of reproductive potential. This information is meant to save valuable time and financial resources as well as alleviate stress as couples begin their journey to parenthood.
April 24th
Webinar: You Can Freeze Your Biological Clock
The time and age to have a child is a personal choice for women today. What women may not realize is that over time, egg quality diminishes, as well as the ability to conceive. Dr. Chris Sipe of Fertility Centers of Illinois will discuss the latest technological advances in reproductive medicine for preserving fertility. Learn how freezing eggs can literally stop your biological clock.
April 25th
Community Support Day
Join a community organization that supports the individual fertility journey. Learn more about these organizations and how they can help.
- Kevin J. Lederer LIFE Foundation - lifefindsaway.org
- Fertility for Colored Girls – fertilityforcoloredgirls.org
- Path 2 Parenthood - path2parenthood.org
- RESOLVE - resolve.org
- Shine Fertility - shinefertility.org
- The Broken Brown Egg, Inc. - thebrokenbrownegg.org
- The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation - cadefoundation.org
- Center on Halsted - centeronhalsted.org
Fertility Centers of Illinois is one of the leading fertility treatment practices in the United States, providing advanced reproductive endocrinology services in the Chicago area for more than 30 years. FCI physicians, embryologists and support staff are stringently chosen based on educational background, medical skills and their ability to collaborate. With a team of 11 nationally and internationally recognized reproductive physicians who treat thousands of patients each year, the practice has earned a reputation for overcoming hard-to-solve fertility issues. FCI is dedicated to medical and clinical excellence and continues to invest in the latest technologies and research. FCI offers a comprehensive range of fertility treatment options including intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, donor egg, gestational carrier, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, as well as extensive resources to address financial and emotional needs. Fostering a culture for continuous innovation has made FCI home to the annual Midwest Reproductive Symposium which attracts experts in the field of reproductive endocrinology from around the world. FCI has 10 offices conveniently located throughout the Chicagoland area (Buffalo Grove, Chicago/River North, Crystal Lake, Glenview, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, Lindenhurst, Warrenville, Oakbrook Terrace, and Tinley Park). FCI is a member of the Attain Fertility Network which provides discounted fertility treatment programs. For more information call 877-324-4483 or visit www.fcionline.com