Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI) Offers Two Free IVF Cycles in Support of National Infertility Awareness Week

CHICAGO -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In recognition of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association’s 18th Annual National Infertility Awareness Week® taking place November 4th-10th, Fertility Centers of Illinois, SC (FCI) is offering a free In-Vitro Fertilization cycle valued at $10,000, to two deserving infertile couples in need of IVF but unable to afford it. In order to help all aspiring parents, FCI also offers every day tips for women and men to enhance their chances of conception.

Issues of infertility currently affect 7.3 million people in the United States, representing 15 percent of couples in their prime reproductive years. FCI supports the ongoing efforts by RESOLVE and the American Fertility Association (AFA) to build awareness of the seriousness of infertility and also understands the struggles that both men and women endure as they pursue infertility treatment, both emotionally and financially.

Angeline Beltsos M.D., reproductive endocrinologist and medical director of the FCI River North IVF Laboratory explains that offering these free IVF cycles are a way for FCI to give back to the community of infertile couples that they have been evaluating and treating for over 30 years. “We want to take the opportunity to make a difference for couples that might not otherwise be able to pursue treatment due to the financial burden, as well as bring awareness to this often misunderstood condition,” she says.

In addition to medical fertility treatments, FCI offers suggestions as to every day things couples can do in order to enhance their reproductive health:

Diet: Eat organic, fresh, nutrient-filled whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains as much as possible. Drink plenty of water everyday and avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods and saturated fats.

Exercise: Regular exercise is a must, but stick to low impact options such as walking, swimming and yoga if in the middle of fertility treatment or ovulation time. High intensity activities place excessive metabolic stress on the body.

Mind-Body Techniques: Various holistic techniques such as acupuncture, massage and meditation are a great way to decrease stress and cope with feelings of depression, anger or anxiety.

Communicate: The fertility journey can be challenging, so share your feelings and emotions with friends or family. Alternatively, seek out support groups such as RESOLVE or the American Fertility Association (AFA) in your local area.

Age: Today, more women are having babies at an older age; however be aware that fertility declines with increasing age and the risk of complications also increases. These problems accelerate for women past the age of 35. It’s better to seek help early so that causes of infertility can be evaluated and treated properly.

Consult with an Expert: If you have been trying to conceive for six months to one year without success, a consultation with a fertility expert is important to further evaluate possible things that may need to be addressed.

The free IVF cycles offered through FCI will be available to couples whose insurance does not provide a benefit for IVF. The IVF cycles will include all medications, monitoring, oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and assisted hatching. It will not cover embryo freezing, embryo storage, donor oocytes, donor sperm or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). To qualify, women must be between the ages of 18 and 39, have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 29, with no more than one previous failed IVF cycle. Potential patients should have no history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), substance abuse, recurrent miscarriage, or endocrine disorders other than ovulatory dysfunction that are not well-controlled.

RESOLVE applauds FCI for getting involved in National Infertility Awareness Week and offering these free IVF cycles. “This is a remarkable way to not only help two couples achieve their dreams of parenthood, but to also raise greater awareness of infertility and its widespread effects,” said Barbara Collura, executive director of RESOLVE.

To read more about qualifying for this program, go to www.fcionline.com and view the What’s New @ FCI section. Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2007. The qualifying couples will be notified the week of December 3, 2007 and publicly announced December 10, 2007.

ABOUT FERTILITY CENTERS OF ILLINOIS

Fertility Centers of Illinois, S.C., is one of the nation’s leading infertility treatment practices, providing advanced reproductive endocrinology services in the Chicago area for over 25 years. FCI has more babies born than the next ten centers combined with high success rates that are recognized throughout the nation. In addition to a team of nationally recognized reproductive physicians who stay current on the latest technology and procedures, FCI patients have access to many other unique support services, such as professional counseling from a licensed, Ph.D. clinical psychologist, patient advocates and innovative financial options. FCI is part of IntegraMed, the nation's largest and most reputable network of fertility centers and has multiple offices conveniently located throughout the Chicago area. For more information visit www.fcionline.com .

ABOUT RESOLVE

Founded in 1974, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, headquartered in McLean, VA, is the oldest and largest consumer-based, nonprofit group that provides education, advocacy and compassionate support for those struggling with infertility in the United States. Each year, RESOLVE and its nationwide network of affiliates and chapters handle more than 1.5 million contacts from people seeking information and help. For more information, visit the RESOLVE website at www.resolve.org .

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Category: infertility, IVF