Before children, Allie and her husband lived a life filled with adventure, chasing dreams and building careers they were passionate about. Their love story was one of serendipity—high school sweethearts who drifted apart and reunited, always finding their way back to each other. Once they had established themselves personally and professionally, they decided to settle down, marry, and start a family. However, what seemed like the next chapter of their love story quickly turned into an unexpected battle.
Like many couples, they assumed that having children would be a given—something that would happen naturally once they stopped using contraception. However, as months passed without success, a sense of unease began to creep in.
“I thought it would happen right away,” Allie admitted. “You spend so much of your life trying not to get pregnant that when you finally want it to happen, you just assume it will.”
Initially, she convinced herself that they simply needed to perfect their timing. She meticulously tracked ovulation, used LH strips, and followed every guideline possible. Yet, each month ended in disappointment. Her OB/GYN advised seeking a fertility specialist, but the thought was daunting. It felt like an admission that something was wrong, and that reality was difficult to face.
The Uncertainty of Unexplained Infertility
As a first step, her doctor recommended the Fertility Awareness Check program at Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI)—a simple, low-cost evaluation to better understand their reproductive potential. The results revealed no clear reason they couldn’t get pregnant, placing them in the frustrating yet somewhat hopeful category of “unexplained infertility.”
Despite their initial hesitation, recommendations from friends led Allie back to FCI under the care of Dr. Allison Rodgers. From the first meeting, Allie felt at ease. She explained, “Dr. Rodgers never made me feel rushed or judged. She met us where we were, and that made all the difference.” Allie also admired Dr. Rodgers’ openness on social media, where she advocates for female empowerment and education. Feeling confident in their choice, they decided to move forward with treatment.
Navigating Fertility Treatments
They opted to start with intrauterine insemination (IUI), which Allie approached with optimism, buoyed by stories of friends who had conceived through the procedure. However, after a medicated cycle and two unsuccessful rounds of IUI, they consulted with Dr. Rodgers about pursuing IVF.
As teachers, the summer months provided a window of opportunity to undergo an egg retrieval and embryo transfer with more flexibility. With Dr. Rodgers’ support, they fast-tracked their IVF cycle, beginning medications immediately.
The process came with its share of physical and logistical challenges—managing medications, tracking dosages, and dealing with insurance. Allie recalled, “The amount of planning that goes into IVF is incredible. It’s like having a second job—coordinating everything, making sure you’re taking the right medications at the right time, and navigating the emotional ups and downs.”
Over time, she became an expert at giving herself shots in unexpected places—at work, in airports, even during social gatherings. Through it all, she leaned on her husband, friends, and family for support, drawing strength from their encouragement to keep going.
In June, their egg retrieval was a success, yielding a strong number of viable embryos after genetic testing. Unfortunately, the first embryo transfer in August was unsuccessful. Disappointed but not deterred, they underwent another saline ultrasound in the fall, which revealed polyps requiring a hysteroscopy. The second transfer in December resulted in a chemical pregnancy. Though it was heartbreaking, it offered a flicker of hope because her body was responding to treatment. Determined to optimize their chances, they pursued the ALICE, EMMA, and ERA tests, which provided crucial insights for their third transfer.
A Long-Awaited Positive Test
In May, after nearly two years of trying, Allie and her husband finally received the news they had been waiting for—they were pregnant! Allie revealed the complex feelings she had, sharing, “I couldn’t believe it. I had dreamed of this moment for so long, but after everything we had been through, I was afraid to let myself fully believe it was real.”
Pregnancy After Infertility: Joy and Lingering Fear
While they were overjoyed, they were also hesitant to share the news too soon, which came with its own challenges. On a family trip out East, Allie experienced severe nausea and sickness, making it impossible to hide her pregnancy any longer. She wasn’t drinking her usual glass of wine, and the physical symptoms were too obvious. Though it felt good to share, there was always a lingering fear—what if they had to “untell” people? The trauma of infertility made it hard to believe in a positive outcome until their baby was finally in their arms.
They told close family members first, but it wasn’t until Allie graduated from her fertility clinic and had additional ultrasounds with her OB that they felt ready to share more widely.
Welcoming Their Miracle
After months of waiting, they welcomed their beautiful baby girl in January 2025. The moment their daughter arrived was one of sheer disbelief and awe. “Science is incredible. To know that she was created through so much effort and love—it just makes me appreciate her even more,” Allie said. She found herself constantly staring at her, amazed that she was really here. Science had played such an incredible role in her creation, and Allie often marveled at how everything had come together. The journey had been long, but holding her daughter made every struggle worth it.
A New Purpose: Advocacy and Awareness
Reflecting on her journey, Allie recognizes how much she has grown. She learned to set boundaries, prioritize her well-being, and accept help when needed. She also became passionate about advocating for fertility awareness, especially in light of political discussions surrounding reproductive healthcare. She recognized that infertility is not just someone else’s problem—it affects families, friends, and entire communities—and should be accessible for those who need.
For those still navigating their own fertility journey, Allie offers this advice, “Tell your people. Infertility can feel isolating, but sharing your struggles opens the door to support and understanding. The more we talk about it, the more we break the silence surrounding infertility. Lean on your community, trust your medical team, and know that you are never alone in this journey.”
