Meet a Mom: Meet Dr. Luu, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Specialist at InVia Fertility

Chicago North Shore Moms is excited to introduce Dr. Thanh Ha Luu, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist at InVia Fertility, whose impressive clinical background is matched by a deeply personal understanding of the fertility journey (more on that below). Dr. Luu earned her medical degree from Rush University Medical College in Chicago, completed her OB/GYN residency at the Cleveland Clinic, and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Colorado. She has authored award-winning research on endometriosis, obesity, and ovarian immunology, and is a passionate advocate for fertility preservation and expanding access to care – efforts that have included lobbying for insurance coverage alongside RESOLVE.

Patients consistently praise Dr. Luu for her expertise, compassion, and clear communication. Patients describe her as “fantastic,” “memorable,” and having a “giant heart” – a reflection of her dedication to personalized, attentive care. Dr. Luu’s own IVF experience informs her empathetic approach, allowing her to truly connect with and advocate for the patients she serves. She chose to join the team at InVia Fertility for its exceptional physicians and staff, top-tier success rates, and shared commitment to evidence-based medicine. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Luu is a mom of two, an avid gardener, and a lover of brunch and tacos – and she’s thrilled to be in Chicago, surrounded by family, friends, and great food. Welcome, Dr. Luu!

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Hi Dr. Luu. Please introduce yourself.

Hello, my name is Thanh Ha Luu. I go by Ha. I am a double board certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility physician, a mom to two toddlers and one chunky cat, and a budding gardener. I live in Chicago. I came to Chicago for work after graduating from college and met my husband here. We have moved several times due to training but returned to Chicago after I was done to be closer to our families.

 

Tell us about your children and do brag away.

I have two amazing kids. My son is 5 and my daughter is 3. My son came into our lives after a long fertility journey and the help of IVF, and becoming his mom has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. He’s thriving in his own unique way, loves to swim, and is happiest outside exploring the world around him. Our daughter arrived a few years later through spontaneous conception and is full of sparkle. She loves to dance, create, and surround herself with everything pink and princess. Each child’s arrival felt like its own kind of miracle. That said, if conception hasn’t occurred after 6–12 months of trying, and depending on your age, it’s a good time to speak with a fertility specialist.

 

What are one or two fun or interesting things to know about you?  

I love traveling but it can be hard with two small children and pet at home. I’ve pivoted to gardening and am really enjoying the fruits of my labor thus far. I’m learning every year, but this year I think I will have my best batch of tomatoes and cucumbers yet!

 

You’ve called Chicago home since 2007 and recently returned after training out of state. What’s your favorite thing to do or eat now that you’re back?

Hands down, my favorite thing about Chicago, is brunch and tacos. We do it the best here. Even when I was living in Cleveland or Denver, I would still reminisce about the decadent brunch at M Henry. I’ve been spoiled for options here in Chicago but I would say that the tacos here are second to none.

 

When you’re not in the clinic, how do you enjoy spending time with your family or friends here in Chicago?

I love going to Niles for swimming. They have a great indoor pool that have allowed my kids to learn how to swim on their own. We do this almost weekly. In the summer, I try to be more active with biking. When my husband and I lived in Colorado, we took up camping more and are hoping that we can introduce that to the kids here when they are a little older.

 

 

Your mantra?

Today, I think it would be “Don’t give up!” I’ve been acting as a kind of motivational coach for a close friend who’s going through a tough time with infertility. She lives in another state, and it’s been hard not being able to step in more directly, especially since our medical licenses are state-based and limit what I can do. Still, this mantra really resonates with both her journey and mine -offering encouragement, hope, and a reminder to keep going, even when things feel really hard.

 

It’s time to get down to business. Please introduce InVia Fertility and your role there.

InVia Fertility Specialists is a Chicago area fertility clinic with convenient locations in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. We are proud to be able to support the needs of clients from the Chicagoland area’s diverse communities, often in their own languages. We have staff members who are fluent in Spanish, Ukranian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Russian, Hebrew and Hindi, as well as English. We also support LGBT+ couples and families seeking fertility treatment, including egg donation and surrogacy.

At InVia Fertility, we customize treatment plans for each patient based on your individual characteristics, test results, and other considerations. You can expect a plan that gives you the best chance of having a successful pregnancy.

I am one of the five physicians at InVia Fertility.

 

Your path to reproductive endocrinology and infertility care is impressive but also deeply personal. Can you share a bit about how your own fertility journey has shaped how you treat your patients?

Having gone through my own fertility journey makes me a more empathetic provider. I don’t think all doctors have to experience a specific condition to be good doctors but sometimes we become numb to the human side of medicine. Although I wouldn’t say I am immune to this, I am constantly reminded of how hard my journey was but also how rewarding reaching the pinnacle is when I see the smile on my son’s face every day. This helps me remember to consider the circumstances of each patient and not only give them the best care I possibly can but also make sure I do everything possible to remove obstacles to care when I can and advocate on their behalf to help achieve their goals. In every patient, I see a version of myself – and that keeps my care personal, purposeful, and full of heart.

 

You’ve worked on everything from cancer patient navigation to lobbying for infertility insurance coverage. Tell us a little bit about that work.

During my time working with a research collaboration between the Jesse Brown VA Hospital, Northwestern, and the American Cancer Society, I helped veterans navigate prostate cancer diagnoses and treatment options. That experience deepened my awareness of how complex and emotionally challenging the medical system can be, and how critical it is to reduce barriers to care. I’ve carried that perspective into my work in fertility medicine, always striving to meet patients where they are and walk alongside them through their journey.

I also had the privilege of being part of a physician-led advocacy effort to expand insurance coverage for fertility treatment. At the time, I was going through my own fertility journey, so the work was both professionally meaningful and personally urgent. It was disheartening to see that access to care could depend entirely on which state someone lives in. That inequity motivated me to act, and thankfully, lawmakers responded. While there’s still progress to be made, especially in pushing for federal protections and consistent access nationwide, I’m proud that more patients are now able to pursue fertility treatment without as many financial and systemic barriers.

 

 

For anyone considering fertility treatment for the first time, what should they expect during an initial consultation with you?

I tend to be straightforward because I believe patients deserve clarity and honesty, especially when facing something as personal and complex as fertility care. That said, my approach is always grounded in empathy. My goal is to offer both medical insight and emotional support. During that first visit, we’ll talk through your history, any initial concerns, and what testing or steps might come next. I want you to leave with a better understanding of your options and a sense that you’re not facing this alone.

One thing that often surprises people is the timeline. It typically takes around three months from the initial consultation to beginning treatment. While that waiting period can feel long, it gives us the chance to gather the right information and make a thoughtful, personalized plan.

 

You’ve done research on endometriosis, obesity, and ovarian immunology. What are some things you’d like more women know about how these factors can impact fertility?

Endometriosis is a progressive condition that can significantly impact fertility, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. If you’re experiencing symptoms like pelvic pain or irregular periods, or even just suspect endometriosis and have been trying to conceive, I encourage you to speak with your OB/GYN as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and timely fertility evaluation can improve outcomes and give you more options.

For women with obesity, it’s important to know that delaying conception to focus solely on weight loss may not always be the best approach. While healthy eating and regular exercise are beneficial and encouraged for anyone planning to conceive, age can be a more critical factor when it comes to fertility. Every patient is different, and care plans should reflect both individual health needs and reproductive goals.

Ovarian and uterine immunology is a less commonly explored area in routine fertility care, but emerging research continues to shed light on its impact. Autoimmune responses that target the ovaries or endometrial lining can have a significant impact on fertility. For patients with autoimmune conditions who are struggling to conceive, I strongly recommend a consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist. A thorough, personalized approach can help uncover underlying factors and offer real pathways forward.

 

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or InVia Fertility? 

Having gone through fertility treatment myself, I understand it both personally and professionally. It’s why I aim to be both a knowledgeable physician and someone who truly understands what the person in front of me is going through.

 

Left to right: Dr. Luu, Dr. Karande, Dr. Puscheck and Dr. Klipstein

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