The financial aspect of LGBTQ+ family building is often the most overwhelming part of the entire process. In this guide, you'll learn how much it really costs for same-sex female couples to have a baby, how to navigate insurance coverage (if you have it), and ways to afford care.

All too often, Black women experiencing infertility who need the help of an egg or sperm donor soon face another barrier to building their family - a lack of diversity in available donors. A three-time egg donor shares her experience in the hopes that it encourages other women of color to consider donating too.

At a glance → Ear seeds are small adhesive beads placed on pressure points on the outer ear → They are used as a needle-free form of auricular acupressure to support stress, sleep, pain, and overall regulation → During fertility treatment, ear seeds may help patients feel more grounded between acupuncture sessions → Ear seeds are supportive care, not a standalone fertility treatment, and should be placed by a licensed practitioner

At a glance → Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause pain, scarring, adhesions, and fertility challenges → Symptoms are often dismissed as “normal” period pain, which can delay diagnosis and treatment for years → Endometriosis does not mean pregnancy is impossible, but early fertility evaluation can help protect your options → The best care often involves a specialist who can address pain, fertility goals, surgical options, and whole-person support Endometriosis is a chronic condition that is both common and frequently misdiagnosed. It can affect fertility but doesn't mean pregnancy is impossible. Early specialist care, surgical interventions, and multidisciplinary support often make the biggest difference.

Nicole and Steven's path to parenthood included two failed IUI cycles, a mid-pandemic pivot to IVF, and an unexpected endometriosis diagnosis — but also six healthy embryos, two successful transfers, and two beautiful sons. This is their family's story.

Last updated May 7, 2026 Even with 1 in 6 couples facing infertility globally, many insurance providers still exclude or limit coverage for this treatable condition - meaning many people don't even get the chance to start their family. Organizations like the Nest Egg Foundation are stepping up to help.

Last updated February 2026 The world of fertility can be overwhelming to navigate, and this holds especially true for many women of color. Harmful stereotypes, a lack of representation, and injustices in the healthcare system can cause women of color, especially Black women, to feel isolated from the conversation and discouraged from seeking fertility support.

At a glance → Egg donors at Illume must be 21–32, have a BMI between 19–29, and live within 90 minutes of Norwalk, CT → From matching to egg retrieval, the full egg donation process usually takes about 6–11 weeks → Screening takes about 4–8 weeks and includes medical exams, genetic testing, infectious disease testing, and a psychological evaluation → The donation cycle itself takes about 2–3 weeks and includes 5–8 monitoring appointments at our Connecticut clinic → Donors receive $15,000 per completed donation cycle, with compensation provided after egg retrieval Becoming an egg donor is a meaningful decision that can help another person or couple build the family they’ve been hoping for. This guide from Illume's donor team explains what to know before you apply, including details about eligibility, screening, and the donation process.