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.

Illume Fertility is proud to share that eight of our physicians have been named to Castle Connolly’s 2026 America’s Top Doctors® list, an annual honor that recognizes the top 7% of all physicians nationwide through a peer-nominated selection process.

Why don’t we talk about sex when we talk about fertility? Despite the very personal nature of fertility treatment, the sex life of a couple navigating infertility often becomes a low priority. Let's talk about why this happens and some easy ways to reconnect with your partner.

The new year represents fresh beginnings, renewed hope, and the perfect opportunity to take control of your family-building dreams. If growing your family is on your 2026 vision board, there's no better time than January to schedule your first fertility consultation. Here's why fertility clinics experience a surge in visits during this pivotal month, and what you need to know about starting your journey.

It may not be the sexiest topic, but sexual health is an important piece of the fertility conversation. By understanding the link between sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and fertility, you can better protect yourself and reduce your risk of STI-related infertility.