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Fertility Blog by Illume Fertility

Everything you need to know about reproductive health, fertility testing, fertility treatment (like IUI and IVF) and how to navigate fertility challenges.

Donor Conception | Sperm Donor | Genetics

By: Monica Moore, MSN, APRN
August 31st, 2024

Choosing a sperm donor can be an emotional and daunting task, regardless of the circumstances that brought you to this point. In this guide, we'll provide expert insights on where to begin your search, how many vials of sperm to order for IUI and IVF, the differences between IUI, ICI, and IVF-ready sperm, and everything else you need to know on this journey.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Donor Conception | Reciprocal IVF | Success Rates

By: Dr. Laura Meyer
August 15th, 2024

For LGBTQ+ couples who both wish to play a biological role in the conception and carrying of their future child, reciprocal IVF can be the perfect family-building pathway. Here's what to know about the entire process, straight from a fertility specialist.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Surrogacy | Donor Conception | Patient Stories

By: Sierra Dehmler
July 19th, 2024

After two Episcopal priests begin their journey to parenthood, they encounter unexpected roadblocks, including big financial hurdles and a global pandemic. This is the story of how they navigated surrogacy and what they learned along the way - in their own words.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Donor Conception | Affording Care | Reciprocal IVF

By: Tnori Shelton
June 27th, 2024

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.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Surrogacy | Donor Conception

By: Sierra Dehmler
June 27th, 2024

Last updated August 8, 2025 Becoming a parent is one of the hardest, most rewarding experiences in life. Becoming a single parent through surrogacy brings even more challenges, including significant financial hurdles. In this story, a father through surrogacy shares how he navigated major obstacles and setbacks to finally welcome his daughter.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Donor Conception | IVF | Reciprocal IVF

By: Sierra Dehmler
June 13th, 2024

Taylor and Holly open up to share their LGBTQ+ fertility journey, which included both IUI and reciprocal IVF, how they navigated the ups and downs, their advice for other two mom families, and what life looks like now as a busy family of four.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Donor Conception | IVF | Patient Stories | Secondary Infertility

By: Sierra Dehmler
June 4th, 2024

For hopeful parents-to-be in same-sex relationships, finding the right path to parenthood and ways to afford fertility treatment can create an added layer of difficulty. In this story, Stef and Denise share their four-year long journey to success, and what they've learned along the way.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Surrogacy | Donor Conception | Egg Donor

By: Mark P. Leondires, M.D.
April 24th, 2024

Last updated August 15, 2025 Choosing an egg donor is one of the first big decisions you'll need to make as a dad-to-be pursuing surrogacy. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive overview of the emotional, medical, and legal aspects to help you navigate the process of finding an ideal egg donor.