Fertility Blog

When most people decide they're ready to become a parent, they typically envision bringing a biologically-related child into the world - a little "mini me" to carry on certain physical and personality traits. But what happens when that vision is turned upside down by fertility challenges and you consider using an egg donor to grow your family? In this story, one Illume Fertility patient shares her and her partner's donor conception experience with honesty, exploring the raw emotions that surfaced when they were forced to reimagine their dreams for the future.

One of the most beautiful parts about family-building is that no two stories are exactly the same. There are so many different paths to parenthood: IVF, surrogacy, adoption, egg/sperm donors, IUI, embryo donors...the list goes on. Here at Illume Fertility, we are proud to offer family-building options for all. With the support of resources like our Gay Parents To Be program and our expert third party reproduction team, we know all of our patients are in great hands as they navigate their own unique path. Nothing brings us more joy than seeing the families we've helped thriving and enjoying life together. Two of our LGBTQ+ parents, Tim and Steve, shared their amazing story with us - from how they met, to how (and when) they decided to have kids, to their surrogacy experiences and beyond. We're so grateful to them for opening up to our community, and we're excited to share their journey with you. Let's start at the very beginning! Read on to hear their story in Tim's own words.

You are sitting across the desk from your doctor trying to absorb the sobering news that, “Using donor eggs is your best option.” You have known for some time that you don’t make many eggs during an IVF cycle, and perhaps your cycle has been cancelled more than once for only making one or two eggs, but donor egg? Are there any other options? Where do you even find an egg donor?

This September, RMA of Connecticut is intrigued with transitions, particularly in how they reveal themselves in fertility treatment and decision making. Investigating aspects and questions like these, “I really don’t want to need a doctor to get pregnant but it’s not working at home." “I know it’s time to move on to a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, but I’m hoping that this is the month I get pregnant, so why make an appointment?” “No way am I ever sticking a needle in me.” “How do I move from one type of fertility treatment protocol to the next when I don’t feel ready for more treatment."