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Fertility Blog

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.

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

By: Tnori Shelton
April 16th, 2026

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 | IVF | Egg Donor | Patient Stories | Pregnancy & Infant Loss

By: Sierra Dehmler
September 29th, 2025

From a long-distance relationship to building their family across continents, Alo and Javi’s journey shows the power of resilience and connection. Their story highlights both the challenges of international surrogacy and the joy of finally welcoming your first baby.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Donor Conception | IVF | IUI | Patient Stories

By: Sierra Dehmler
July 9th, 2025

As Jess and Beth began their fertility journey, they knew it might take time, but they never expected just how long and winding their road to parenthood would be. What follows is a powerful story of resilience, love, and the unlikely path that led them to their baby boy.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Surrogacy | Affording Care

By: Sierra Dehmler
February 14th, 2025

Last updated: August 8, 2025 Navigating the world of surrogacy can be daunting, particularly when it comes to finances. In this guide, we explore the average cost of surrogacy in the United States in 2025, with a special focus on possible additional financial considerations for same-sex male couples.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Donor Conception | IUI | Sperm Donor | Pregnancy & Infant Loss

By: Sierra Dehmler
October 31st, 2024

When you're told that the baby you've been dreaming of has genetic abnormalities incompatible with life, what are your options? In this story, Maureen and Melissa open up about their experience terminating a much-wanted pregnancy for medical reasons, the ways they healed together, and how they moved forward.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Surrogacy | IVF | Choosing a Clinic

By: Sierra Dehmler
October 22nd, 2024

Last updated August 8, 2025 The process of expanding your family through surrogacy can be complex and overwhelming, with many layers of medical, legal, financial, and logistical challenges to navigate. Learn why it's so helpful to work with both a fertility clinic and a surrogacy agency, how they differ, and ways to find the perfect match of professionals for your personal journey.

LGBTQ+ Family Building | Advocacy | Affording Care

By: Sierra Dehmler
August 29th, 2024

The list of companies offering LGBTQ+ inclusive fertility benefits continues to grow, with employers like Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft leading the way. But even if you're lucky enough to have coverage, it can still be hard to determine what your insurance policy will (or won't) cover. In this guide, you'll learn the right questions to ask and where to turn for support.

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.