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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.

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

Last updated April 30, 2026 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

Last updated April 24, 2026 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 | Egg Donor | Affording Care

By: Sierra Dehmler
July 23rd, 2024

Looking for help navigating your surrogacy journey? Our detailed guide offers a comprehensive collection of financial support resources, LGBTQ-friendly organizations and charities, peer networks, personal stories, and much more.

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 | 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.