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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.

Donor Conception | Advocacy

By: Hayley King
December 2nd, 2024

The world of donor conception can feel complex, with the perspectives of donor-conceived people, recipient parents, and donors themselves sometimes feeling at odds. In this helpful guide, a donor-conceived adult who also utilized a donor to build her own family reflects on her personal journey and offers valuable insights for parents navigating similar paths.

Male Infertility | Donor Conception | IVF | Sperm Donor | Patient Stories | Genetics | Pregnancy & Infant Loss

By: Sierra Dehmler
October 7th, 2024

Three years. Extensive testing. Genetic complications. Multiple fertility clinics. Six embryo transfers. Five losses. One perfect baby girl. In this story, new parents Jennifer and Alex open up about their path to parenthood and the joy they've found on the "other side" of infertility.

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 | IVF | Reciprocal IVF

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 Treatment | 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 | Single Dad by Choice

By: Sierra Dehmler
June 27th, 2024

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.

Donor Conception | Sperm Donor | Egg Donor

By: Sierra Dehmler
June 25th, 2024

Considering using an egg or sperm donor to help build your family? Here's what you should know about the various types of donor arrangements, the pros and cons of directed (known) versus nonidentified (anonymous) donors, and the legal implications of your decision.