Before we dive head first into this breakdown, let’s start with the obvious question here: what is third-party reproduction? The phrase is commonly used to describe when Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) involves someone other than the person or couple that plans to raise the child, also known as the intended parent(s). Some forms of third-party reproduction include egg donation, embryo donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy.  Navigating third-party reproduction — whether you are an intended parent, a donor, or a gestational surrogate — can be overwhelming. Having a strong support system of professionals and people who...

In societal conversations about pregnancy loss and failed fertility treatments, we often talk about what people with uteruses endure. But a recent podcast conversation between Lance Bass and New Kids on the Block member Jonathan Knight is bringing an underrepresented perspective to light. Knight and his husband, Harley Rodriguez, pursued parenthood for five heartbreaking years. Ultimately, the process didn’t work for them. "We tried it. We went through the journey for about five years, and it just didn't happen for us," Knight said during an appearance on the Lance Bass Presents: Frosted Tips podcast. "Going...

If you’ve been trying to have a baby without success, it can be easy to feel discouraged. The good news, however, is that despite your age you can become a parent, and using donor eggs can be the key to helping you conceive.  Unlike sperm, which are almost constantly regenerated, women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. In fact, women have all six to seven million eggs by around 20 weeks gestation! Approximately 300,000 eggs are remaining by puberty and will age with the woman throughout her life, becoming hormonally responsive...

Not everyone decides to pursue parenthood in their 20s or 30s. Some may be focused on their careers or haven’t yet found the right partner to start a family with, and that’s okay! In fact, it has become increasingly more common for women to start “trying” later in life, with the average age of first-time mothers currently at 26, up from 21 in 1972.  While becoming pregnant after the age of 40 can pose significantly more risks, it’s still very possible to carry and deliver a healthy baby. Many celebrities like Eva Longoria, Janet Jackson,...

Most people grow up wanting to eventually become parents. While many do so through traditional partnerships, more and more are separating their romantic relationships from their desire to grow their families. Becoming a single, solo, or independent parent – all terms that can be used interchangeably for this community – is a beautiful choice that should be celebrated, even if it’s different than what they initially envisioned for themselves.    Independent parent-to-be, Pamela DeLaNuez, was once asked, “Are you going to regret not having a romantic relationship, or are you going to regret not having...

For the LGBTQ+ community, there are various family-building options to consider. In honor of Pride Month, we wanted to shine a light on Reciprocal IVF, a beautiful path to parenthood, also known as Co-IVF. Reciprocal IVF is a treatment option for many LGBTQ+ couples in which both partners have eggs and a uterus, such as lesbian or trans couples. What is so incredible about this family-building choice is that it allows each partner to have an intimate role in the creation and growth of the couple’s child. How does reciprocal IVF work? During reciprocal IVF, one...