Fertility

Our nationally recognized fertility specialists combine compassionate care and counseling with a robust offering of comprehensive fertility services. We understand that infertility can be a challenging time, and that it may heighten stress and anxiety, which can lead to physical or emotional turmoil. We use the latest diagnostic and imaging tests to determine the cause of your infertility, and correct it with appropriate treatment options. We help you make choices that balance risk and costs. Our goal is to help you achieve success in the shortest time possible but also to take the time to carefully consider the nuances of your decisions in order to minimize the chances of regret. 

Choose Duke for your fertility treatment because we offer:

• Top ranked care. Our reproductive endocrinologists are part of Duke’s gynecology program, which is ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
• High-tech, comfortable setting. Our ultra-sterile in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory is designed to maintain air of the highest quality. A sophisticated positive pressure filtration system eliminates airborne toxins and pathogens that can impede the chances of a successful pregnancy after IVF. At the same time, we offer a comfortable, convenient location just off I-40. Sophisticated imaging is available onsite and wide screen monitors allow you to view your embryos before transfer.
• Nationally renowned experts. Our reproductive endocrinologists are recognized leaders in the field of fertility. They conduct and publish research, speak internationally, and educate future doctors on the latest in vitro fertilization techniques.
• More fertility treatment options. We encourage you to explore all available fertility treatment options, including a less aggressive option called mild/minimal-stimulation ovulation induction. It combines oral fertility drugs and low-dose injectable hormones. The approach reduces both the cost and the risk of multiple pregnancies compared to using injectable hormones alone.
• Comprehensive stress reduction program. Fertility diagnosis and treatment is often emotionally draining.  To address the stress, our clinical psychologist provides individual and couple support groups and therapy. She is also available for consultations if you need support deciding which path to take, or if you and your partner are not in agreement about next steps.
• Onsite acupuncture program. We identify targeted strategies and tools that help you cope and feel better while you are trying to conceive.
• Fertility preservation.  Individuals and couples may choose to freeze their embryos, eggs or sperm in order to attempt pregnancy at a later date. Women can undergo egg harvesting followed by egg or embryo freezing (cryopreservation) prior to chemotherapy or radiation, or in an effort to preserve their fertility options as they age. Men can consider sperm cryopreservation if they are being treated with chemotherapy, radiation or require testicular removal. Sperm cryopreservation can also be used to assist in conception when a man is frequently unavailable due to business or military commitments.
• Affordable options. We routinely recommend the least expensive and invasive treatment option available.  If more expensive treatments are required, such as IVF, we encourage you to consider financing your fertility treatment using a national service called Advanced Reproductive Care (ARC) Family Building Program.
• Egg donation program. Individuals or couples who need a donor egg because of age or other factors can arrange to have a friend or relative donate her eggs, or apply to be matched with a young woman from the local area who has volunteered to be an anonymous egg donor. 
• Egg donor volunteers. Women who volunteer to be anonymous egg donors go through a confidential and comprehensive screening process, including medical and psychiatric evaluation as well as testing for infectious diseases and certain genetic disorders. There is no cost to potential egg donors for this testing.  Women interested in volunteering as egg donors should call 919-572-4673. Choose option 2, then option 2 again.
• Gestational carrier counseling and screening. If you and your reproductive endocrinologist determine that you need a gestational carrier, we perform medical and psychological screening to verify your gestational carrier is appropriate and well-prepared for this experience. We also help you contact local legal resources to handle all the appropriate legal arrangements. 
• Treatment for all medical conditions related to infertility. If you have fibroids, endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome, our reproductive endocrinologists will recommend the appropriate treatment to decrease your pain and improve your fertility. We can also help you experience relief if you have troublesome symptoms during the hormonal transition to menopause.