Duke fertility specialists support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals and couples who want to grow their families. We create a personalized plan toward parenthood that includes cutting-edge fertility treatment methods. We recognize that LGBTQ+ individuals may face unique challenges when pursuing parenthood. We partner with you to address those challenges.
Visit our location in Morrisville where we offer infertility testing, counseling, and treatment in a comfortable setting.
The path to parenthood varies based on your individual needs, but may involve third-party reproductive services such as:
Our psychological providers provide detailed information about the nuances of identifying and selecting donors or surrogates. They also preview the common questions donor-conceived children have.
We know that infertility and pregnancy loss may affect LGBTQ+ individuals and offer personalized support resources.
We also provide resources for working with a reproductive law attorney to help finalize pre-birth orders and secure parental rights.
The process begins with a consultation to discuss options for your personalized care. This is our chance to learn your medical history and how we can be a part of your journey to grow your family.
Fertility Evaluation
Everyone who receives fertility treatments will undergo tests which may include hormone testing, imaging studies such as an ultrasound or hysterosalpingogram (HSG), genetic screening, and infectious disease testing.
Fertility options for same-sex female couples involve the use of donor sperm. Duke Fertility supports the use of directed donor sperm (from someone you know) and non-identified donor sperm (sperm from a donor sperm bank). Available treatment options include intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and reciprocal IVF (in which one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy).
Fertility options for same-sex couples involve the use of donor eggs and a gestational carrier. Sperm may be provided by either partner (or both). The sperm is used to inseminate donor eggs and grow embryos. An embryo can then be transferred into the uterus of a gestational carrier who carries the pregnancy for you.
Our specialists support you and your reproductive potential with options that align with your internal identity. Depending upon your situation (whether you have eggs or sperm and whether you have a uterus) and that of your partner (if applicable), your path may involve the use of donor eggs, donor sperm, or a gestational carrier. If you are not ready to start a family now, we can help you freeze eggs or sperm for use in the future. Your fertility specialist can review your goals and provide you with options.
Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Duke Raleigh Hospital, a campus of Duke University Hospital, are recognized as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This recognition is evidence of our commitment to eliminate discrimination and promote equality and standing with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) community in all aspects of care.