Infertility Treatment

You may want to seek care from a fertility specialist if you: 

• Have been unable to get pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sex (or after 6 months if you are over the age of 35)
• Have risk factors for infertility including:
  • Irregular periods
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or fibroids
  • A history of cancer treatment
  • Known or suspected male infertility
• Will need donor eggs, donor sperm or a gestational carrier to grow your family

Our team of fertility specialists can evaluate your situation and conduct tests to determine the underlying cause of your infertility. In addition, we can recommend a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your family-building goals. At the same time, because infertility can cause anxiety and put stress on relationships, our psychology team can help guide you through this process by offering education, individual and couples therapy, infertility support groups, and more.
 

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is a multi-step process. First, fertility drugs will be prescribed to stimulate the development and maturation of several eggs. The eggs are then retrieved from the ovaries using a long needle under ultrasound guidance. To avoid discomfort, an anesthesiologist provides intravenous sedation.

The eggs are fertilized in a lab by combining them with sperm, or by injecting a single sperm into each egg through a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Embryos are then cultured in the laboratory for up to one week. An embryo can then be transferred into the uterus.
 

Affordable Fertility Treatment Options
We strive to offer cost-effective options for all of our patients. If more expensive treatments like IVF are recommended, our financial care counselors can help you understand your options. Financing plans are available through our partnership with the ARC Fertility Network.

LGBTQ+ Fertility Options
We tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique needs, regardless of whether you are single, heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.

Comprehensive Stress Reduction Program
Fertility diagnosis and treatment is often emotionally draining. To address that stress, our clinical psychologist provides individual and couples therapy, support groups, and more. The team is also available for consultation if you need support deciding which path to take, or if you and your partner are not in agreement about the next steps. Find a support group.

State of the Art Laboratory 
Our ultra-sterile in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory is designed to maintain the highest level of air quality. A sophisticated positive pressure filtration system eliminates airborne toxins and pathogens that can impede the chances of a successful pregnancy after IVF.

Successful Pregnancy and Live Birth Rates
The Society For Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) compiles success rates from clinics around the country. Duke Fertility Center is proud to have successful pregnancy and live birth rates that exceed the national average. Accurate and complete reporting of assisted reproductive technology success rates is complicated. Consult with your Duke Fertility Center physician for an in-depth explanation.