Duke Fertility Center’s multidisciplinary team and cutting-edge clinical laboratory provide the highest possible level of care for patients with reproductive and endocrine concerns. Fertility experts such as Sarah M. Moustafa, MD, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist, treat patients with a full spectrum of conditions affecting fertility, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, recurrent miscarriages, and other hormonal problems. The team has further expertise in fertility preservation and oncofertility, supporting patients through fertility considerations throughout cancer treatment. 

“Our patients benefit from integrated care throughout the entire Duke system. We have subspecialty experts to best manage patients with complex medical histories that require coordination with specialists and often need high-risk maternal-fetal medicine consultation and care as well,” says Moustafa.

The fertility team is also committed to clinical research. “As a top-tier academic medical center and research facility, we offer patients more treatment options through clinical trials and the latest evidence-based standards of care,” says Moustafa. “We also work closely with our colleagues in genetics. More and more patients are interested in understanding their genetic risks and want to understand what these risks mean for family planning.”

Many Duke Fertility Center physicians are involved in clinical research studies to advance the field’s understanding of reproductive and endocrine disorders and translate breakthroughs into new treatments for patients. 

The Duke University School of Medicine Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility is actively studying: 

• Pre-treatment with GnRH antagonist for patients with endometriosis
• Effects of high and low levels of progesterone on the endometrium
• PCOS and fatty liver
• Comparing the endometrium of fertile patients with those with recurrent pregnancy loss, recurrent implantation failure

Moustafa emphasizes that infertility care must be personalized. “Each patient has different needs and goals, as well as personal experiences and struggles. It’s our job to deliver evidence-based care that is also sensitive to the individual.”

Fertility challenges can have a psychological impact on patients and their families. “There can be a natural stress and strain with infertility, pregnancy loss experiences, and fertility preservation,” says Moustafa. “Psychologists are critical team members. They support patients along their unique journeys, which is very important and impactful to their overall well-being and treatment success.”