Compassionate and Supportive – Expert In Vitro Fertilisation in Adelaide 

Welcome to our IVF Clinic

Are you looking for a local IVF Clinic in Adelaide dedicated to supporting your fertility journey? You have come to the right place. We understand that the journey to parenthood can be emotional and challenging. If you’re struggling to conceive, know that you’re not alone – infertility affects many individuals and couples. The good news is, that there are a wide range of proven treatments that can help you start or grow your family. Because the causes of infertility can vary from person to person, our fertility expert, Dr Marcin and his experienced team offer deeply personalised care and tailored treatment options designed to give you the best possible chance of success. They are also dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, providing a safe environment where you feel truly heard, valued, and empowered throughout your fertility journey.

As a trusted IVF clinic in South Australia, we welcome individuals and couples from all backgrounds, ensuring you feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout your fertility journey.

At Family Fertility Centre, we provide a complete range of fertility services tailored to your individual needs. While we specialise in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), our expert team also offers a variety of proven treatments, including Ovulation Induction (OI), Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), egg freezing, cycle tracking, donor and third-party reproduction programs, surrogacy, and surgical options such as sperm retrieval and the removal of fibroids or endometriosis. Whatever your path, we’re here to support you with personalised, compassionate care at every step.

Our Team is Not Just Part of the Process – They are the Heart of It

At Family Fertility, our embryologists are at the heart of every IVF journey – combining scientific excellence with compassionate care. They bring not only advanced technical expertise but also a deep commitment to helping each family achieve the best possible outcome. Working in our state-of-the-art laboratory, our embryologists meticulously handle every step of the IVF process  – from egg retrieval and fertilisation to embryo culture and transfer. They operate with precision and consistency, ensuring that every embryo is nurtured in optimal conditions. Their keen eye for detail and ability to make critical decisions, such as selecting the most viable embryo, directly contribute to our success rates and patient trust.

What truly sets our Family Fertility embryologists apart is their collaborative spirit. They work closely with our fertility specialists, nurses, and counsellors to ensure seamless, loving care. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, their role is deeply connected to each patient’s story, and they carry that responsibility with empathy and dedication. Our embryologists stay at the forefront of innovation, incorporating the latest technologies and research to refine every aspect of the IVF process.

At Family Fertility, our embryologists embrace a truly patient-centred approach — one grounded in exceptional dedication, care, and compassion. They don’t just see embryos under a microscope; they see the hopes and dreams of every individual and couple longing to start a family. For them, this work is more than science — it’s a calling. They approach each case with an unwavering commitment, knowing that behind every lab decision is a deeply personal journey. Their empathy runs deep, and they care profoundly about each patient’s outcome, treating every embryo with the same level of precision and respect they would offer their own family.

This level of care goes beyond protocols. Our embryologists work closely with the entire Family Fertility team to ensure each patient feels supported, understood, and hopeful. It’s this combination of scientific excellence and human connection that defines their work — and why so many families place their trust in us. At Family Fertility, we nurture possibilities, fuel hope, and walk alongside each patient on their path to parenthood.

We are so proud to have a team whose skill, care, and integrity helps bring hope to life every day.

What is IVF?

Step 1: Initial Consultation – Understanding Your Fertility

Your journey starts with a comprehensive initial appointment with one of our experienced fertility specialists. We recommend that you attend this appointment with your partner, where applicable, as it provides an opportunity to assess fertility together and explore treatment options. We also warmly welcome single women, same-sex female couples, and all singles or couples seeking fertility support.

Your fertility specialist will review your medical history in detail during this appointment. They will also conduct several baseline tests to gather key information about your fertility health, including

Your blood test will include:

– Antenatal screening

– Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) to assess ovarian reserve

– Hormonal profile – assessing the pituitary gland, ovaries, and thyroid

– Karyotype analysis – to ensure your chromosomes are correctly ordered and structured, which can affect fertility.

– Pelvic Ultrasound

This imaging test helps your specialist understand the structure and health of your reproductive organs, including the uterus and ovaries. It identifies the position of your ovaries, performes an antral follicle count to assess ovarian reserve and checks for any potential issues that may require further attention.

Semen Analysis (if you are attending with a male partner)
This test evaluates sperm count, shape, size, and movement to ensure there are enough healthy sperm to support fertilisation.

Step 2: Pre-Treatment Consultation – Planning Your IVF Cycle

Following your initial appointment, you’ll return for a pre-treatment consultation. This is when you’ll:

Receive the results of your tests.

1. Work with your fertility specialist to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique circumstances. With your plan, you will sign the consent form and a treatment plans.
2. In most cases, you’ll also have a separate nurse orientation appointment at the clinic. Here’s what happens:
1. Your fertility nurse will guide you through the entire IVF process, ensuring you feel informed and supported.
2. You’ll receive the necessary medication, including FSH injections (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), which help your ovaries develop the available eggs.
3. Your nurse will explain how and when to administer the FSH injections and provide hands-on training so you feel confident managing this at home.
4. You’ll also receive a treatment cycle timeline, which will help you understand the key milestones and what to expect at each stage.

Step 3: Overian Stimulation

One key early step in the IVF process is ovarian stimulation, which is designed to help your body produce multiple mature eggs for fertilisation. Our caring and experienced team will guide you through this process every step of the way.

What Is Ovarian Stimulation?

In a typical menstrual cycle, the ovaries produce a number of antral follicles, where one becomes the dominant follicle, naturally developing one egg for ovulation. During IVF, the goal is to stimulate your ovaries to grow all available antral follicles during a cycle, producing a number of eggs to increase your chances of success. This is achieved through carefully prescribed hormone injections tailored to your body’s needs.

How It Works

• Day 1 of your menstrual cycle marks the beginning of your IVF treatment.
• You’ll contact our nursing team on the first day of your period to confirm the start of medication and to schedule your first visit.

Hormone Injections

You’ll take hormonal medication for 8 to 14 days to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs).

There are two key medications used during this phase:

• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) – grows available follicles/eggs this cycle
• The Antagonist Medication – prevents ovulation/holds the eggs in the ovary.

Your specialist may order additional medication to support the growth of the eggs.

These medications are typically self-administered as daily injections using a diabetic-style pen. While the idea of injections might feel intimidating, rest assured -your fertility nurse will guide you step-by-step on how to administer them with confidence.

Step 4: Monitoring During Ovarian Stimulation at Family Fertility Centre

 Family Fertility Centre, close monitoring during the ovarian stimulation phase is essential to achieving the best possible outcome for your IVF cycle. By carefully tracking how your body responds to treatment, our experienced fertility team ensures your safety, optimises results, and pinpoints the ideal timing for egg collection. With expert care and compassionate support, we help ensure your treatment progresses safely and effectively – giving you the best chance of success and peace of mind every step of the way.

How We Monitor Your Progress

Once you begin self-administering fertility medication – primarily FSH via a diabetic-style injection pen – you’ll attend the clinic regularly for blood tests and ultrasound scans. Here’s what to expect:

1. Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to measure hormone levels, primarily:

• Estradiol (E2): Produced by the developing follicles, rising levels indicate follicular growth.
• Progesterone: Elevated levels too early can affect endometrial receptivity and timing.

These hormone readings help clinicians fine-tune medication dosages and predict the ideal time for the trigger injection.

These tests measure hormone levels to assess how your body is responding to the stimulation medications. They help us determine whether your medication dosage needs adjusting and ensure your follicles are developing correctly.

2. Ultrasound Scans

Our experienced team of nurses perform transvaginal ultrasounds to monitor the number and size of the developing follicles (the fluid-filled sacs in your ovaries that contain the eggs). These scans allow us to assess follicle maturity and predict the optimal time for egg collection. The uterus will also be examined to assess endometrial thickness to ensure it is ready to receive a potential embryo.

Our team typically conducts these monitoring sessions in the early morning (between 7:30 am and 10:00 am), allowing us to adjust your treatment plan promptly if needed.

A transvaginal ultrasound is used to:

• Measure the number and size of follicles in each ovary.
• Assess the thickness and quality of the endometrial lining, which is crucial for embryo implantation later in the cycle.
• Monitor the ovaries to avoid Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious complication when too many follicles develop.

Scans typically begin a few days after starting stimulation medications and are repeated every 2–3 days as the cycle progresses.

Medication Adjustments and Support

Based on your blood test and ultrasound results, your fertility doctor may adjust your medication dosage to avoid under- or over-stimulation of the ovaries. Throughout this phase, your fertility nurse will be available to support you, answer questions, and ensure you feel confident and cared for.

Your partner is welcome to attend these appointments, and we strive to make the process as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

During the ovarian stimulation phase of IVF, careful and regular monitoring is essential to ensure the treatment is progressing safely and effectively. This phase typically lasts 8–14 days and aims to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs rather than the single egg that typically develops during a natural cycle. Here’s a breakdown of how monitoring works and why it’s so important:

Adjusting Medication Dosage

Based on the results of the blood tests and ultrasounds, your fertility specialist may:

• Increase or decrease the dose of gonadotropins (FSH or LH).
• Add medications to support follicular growth
• Adjust the triffer medication and dose of the trigger shot (usually hCG or a GnRH agonist), which is used to induce final egg maturation before retrieval.

Step 5: Trigger Injection and Preparing for Egg Collection

Once your monitoring results show that your ovarian follicles have reached the ideal size and number—typically at least 2–3 follicles measuring between 16–22mm—you’ll move to the next critical step in the IVF process: the trigger injection.

What Is the Trigger Injection?

The trigger injection contains hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) or, in some cases, a GnRH agonist, depending on your protocol and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or a combination of both. This injection plays a vital role in:

• Maturing the eggs inside the follicles, helping them complete the final stage of development.
• Relaxing the eggs from the follicle walls, making them easier to retrieve.
• Timing ovulation, which typically occurs around 36–38 hours after the injection.

Precise timing is crucial. If the injection is given too early or too late, it can impact egg quality or lead to ovulation before retrieval, which would result in the loss of the eggs.

Guidance from Your Fertility Nurse

• Your fertility nurse will:
• Provide clear instructions on when and how to administer the injection, including the exact time (often down to the minute).
• Offer guidance on storage, dosage, and injection technique.
• Be available for support and reassurance, as this step can be nerve-wracking due to its importance.

You will also receive documentation to confirm your injection schedule and your upcoming egg collection procedure.

Preparing for Egg Collection

Egg collection (also known as egg retrieval or oocyte pick-up) is scheduled for approximately 36 hours after the trigger shot. Here’s how to prepare:

Fasting: You’ll usually be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure, as it’s performed under sedation or light anesthesia.

Logistics: Plan for someone to accompany you to the day surgery and drive you home afterwards.

Health and wellness: Avoid strenuous activity, stay hydrated, and follow any medication instructions given by your care team.

This marks the transition from stimulation to retrieval, a key milestone in your IVF journey. The eggs collected during this procedure will then be examined by the embryologist in the lab and frozen or fertilised according to your treatment plan, moving you to the next phase of treatment.

If you are a heterosexual couple undergoing treatment, your partner will attend the clinic on the same day to provide a semen sample for fertilisation of the eggs. Information will be provided regarding preparing for this appointment.    

Timing the Egg Retrieval

Once the lead follicles reach the optimal size – generally around 16–22 mm in diameter – and hormone levels are in the appropriate range, the trigger injection is scheduled. Egg retrieval usually occurs 36 hours after the trigger, just before ovulation would naturally occur.

Step 6: Egg Retrieval

Egg Retrieval – What to Expect During This Key Step in Your IVF Journey

At Family Fertility Centre, egg retrieval – also known as egg collection or egg pick-up—is a critical step in the IVF process. After completing your ovarian stimulation and administering your trigger injection, it’s time to collect the mature eggs from your ovaries, ready for fertilisation in our embryology lab.

Here’s everything you need to know about egg retrieval, from the procedure to recovery and the next steps.

When Is Egg Retrieval Scheduled? Egg retrieval is carefully timed. Your fertility team will schedule your procedure once your follicles have grown to the optimal size (confirmed via ultrasound and blood tests). You’ll be administered a trigger injection as prescribed by your specialist around 36 hours before your egg retrieval. This ensures your eggs are mature and ready to be collected just before natural ovulation occurs.

On the Day of Egg Retrieval

1. Arrival and Preparation

You will be informed of the exact location and time of your day procedure. It’s important to fast for a certain period before the procedure, which your nurse will advise you about in advance. If your partner is providing a sperm sample, this will usually occur on the same day, shortly before or after your egg retrieval (see previous note under “preparing for egg collection”).

The Egg Retrieval Procedure

2. Sedation or Anaesthesia

To ensure your comfort, egg retrieval is performed under light anaesthesia or conscious sedation administered by an experienced anaesthetist.  

3. Collecting the Eggs

Using high-resolution ultrasound guidance, your fertility specialist will insert a thin needle through the vaginal wall into the ovaries.

This needle gently aspirates the fluid from each follicle containing eggs. The fluid is passed immediately to the embrylogist, where our scientists carefully examine it under a microscope to locate and collect the eggs.

The entire procedure takes around 20 – 30 minutes.

After the Procedure

4.Recovery

You’ll rest in our recovery area for about 30–60 minutes, monitored  until you are ready to go home.

Due to the sedation or anaesthesia, you won’t be able to drive yourself home, so please arrange for a support person to accompany you.

While in recovery, you will be informed of the number of eggs collected. Please note that the follicle count is only an estimate of the potential number of eggs and does not guarantee the final outcome. We understand this can be an anxious time, especially if the number of eggs collected is different from what you were expecting.

5 Sperm Collection

Preparing for Fertilisation During Your IVF Journey

At Family Fertility Centre, the process of sperm collection is a vital step in your IVF treatment, ensuring that the healthiest sperm are used to fertilise the eggs retrieved during the egg collection procedure. Whether using sperm from a male partner or donor, our goal is to ensure the highest quality sample is prepared for fertilisation in our laboratory.

Here’s what to expect before, during, and after sperm collection.

When Does Sperm Collection Occur?

Sperm collection typically happens on the same day as the egg retrieval procedure. Timing is essential because fresh sperm samples provide the best chance for successful fertilisation.

Methods of Sperm Collection

1. Collection from a Male Partner

The most common method is masturbation in a private collection room at the Family Fertility Centre on the day of egg retrieval. Our collection room are designed for comfort and privacy and are equipped with everything you need. To optimise the quality of the sperm, we recommend 2–5 days of abstinence (no ejaculation) prior to collection.

2. Alternative Collection Methods

In some cases, alternative methods may be used:

1. Frozen sperm (cryopreservation): If your partner has previously stored sperm or will not be available on the day of retrieval.
2. Surgical sperm retrieval: For patients with no sperm in the ejaculate due to medical reasons, procedures like TESA (testicular sperm aspiration) may be arranged in advance.
3. Donor sperm: If using donor sperm, the thawing and preparation are coordinated by our lab team before the fertilisation process.

What Happens After Sperm Collection?

1. Semen Analysis and Preparation

Once the sample is collected, it’s taken directly to our on-site andrology laboratory. Here, our embryologists examine the sample under a microscope to assess:

1. Sperm count (concentration)
2. Motility (how well the sperm move)
3. Morphology (the shape and structure of the sperm)

The lab team then uses advanced techniques to wash and prepare the sperm, isolating the most motile and healthy sperm for fertilisation. This ensures that only the best-quality sperm are used in the next step. 

Step 7: Fertilisation

Once your eggs have been collected, they are carefully transported to our laboratory, where our highly trained embryologists begin the next vital step: fertilisation.

Inside the lab, the fluid from each follicle is examined under a high-powered microscope to locate and identify the eggs. These eggs are then gently isolated and prepared for fertilisation using one of two main methods:

Standard IVF (Insemination)

In a standard IVF cycle, the eggs are placed in a culture dish along with a carefully measured concentration of moving, healthy sperm. The dish is then placed in an incubator, allowing the sperm to naturally find and penetrate the egg—much like what would occur in the body. This process typically happens overnight.

This method relies on good sperm quality, particularly the number and movement (motility) of the sperm.

ICSI (Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)

In some cases, fertilisation may be done using ICSI. This technique involves selecting a single healthy-looking sperm and injecting it directly into each mature egg using a microscopic needle. ICSI is commonly recommended if:

• The sperm sample shows low count, poor motility, or abnormal shape.
• Previous IVF cycles resulted in poor or no fertilisation.
• The sperm was retrieved surgically.
• The eggs were previously frozen and thawed.

ICSI helps improve fertilisation chances in cases where standard IVF may not be effective.

After Fertilisation

The day after insemination or ICSI, our scientists assess the eggs to determine how many have successfully fertilised. At this point, our team will call you with an update on your fertilisation results.

Your fertility specialist will determine the best fertilisation method for you, based on your medical history, egg and sperm quality, and any previous treatment outcomes.

Step 8: Embryo Development

Once fertilised, the resulting fertilised eggs – now called embryos – are placed in a specialised incubator designed to closely mimic the conditions of the human body. This controlled laboratory environment provides the ideal balance of nutrients, temperature, pH, and humidity to support early development.

Monitoring and Growth

Over the next five to six days, our experienced embryology team carefully monitors each embryo’s growth and quality. During this time, embryos go through several important stages:

• Day 1 – 2: Early cell division (cleavage stage)
• Day 3: Further cell multiplication and assessment
• Day 5 – 6: Development into a blastocyst, a more advanced and structured form with a higher chance of successful implantation

Not all embryos will progress to the blastocyst stage, as this depends on the initial quality of both the egg and the sperm. We understand this can be stressful, so we’ll keep you informed of your embryos’ progress at key stages.

Embryo Selection

At the end of the culture period, our embryologists assess each embryo based on its appearance, structure, and development timeline. The most viable embryo(s) are selected for transfer to the uterus or for freezing for future use. These decisions are made with care and expertise to maximise the chance of a successful pregnancy.

Step 9:  Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer marks an exciting and hopeful stage in your IVF journey. If one or more embryos have developed successfully in the lab, the best-quality embryo will be carefully selected for transfer into your uterus.

What to Expect

Embryo transfer is a simple and usually painless procedure that takes only a few minutes. It is often compared to a cervical screening (Pap smear) and:

• Does not require anaesthesia
• Is performed while you are awake
• Allows you to resume normal activities shortly afterward—rest is encouraged, but the embryo won’t “fall out” if you stand up or use the bathroom.

Your partner or support person is welcome to be with you during the transfer, if you wish.

The Procedure

On the day of the transfer:

1. Our embryology team will select the most viable embryo for transfer based on its development and quality.
2. The chosen embryo is loaded into a thin, flexible catheter designed specifically for gentle embryo placement.
3. Under ultrasound guidance, a fertility specialist will guide the catheter through your cervix and into your uterus to carefully deposit the embryo.

To help with visibility during the ultrasound, you may be asked to arrive with a partially full bladder.

Single vs. Multiple Embryo Transfers

In most cases, we recommend transferring one embryo at a time, as this significantly reduces the risks associated with multiple pregnancies while still providing excellent success rates. Any additional high-quality embryos can be vitrified (frozen) for future use.

After the Transfer

You can typically return to your usual routine soon after the procedure. While there’s no special post-transfer activity proven to increase success, we suggest avoiding vigorous physical activity and prioritising rest and self-care during the following days.

After the Embryo Transfer: The Two-Week Wait

After your embryo transfer, you’ll enter what’s commonly known as the two-week wait—the period between transfer and your scheduled pregnancy test. This can be an emotional and challenging time, filled with hope, excitement, and often a bit of anxiety.

What’s Happening Inside Your Body

Even though the embryo has been transferred, implantation takes a few days. If the embryo implants successfully into the uterine lining, your body will begin producing the pregnancy hormone hCG, which is what’s measured in your upcoming blood test.

It’s completely normal not to feel any symptoms—or to experience some mild ones such as cramping, bloating, or light spotting. These can be related to the hormone medications you’re taking or to early pregnancy, but try not to read too much into them either way.

Practical Tips During the 2WW

• Stick to your medication schedule exactly as prescribed, especially progesterone support.
• Avoid pregnancy tests at home before your official blood test. Early testing can cause confusion and unnecessary stress.
• Take it easy—you don’t need bed rest, but gentle activity, short walks, and relaxation are encouraged.
• Eat well and stay hydrated, but there’s no special “fertility diet” required.
• Be kind to yourself—this is an emotional time, and it’s okay to feel a mix of hope and worry.

When to Contact Us

The nurses will be in touch during this time to answer any questions and check on your wellbeing. 

Please let us know if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), such as rapid weight gain, bloating, or shortness of breath

Otherwise, we’ll see you for your pregnancy blood test, usually 10–14 days after the embryo transfer. This is the most accurate way to determine if implantation has occurred.

Step 10: Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation)

At FFC, we understand that every embryo is precious. If you have additional high-quality embryos remaining after your fresh transfer, these can be safely frozen and stored for future use through a process known as cryopreservation.

What Is Cryopreservation?

Cryopreservation involves freezing embryos at very low temperatures (-196°C) using a technique called vitrification. This rapid freezing method helps prevent the formation of ice crystals, which can damage cells, and offers excellent survival rates when embryos are later thawed.

Frozen embryos are stored securely in our on-site cryostorage facility, where they remain viable for many years.

Why Freeze Embryos?

• Embryo freezing offers several benefits:
• Future treatment cycles can be less intensive — no need for repeat ovarian stimulation or egg collection.
• Cost-effective and less physically demanding than starting a new full IVF cycle.
• Backup options in case a fresh cycle is not successful.
• Flexibility to plan future pregnancies, especially if you’re considering expanding your family later.
• Can be used in cases where genetic testing (PGT) is being performed and embryos are awaiting results.

When Are Embryos Frozen?

Embryos are typically frozen at the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or 6), once they have reached an advanced developmental phase and have been assessed for quality.

Only embryos that meet specific criteria for viability and morphology are selected for freezing, giving you the best chance of success in a future frozen embryo transfer (FET).

Step 11: Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

A Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is a key step in many IVF journeys. If you have embryos that were previously frozen and stored, they can be thawed and transferred into your uterus when you’re ready—without the need for another round of ovarian stimulation or egg collection.

What Is a FET Cycle?

A FET cycle involves preparing the lining of your uterus to be receptive for an embryo, followed by the transfer of a previously frozen, carefully thawed embryo. The goal is to create the ideal environment for implantation and pregnancy.

FET cycles can be:

• Natural: Timed to your natural menstrual cycle, using your body’s hormones to trigger ovulation.
• Medicated: Involves hormone support (e.g. oestrogen and progesterone) to help control timing and optimise the uterine lining, especially useful for those with irregular cycles or specific fertility concerns.

Your fertility specialist will recommend the best approach based on your personal medical history and treatment goals.

Why Choose FET?

• Less invasive: No need for injections to stimulate the ovaries
• Shorter and more predictable timeline
• Fewer side effects compared to fresh cycles
• Offers more flexibility in scheduling the transfer
• High success rates, especially with well-developed blastocysts

The FET Procedure

The actual embryo transfer process is the same as in a fresh IVF cycle:

• A carefully thawed embryo is loaded into a thin catheter.
• Guided by ultrasound, the catheter is gently passed through the cervix into the uterus.
• The embryo is placed into the optimal position for implantation.

It’s a quick, usually painless procedure that doesn’t require anaesthesia, and you can return to normal activities shortly afterward.

After the Transfer

You’ll continue taking hormone support (usually progesterone) until your pregnancy test, which is typically scheduled around 10–14 days after transfer. If the embryo implants successfully, you’ll begin early pregnancy monitoring with your fertility team.

Pregnancy Testing

Approximately two weeks after your embryo transfer, you will have a blood test to measure the level of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in your bloodstream. The presence of HCG typically indicates a positive pregnancy result. A Repromed Fertility Nurse will advise you on the exact date for your test.

This waiting period—often referred to as the ‘2-week wait’—can be an emotionally challenging time. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, please remember that our counsellors are here to support you.  

Here are some potential benefits of IVF:

Increased Chances of Pregnancy

IVF can help overcome certain fertility challenges, allowing individuals and couples to have a higher chance of conceiving a child.

Control over Timing

With IVF, couples have more control over the timing of conception, which can be especially helpful for those with busy schedules or medical conditions that require careful planning.

Screening for Genetic Disorders

IVF can include pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen for genetic disorders before embryo transfer, reducing the risk of passing on certain genetic conditions to the child.

Use of Donor Sperm or Eggs

IVF can utilize donor sperm or eggs, allowing couples to conceive a child even if one partner has fertility issues or if both partners have genetic disorders they wish to avoid passing on.

Higher Success Rates for Older Women

IVF can be a successful treatment option for older women who may have reduced fertility due to age-related decline.

Psychological Benefits

For couples who have been struggling with infertility, IVF can provide a sense of hope and control over the process of starting a family. It can also offer emotional benefits, such as a feeling of relief and reduced stress, once pregnancy is achieved.

Options for LGBTQ+ Individuals and Couples

IVF with donor sperm, donor eggs, or gestational carriers can help LGBTQ+ individuals and couples achieve their dreams of starting a family.

It’s important to note that information presented above is of general nature and each individual’s success rate may vary based on their unique circumstances. Factors such as the number and quality of embryos transferred, the use of pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), and the type of IVF protocol used can also impact success rates. For more information on IVF success rates please consult with our IVF Doctor Marcin Stankiewicz who can provide a more accurate picture of your chances of success. 

There are several factors that can affect fertility, but instances where IVF may help achieve a successful pregnancy include:

• Damaged fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Ovulation issues
• Low sperm count and motility
• Previous vasectomy or tubal ligation
• Unexplained infertility.

If you are concerned about any of these factors, our team of experienced fertility specialists can provide a comprehensive assessment and offer expert advice on the best treatment options for your unique circumstances. We understand that each individual and couple faces their own set of challenges, and we are committed to supporting you to help you achieve your dream of starting or growing your family.

The success rates of in vitro fertilisation treatments can vary depending on various factors, including the age of the woman, the cause of infertility, the clinic’s expertise, and the specific treatment protocols used. It’s important to note that success rates can vary between different clinics and regions.

The most recent data on IVF success rates in Australia can be obtained from the Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD), which is managed by the Fertility Society of Australia. ANZARD collects and publishes data from fertility clinics across Australia, providing valuable insights into success rates.

“For example, in women aged 35-39, the live birth rate per cycle started has increased from 19% to 23%, representing a 20% relative increase in success rates,” says Professor Georgina Chambers, the lead author of UNSW’s Assisted Reproductive Technology in Australia and New Zealand 2019.

“And in those aged 40-44, the live birth rate has increased to 10%, representing a 27% increase in success rates over the last 10 years.”

The ANZARD report is funded by the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) and contains data from all 95 IVF clinics operating in the two countries.

Success rates can vary based on factors such as the number and quality of embryos transferred, the woman’s overall health, specific treatment protocols, the experience and expertise of the fertility clinic and its staff, and individual patient characteristics.Therefore, it’s essential to have a thorough discussion with a fertility specialist to assess your specific situation and understand the potential success rates and treatment options tailored to your needs.

Source: https://npesu.unsw.edu.au/news/ivf-success-rates-have-improved-last-decade-especially-older-women-report

The cost of IVF  can vary depending on several factors, including the specific treatments and procedures involved, and any additional services or medications required. It’s important to note that the cost of IVF is not covered by Medicare for all individuals, and private health insurance coverage for IVF also varies.

On average, the cost of a standard IVF cycle in Australia can range from around AUD $9,000 to $15,000. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may be higher or lower depending on various factors.

In addition to the basic IVF procedure, there may be additional costs for services such as fertility assessments, specialist consultations, blood tests, ultrasounds, anesthesia, and embryology laboratory procedures. Medications for ovarian stimulation and hormone support during the IVF process can also add to the overall cost.

Our fertility specialists can provide you with detailed pricing information based on your individual circumstances and treatment plan. Please check with your private health insurance provider, if applicable, to determine any coverage or benefits that may apply to IVF treatments.

Medicare provides coverage for a significant portion of fertility treatment costs, offering financial assistance to individuals seeking reproductive care. Additionally, having private health insurance can provide further reductions in expenses related to fertility treatments.

Medicare offers rebates for various fertility treatments, including consultations, diagnostic tests, and some aspects of assisted reproductive technologies which are used in IVF. These rebates help alleviate the financial burden associated with fertility treatments, making them more accessible to individuals and couples.

Quality Control in IVF

In in vitro fertilization (IVF), maintaining rigorous quality control is of paramount importance. Our clinic adheres to strict protocols to ensure that the process of fertilisation and embryo development occurs optimally and safely. From ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval to sperm preparation, fertilisation, embryo culture, and transfer, each step is meticulously monitored and evaluated.

Our strict quality control measures help us ensure proper handling of biological specimens, maintaining appropriate environmental condition. Following stringent  protocols for embryo culture and cryopreservation ensures our patient safety, allows us to provide the best possible care and maximises your chances of achieving success in your IVF journey.

Is IVF Painful?

The experience of pain can vary from person to person, and while some individuals may find certain aspects of IVF uncomfortable or mildly painful, others may not experience significant discomfort. It’s important to keep in mind that IVF is a medical procedure involving various steps and interventions, and there can be different sources of discomfort at different stages. Here are some aspects to consider regarding pain in IVF:

• Hormonal injections: IVF treatment often involves the administration of hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries and promote the development of multiple eggs. Some individuals may find these injections slightly uncomfortable, but they are typically administered using small needles and the discomfort is often minimal.
• Egg retrieval: The egg retrieval procedure is performed under anesthesia, so the patient does not experience pain during the procedure itself. Afterward, some individuals may experience mild abdominal discomfort, bloating, or cramping, which usually resolves within a few days.
• Embryo transfer: The embryo transfer procedure is typically less invasive and is usually not associated with significant pain. Some individuals may feel slight pressure or discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.
• Ongoing treatment effects: During the course of hormonal stimulation and ovarian monitoring, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as breast tenderness, bloating, or mood swings. These effects vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience them.

It’s important to discuss any concerns or potential pain management strategies with our fertility experts who will provide you with personalised guidance and address any specific concerns you may have regarding pain or discomfort during the IVF process.

How long does IVF take to get pregnant?

The timeline for getting pregnant through IVF can vary from person to person and depends on various factors.

The entire IVF process, from ovarian stimulation to pregnancy testing, usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not every IVF cycle results in pregnancy, and multiple cycles may be needed to achieve a successful pregnancy. The specific timeline and chances of success can vary based on individual circumstances, such as age, reproductive health, and underlying fertility issues. 

What’s the difference between IVF and in vitro?

In vitro is a Latin term that means “in glass.” In the context of reproductive medicine, “in vitro” refers to any procedure or technique that is performed outside of the body in a laboratory setting. IVF –  In  Vitro Fertilization, on the other hand is a specific type of assisted reproductive technology that involves the fertilisation of eggs with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos.

Are IVF babies normal?

Yes, IVF babies are typically normal and healthy, just like babies conceived naturally. IVF is a widely used fertility treatment that helps couples or individuals overcome infertility and achieve pregnancy.  

Studies have shown that the majority of children born through IVF are as healthy as those naturally conceived. However, it’s important to note that the health and well-being of a baby can be influenced by various factors, including the underlying cause of infertility, the age of the parents, and any pre-existing medical conditions. 

Can I do IVF to have twins?

Yes, it is possible to increase the chances of having twins through IVF, but it’s important to note that the decision to pursue a multiple pregnancy should be carefully considered and discussed with our fertility specialist. The ability to have twins or multiple pregnancies can be influenced by various factors, including the number of embryos transferred during the IVF procedure.

If you have a strong desire to have twins and are considering IVF, it’s important to have an open and honest discussion with our fertility specialists. They can provide you with information about the risks, benefits, and success rates associated with multiple embryo transfers, and guide you in making an informed decision based on your individual circumstances and preferences. Remember twins are double trouble not two for the price of one!