IVF & Other Treatments

Where appropriate I use ovulation tracking as a non invasive way of maximising natural fertility but also assessing ovulation issues at the same time.

Ovulation induction may be recommended for women who have normal tubes and whose partners have a normal semen analysis but who don’t ovulate regularly.

When Ovulation Induction treatment is required, this is offered either with tablets (letrozole) or injections of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) +/- Luteinising
hormone (LH). The cycle is then meticulously tracked with blood tests and ultrasounds to ensure the highest chance of successful pregnancy.

This treatment is offered with or without ovarian stimulation. Ovarian stimulation is usually achieved with injections of follicle stimulating hormones (FSH). This treatment is offered for a variety of conditions such as unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility or couples experiencing physical problems with sexual intercourse. It is also frequently used when donor sperm is required.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, ie in vitro. The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman's ovaries, to produce several eggs simultaneously and letting sperm fertilise them in a laboratory environment. The fertilised eggs are then cultured on to become embryos and the best quality embryo is placed back into the woman’s womb with the hope that it will implant and become a pregnancy. Any surplus embryos in this process are then frozen for future use if required.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an advanced form of IVF which was established in 1991 for severe male factor infertility. It was invented for men with very low sperm counts who would have had poor fertilisation with standard IVF. Other reasons for its use today are for sperm that has been extracted from the testes, sperm stored for fertility preservation, immotile sperm, donor sperm and sometimes for preimplantation genetic diagnosis of embryos.

I am able to assess and advise patients on their need for donor treatment (eggs and sperm) and how this can be accessed. Broadly speaking the options include known and unknown eggs and sperm donors both of which can be offered through Genea’s comprehensive fertility services at the clinic.

I have completed advanced training in andrology and male infertility as part of her CREI training. Services I am able to offer include;
• Comprehensive male fertility workup
• Induction of spermatogenesis
This is usually performed with the use of injectable hormone hcg (Pregnyl) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Sometimes tablets (letrozole) may be appropriate.
• Fine needle testicular sperm aspiration (TESA)
• Microsurgical Open testicular biopsy- this will usually be performed by a Urologist to synchronise with an IVF cycle for the female partner

I have extensive experience in assessing the need for surrogacy and facilitating a surrogate pregnancy where required. I am able to guide patients through the complex medical, legal and financial aspects of this treatment with the aid of her nursing and counselling team at Genea Melbourne.
My objective is to ensure and healthy pregnancy and outcome for all parties involved.