If you think the day may feel tender, give yourself permission to set kind boundaries. This might look like planning a shorter visit or deciding on a clear arrival and departure time before attending an event.
Wanting to ‘show up’ for others is understandable, but it can be exhausting when you’re already carrying so much. Self-care isn’t selfish. You are allowed to prioritise what you need.
Plan with care
Planning ahead can make the day easier. If it feels supportive, you may want to connect with family and acknowledge the mother figures in your life. However, if the thought of doing so feels too painful and likely to heighten feelings of grief or sadness, it’s also okay to say no to these events.
Additional strategies that may help you manage the day include:
Preparing a simple response if people ask questions about your fertility journey, so you’re not caught in the moment
Planning a small ‘aftercare’ moment for later in the day – perhaps a restorative bath, an early night or your favourite meal
Choosing someone you trust to check in with throughout the day – a person you can text or call when you need to share how you’re feeling
If attending an event, agree on a signal with your partner indicating that you need to step away
Reminding yourself that whatever you feel – sadness, anger or even numbness – is valid.
You may prefer to shift the focus and do something nurturing instead – on your own, with your partner or with friends. Consider activities with fewer reminders, like a walk or bike ride, a movie or a quiet meal at home.
Communicate
If it feels right, share how you’re feeling with someone you trust. Talking through a plan for the day with your partner or a close friend can make a real difference – as can letting family know what you do (and don’t) feel up to.
If you’re supporting someone going through fertility treatment, consider checking in beforehand. Asking what they’d prefer to do on the day can ease the pressure and help them feel less alone.
Social media and advertising
Mother’s Day can be hard to escape online and in advertising, and those reminders may feel especially confronting. If you’re finding it difficult, that’s completely understandable.
If it helps, consider reducing your exposure to social media around this time – unsubscribe from marketing emails, opt out of promotional content or plan a social media break on the day.
Personalised support
Please remember our counsellors are here to support you. If you’d like to talk, we encourage you to reach out. Whatever you’re feeling leading up to and during this day is valid, and you don’t have to carry it on your own.
Think of it like a symphony. A soloist may shine, but it’s the orchestra as a whole – each instrument working in harmony – that creates something truly remarkable. Fertility care is no different: the sum is greater than its parts.
In this blog, we’ll show how every part of a fertility clinic plays a vital role, explaining why looking at who your specialist partners with matters for both your treatment experience and results.
Comprehensive care close to home
Newlife IVF is a Melbourne-based fertility clinic with three convenient locations: our flagship site in Box Hill, and service centres in Clayton and East Melbourne. We also offer telehealth appointments, making it easier for individuals and couples from across Victoria – including regional and rural areas – to access world-class fertility care.
Behind every successful pregnancy is a foundation of rigorous science. At Newlife IVF, we are deeply committed to upholding best scientific practice and making it accessible to all our patients.
Our state-of-the-art laboratory is led by our Scientific Director, Dr Tiki Osianlis, and is equipped with the latest technology.
Egg spindle visualisation during ICSI, using specialised microscopes and polarised light to select eggs with the best fertilisation potential
PIEZO-ICSI, offering a gentler approach to ICSI that is more suited to patients with fragile eggs.
We also partner with CooperGenomics, a global leader in reproductive genetic testing, to provide patients with access to chromosomal screening and single-gene disorder testing.
Importantly, these advanced techniques are offered at reasonable prices, in line with our belief that every patient deserves the very best scientific care, not just those who can afford to pay extra.
Highly skilled embryologists – the clinic’s ‘engine room’
If the fertility specialist is the conductor of the symphony, the embryologists are the musicians bringing the music to life. Often called the ‘engine room’ of a fertility clinic, the laboratory team plays a vital role in determining the success of treatment.
At Newlife IVF, our embryologists are heavily involved in all aspects of treatment. We know how precious eggs, sperm and embryos are to our patients, and how daunting it can feel to entrust them to someone else’s care. That’s why our embryologists maintain open lines of communication, keeping patients informed about embryo progress and answering questions along the way.
We also have a comprehensive team in place so that no embryologist is overburdened. This allows each procedure to be carried out with the care, focus and attention it deserves, and reflects our commitment to optimising embryo development and, ultimately, pregnancy success.
Safeguarding your most precious cargo
The lab environment matters more than most people realise. Even seemingly small factors, such as air quality or exposure to light, can impact embryo development.
That’s why our laboratory has been purpose-built to reduce volatile compounds and harmful blue light. We also adhere to strict quality-control protocols to ensure ideal conditions for embryo growth are maintained every day.
Equally important is safeguarding the identity and integrity of every patient’s eggs, sperm and embryos. At Newlife IVF, we use a dual-layer witnessing system, comprising:
RI Witness electronic platform, which tracks eggs, sperm and embryos at every stage of treatment and handling
Double-witnessing by our embryologists, providing an additional layer of assurance.
This gold-standard system ensures every sample is accurately tracked, securely stored and handled with the highest levels of safety and accountability.
The steady presence of fertility nurses
If fertility specialists set the direction of care, fertility nurses provide continuity. With extensive experience in fertility treatment, fertility nurses are the conduit between patients and their treating fertility specialists, translating clinical decisions into clear direction and ensuring information flows clearly in both directions. They are often the team members patients interact with most, guiding them through each stage of treatment with clarity and reassurance.
At Newlife IVF, fertility nurses oversee key elements of care, including cycle monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds, medication education and administration support, and early pregnancy care before transition to obstetric services. Working closely with fertility specialists, they coordinate treatment plans, relay results and clinical updates, and advocate for patients’ needs. By taking time to explain treatment plans, procedures and medications in detail, our nurses help patients feel informed and confident throughout their fertility journey.
Emotional care as part of clinical care
Fertility treatment can bring uncertainty, stress and complex emotions alongside the physical treatment. That is why counselling is integrated into care at Newlife IVF, rather than treated as an optional extra.
Our experienced fertility counsellors support patients through all stages of treatment, offering tools to navigate the emotional demands of fertility care. They also play a critical role in supporting decision-making, relationship dynamics and preparation for donor conception or surrogacy pathways. The aim is to ensure patients feel emotionally prepared and empowered as their journey evolves.
Genetic insight to support informed decisions
Where genetic considerations are relevant, genetic counselling provides essential clarity and guidance. Our genetic counsellors work closely with fertility specialists to assess inherited health risks, explain inheritance patterns, and interpret genetic test results in clear, practical terms.
They support patients to understand testing options such as carrier screening and preimplantation genetic testing, while also helping them explore reproductive pathways that align with their circumstances and values. Emotional and ethical considerations are addressed alongside clinical information, ensuring decisions are made with confidence.
Coordination that reduces stress
Behind every appointment, test and treatment cycle is careful coordination. Our administration team plays a vital role in ensuring fertility care runs smoothly by managing schedules, communications and documentation so patients can focus on treatment rather than logistics.
They coordinate appointments, explain timelines and processes, assist with forms and maintain close communication with clinical teams to support continuity of care. Their work helps reduce uncertainty and ensures that patients feel informed and supported throughout their experience.
Financial clarity as part of patient-centred care
Fertility treatment represents a significant investment, and financial clarity is an important part of feeling supported. Our finance team works closely with patients to explain cost estimates, manage billing and payments, and assist with Medicare and private health insurance claims.
By breaking down financial information into clear, manageable steps and responding promptly to questions, they help minimise stress and uncertainty, allowing patients to make considered decisions about their care.
Support before the first appointment
Care at Newlife IVF begins well before treatment starts. Our patient enquiries and marketing teams help people take their first steps by providing accessible, accurate information and creating opportunities to learn more about fertility care.
From responding to initial enquiries and online forms, to developing educational resources and events, these teams ensure individuals and couples feel informed and welcomed as they begin exploring their fertility treatment options.
More than the sum of its parts
Fertility treatment is an incredibly personal journey – one that involves equal measures of science, compassion and trust. While your choice of fertility specialist is important, it is one part of a much larger picture.
At Newlife IVF, every aspect of our clinic – from our laboratory and scientific team to our nurses, fertility counsellors, donor services, genetic counsellors and administrative staff – works together to create an environment where patients feel supported, and where their eggs, sperm and embryos are given the best possible chance of success.
We believe families bring joy to life. That’s why we combine world-leading science, exceptional care and genuine compassion, as we strive to help you realise your dream of starting or growing your family.
Because in the end, fertility care is it about the whole team working in harmony, with you at the very centre.
If you’re ready to explore your options for having a baby, you can make an appointment with one of our specialists by calling (03) 8080 8933 or by booking online.
Here, we break down what embryo grading really represents, how it is used in IVF laboratories, and what it means – and does not mean – for your chances of success.
What is embryo grading?
Embryo grading is a system embryologists use to describe the appearance of an embryo under the microscope at a specific moment in time. It allows us to make informed decisions about which embryos to transfer or freeze, and to communicate clearly within the laboratory team when assessing embryo development.
Importantly, embryo grading is a descriptive tool rather than a guarantee of outcome. IVF laboratories may use slightly different grading systems, which means embryo grades can vary between clinics – even clinics located within the same state – and are not always directly comparable. Understanding what grading does and does not tell us can help you feel more informed and reassured throughout your IVF journey.
Why is so much attention given to embryo grading?
It’s natural to want something tangible to hold onto during IVF, and embryo grades can feel like a clear point of reference. Much like our early educational experiences, receiving a ‘grade’ can feel like an assessment of performance. Many people assume that a higher grade means a better embryo (and therefore a higher chance of success), while a lower grade suggests the opposite.
While this interpretation is understandable, it isn’t entirely accurate. There are many factors involved in embryo development and implantation, and grading alone cannot capture them all.
Embryo grading is not a prediction tool; it is an observation tool. It tells us what an embryo looks like at a particular point in time, not whether it will implant or result in a pregnancy. Every viable embryo, regardless of grade, has the potential to result in a pregnancy.
In our many years of experience in IVF laboratories, we have seen high-grade embryos that did not implant, and lower-grade embryos that went on to become healthy babies. While grading helps us prioritise embryos for transfer or freezing at that moment, it is only one piece of a much larger picture.
When do we grade embryos?
Embryos are grown in the Newlife IVF laboratory for up to six days after fertilisation. By day five or six, embryos ideally reach the blastocyst stage, which marks a critical milestone in development.
At this stage, the embryo has developed into many interacting cells, and for the first time, we can clearly identify three distinct structures:
Inner cell mass (ICM): A cluster of cells inside the embryo that will eventually form the baby
Trophectoderm (TE): The outer layer of cells that will develop into the placenta, which supports the baby during pregnancy
Blastocoel: A fluid-filled cavity that allows the embryo to expand.
How does blastocyst grading work?
Blastocyst grading assesses three main features: the stage of expansion, the characteristics of the inner cell mass, and the characteristics of the trophectoderm. Each component is graded separately, as outlined below.
Expansion stage
The expansion stage refers to the size of the blastocyst and how far it has progressed in breaking free from its protective outer shell, known as the zona pellucida. As the blastocyst grows, it needs to thin and eventually break through this shell in a process called hatching.
Expansion is categorised into six stages:
Stage 1: Early blastocyst development, where a small fluid cavity is just beginning to form
Stage 2: Early expanding blastocyst, with a growing cavity but still relatively small within the shell
Stage 3: Expanded blastocyst, where the cavity is larger and the embryo occupies more space, but hatching has not yet begun
Stage 4: Fully expanded blastocyst, filling most of the shell, which has thinned significantly
Stage 5: Beginning to hatch, with part of the embryo emerging through the shell
Stage 6: Fully hatched, where the embryo has completely escaped the zona pellucida and is ready for implantation.
Inner cell mass (ICM) characteristics (A–D)
The inner cell mass is the group of cells that will go on to form the baby. It is graded from A to D based on appearance:
A: Many healthy cells that are tightly packed
B: Several cells with a slightly looser arrangement
C: Few cells that are scattered and less cohesive
D: Very few or degenerating cells (considered non-viable).
Trophectoderm characteristics (A–D)
The trophectoderm forms the placenta and is also graded from A to D:
A: Many cells are present, forming a strong and cohesive layer
B: A moderate number of cells with less uniformity
C: Few cells with an irregular appearance
D: Very few or degenerating cells (considered non-viable).
Putting it all together
When you see an embryo grade, it is simply a shorthand way of combining these three observations into a single description.
For example, a grade of 5AB means:
5: The blastocyst is beginning to hatch from its outer shell
A: The inner cell mass has many tightly arranged cells
B: The trophectoderm has a reasonable number of cells forming a mostly cohesive layer (although the layer may not be uniform).
While this grading helps embryologists make informed decisions in the laboratory regarding embryo quality, it’s important to remember that no single grade can determine the outcome of an embryo.
Embryo grades are not fixed and can change over time
Embryo grading provides a snapshot in time. Embryos are dynamic and continue to grow, divide and change as they develop.
For example, an embryo graded early on day five as 2CB may look quite different later the same day, potentially developing into a 4BB embryo. This progression is entirely normal and reflects ongoing development in a viable embryo.
The same principle applies when an embryo is transferred, while others continue developing in the laboratory. An embryo transferred on day five may be graded 3BB, while its siblings reassessed later could receive a seemingly higher grade, like 5AA. This difference is often due simply to timing and additional hours of development – not because the transferred embryo was a poorer option.
At the time of transfer, the chosen embryo was assessed as the best option based on its developmental stage, appearance and timing. Because grading is so closely linked to when an embryo is observed, it is not a reliable way of comparing embryos with one another. Instead, grading is just one part of a broader decision-making process.
In general, higher embryo grades are associated with higher pregnancy rates, which is why grading remains a useful tool when deciding which embryos to transfer or freeze.
However, embryo grading is not an absolute predictor of outcome. A high-grade embryo does not guarantee a pregnancy, and a lower-grade embryo does not mean a pregnancy will not occur. In practice, we regularly see examples where a high-grade embryo, such as 6AA, does not implant, while a sibling embryo with a lower grade goes on to result in a healthy baby.
Once a pregnancy is established, the embryo’s grade is no longer relevant. It does not predict whether a pregnancy will continue, nor does it reflect the future health of the baby.
If an embryo has been transferred or frozen, it has been deemed viable and has potential. Every viable embryo, regardless of grade, has the capacity to become a baby. For patients with embryos of varying grades in storage, or those who have had a lower-grade embryo transferred, there is every reason to remain hopeful.
Looking beyond letters and numbers
Embryo grading is only one part of how we assess embryo development. In addition to visual grading, we use time-lapse imaging, key developmental milestones, embryologist expertise and AI-powered tools to observe how embryos grow and behave over time.
Together, these approaches provide a better understanding of embryo health and potential, helping us make the most informed decisions for your treatment.
Our guidance for patients
We encourage Newlife IVF patients to focus on the number of viable blastocysts rather than becoming fixated on letters and numbers. An embryo’s potential is far greater than its grade alone.
If an embryologist has transferred or frozen your embryo, the embryo has the capacity to continue developing, and this potential matters far more than a single snapshot assessment.
Interested to learn more about embryo grading or IVF?
If you would like to understand more about embryo grading or IVF treatment, be sure to listen to the embryo optimisation podcast episode. Our team at Newlife IVF is also here to support and guide you throughout your fertility journey – call us on (03) 8080 8933.
Building emotional resilience during IVF treatment can help you manage these emotions, recover from setbacks and cope with life’s difficulties and uncertainties.
What is resilience?
‘Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress.’1
Being resilient does not mean avoiding feelings of stress or emotional pain – rather, it is adapting to difficult or unexpected circumstances and bouncing back from the experience.
Resilience improves your wellbeing during fertility treatment
Concerning fertility, research has shown that higher levels of resilience among couples struggling with fertility are associated with enhanced quality of life and emotional stability, as well as lower fertility-related distress.2
Beyond helping you cope during fertility treatment, building resilience can have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing, leading to3:
Fewer depressive symptoms
Improved adaptation to stress
Enhanced ability to cope during distressing experiences
Improved physical health.
How to build resilience during fertility treatment
Like progressively strengthening a muscle, you can learn to become more resilient to life’s challenges over time. Here are some examples that may help.
Grow supportive connections
Drawing on the support of those around you, including your partner (where applicable), family or friends, can help share the emotional load of your experience as you continue with your fertility treatment.4 Help is a two-way street – in addition to accepting help, supporting your loved ones through difficult moments can help you feel connected to others while giving you a sense of satisfaction, in turn strengthening your resilience. Small and simple gestures like checking in with a friend or lending an empathetic ear while others are dealing with stress can also distract you from an inward focus where you feel stuck in your own problems.
Manage uncertainty
During fertility counselling sessions, we often dive into how to navigate feelings of uncertainty and lack of control that can be experienced during fertility treatment. This is because learning how to accept uncertainty – not just during fertility treatment but throughout life in general – can help develop resilience.
But merely accepting the unpredictability and ‘unknowns’ of your fertility care is not an easy thing to do, which is why we recommend practising mindfulness. Instead of latching onto feelings of uncertainty when these thoughts arise, acknowledge their existence and try to move through these feelings. This is one of the hardest things to do, so be kind to yourself while you work on this.
Set small, achievable goals
The pride and sense of accomplishment you feel when achieving a goal is motivating and energising, helping you to feel more optimistic. Research has shown that breaking down your overarching goal into smaller short-term goals can help reframe your mindset while also relieving feelings of disappointment after a negative fertility treatment cycle.4
So ensuring that your goals are achievable is a great way to build resilience. In this instance, the importance is not the goal itself but the process of setting small goals and noticing your progress.
Break down each step in your fertility treatment cycle into mini-goals – this might include taking your hormone injections each day, completing your blood tests and scans, having your embryo transfer or intrauterine insemination procedure, or getting through each day of the two-week wait before finding out whether the treatment resulted in the outcome you were hoping for.
Sprinkle in some joy
There can be moments of sadness and loss when trying to conceive, which can make it harder to appreciate other joys in life, particularly if your fertility journey is regularly on your mind (as it’s very easy for treatment to become a sole focus).
Try to maintain some ‘normality’ in your life by engaging in activities that bring you joy.4 Humour is also effective in helping to develop a more resilient nature, so exploring activities that make you laugh while giving you a break from treatment can help you stay connected to day-to-day life.
Take the time to reflect
Think back on obstacles that you have previously overcome and recognise that you have already been developing resilience over the years, perhaps without knowing it. Reflect on past situations that have caused you stress, grief or trauma and ask yourself:
What worked in helping you to cope during these times?
What didn’t work well?
Who were the best people to help you at those times?
Take these learnings about building resilience during your IVF journey and draw on them when working through any disappointing or unexpected outcomes.
Connect with our supportive counselling team
Our compassionate Newlife IVF counsellors are here to guide you through every step of your journey.
At Newlife IVF, we are committed to supporting our patients the best we can, which includes providing you with additional counselling sessions at no extra cost. To book an appointment with one of our counsellors, call (03) 8080 8933 or email us at [email protected]. And to make things easy for you, we are more than happy to consult with you over the phone so you don’t have to take time off work.
Remember, you have made it through rough times before. You’ve got this.
References
American Psychological Association. Building your resilience. American Psychological Association. 2020. Accessed 20249. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience ↩
Herrmann D, Scherg H, Verres R et al. Resilience in infertile couples acts as a protective factor against infertility-specific distress and impaired quality of life. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2011;28(11):1111–1117. doi:10.1007/s10815-011-9637-2 ↩
Quyen G, Vandelanotte C, Cope K, et al. The association of resilience with depression, anxiety, stress and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health. 2022;22. ↩
Bailey A, Ellis-Caird H, Croft C. Living through unsuccessful conception attempts: a grounded theory of resilience among women undergoing fertility treatment. J Reprod Infant Psychol. 2017 Sep;35(4),324–333. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646838.2017.1320366 ↩↩↩
The end of the year can also act as a marker in time – a point that highlights how much has happened over the past twelve months or how much remains unchanged – which can intensify emotions, especially when fertility plans haven’t unfolded as hoped.
If the season isn’t feeling festive, that is completely okay. Social traditions aren’t fixed, and your wellbeing deserves to come first. The following strategies can help you move through the coming weeks in a way that feels more manageable.
Manage social expectations
Turning down invitations can feel uncomfortable, yet protecting your emotional space is important. Keep responses simple and polite to avoid unnecessary pressure – a brief ‘Sorry, that plan doesn’t suit me’ allows you to step back without oversharing.
Prepare for gatherings
If you decide to attend a social event, a few gentle boundaries can make the experience easier:
Set a time limit that feels comfortable – even a short visit counts
Stay occupied with tasks, such as cooking or helping with tidying, to avoid conversations that feel difficult
Acknowledge that the year has been challenging without going into detail, which helps others understand if you need to leave early.
If you’re attending with a trusted person, consider agreeing on a subtle signal that indicates you need a break. Planning transport in advance can also offer a smoother exit if emotions shift.
Celebrate your way
There is no one ‘correct’ way to spend the holiday season. A quiet night at home, a short getaway, or a relaxed catch-up with close friends may feel more grounding. Joy can take many forms, and it doesn’t need to look traditional.
Prioritise rest and self-care
Use this time to rest, recharge and step back from the intensity of treatment. Some options that may support your wellbeing include:
Booking a massage or spa day
Taking a short trip to the beach or countryside
Enjoying a good book, movie marathon or creative pastime.
Give yourself permission to slow down and look after your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Reflect and plan ahead
The close of the year can be an opportunity to gently reassess your journey. You may find clarity by breaking bigger decisions into smaller, more manageable steps. Consider what choices may be available to you in 2026, how you can continue prioritising your wellbeing, and what actions could help you reset and begin the new year with renewed energy and perspective.
Reach out for support
Support is invaluable when emotions become heavy. Lean on friends, family (pets included!) or a trusted support person whenever you need space to talk or simply feel heard. Let others know what would help, whether it’s company, calm or room to process things in your own time.
Whatever this season looks like for you, your feelings are valid. Treat yourself with patience and kindness as you move through it.
Sperm contributes half of the genetic material needed for embryos to form. Issues related to sperm quality or function can lead to difficulties in embryo development, including issues with:
Genetic material quality: For successful fertilisation and healthy embryo development, ideally sperm DNA should remain intact. Damage to this genetic material – whether from oxidative stress, environmental factors or ageing – can lead to chromosomal abnormalities or improper DNA variations in the embryo, increasing the risk of developmental issues or miscarriage.
Sperm chromatin structure: Sperm chromatin, the DNA arranged within the sperm cell, must be tightly packed and properly organised to protect against DNA damage. Normal sperm chromatin structure is needed for successful fertilisation and embryo development. Abnormalities in chromatin structure can result in poor DNA repair, leading to embryo fragmentation (when tiny pieces of the cells that make up the embryo break away from the cells during division) or developmental arrest (when an embryo stops developing).
Sperm motility (movement): Sperm with low motility (asthenospermia) may struggle to reach and fertilise the egg through natural conception or IVF. Even if fertilisation occurs, impaired motility – depending on its cause – can impact early embryonic development, as the sperm may not deliver the essential signals and factors needed for optimal growth.
Sperm morphology: Sperm with abnormal morphology (size or shape) can affect fertilisation and embryo development. For instance, abnormal sperm may struggle to penetrate the egg, preventing fertilisation or causing abnormal embryo development. Structural defects, such as head or tail abnormalities, may prevent the sperm from properly interacting with the egg’s membrane, making fertilisation difficult in both natural conception and IVF. Therefore, abnormal sperm morphology is indicative of low sperm quality.
Sperm epigenetics: Sperm carries epigenetic information – modifications that influence how genes function without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Disrupted sperm epigenetics can lead to improper gene expression in the embryo, increasing the risk of developmental issues, infertility or genetic disorders.
Oxidative stress: Sperm are vulnerable to oxidative stress – an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body – caused by factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, environmental toxins or prolonged heat exposure. This oxidative damage can lead to DNA fragmentation, where sperm DNA strands break, potentially compromising embryo development after fertilisation.
Paternal age: As men age, their sperm quality may gradually decline, making conception more challenging. Although men do not experience a sudden decrease in fertility like women, ageing impacts sperm health, testicular function and pregnancy outcomes. For instance, older men may produce lower-quality sperm, reducing the chances of fertilisation. Sperm from older men are also more susceptible to DNA damage, which can increase the risk of miscarriage and DNA changes contributing to genetic conditions, including autism or schizophrenia in children.
Lifestyle changes to support sperm health
While some factors affecting sperm health are beyond control, lifestyle choices can play a significant role in improving sperm quality. Making positive changes may help enhance sperm function and increase the chances of successful conception. Suggestions that may assist with sperm quality include:
Keep the testicles cool
High temperatures can damage sperm. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, car seat warmers, placing your laptop on your lap for long periods, and carrying your mobile phone in your front pocket. Wear loose-fitting underwear to keep your testicles cool and prevent overheating.
Maintain a healthy diet
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and lean proteins can help protect sperm from damage.
Additionally, fertility-boosting nutrients such as vitamins C, E and folic acid, as well as zinc and selenium, have been linked to improved sperm quality. These are present in citrus fruits, leafy greens, eggs and nuts.
Consider fertility supplements
If you’re finding it difficult to obtain enough nutrients from your diet, you may wish to consider fertility supplements. Specifically, supplements such as zinc, folic acid, selenium and CoQ10 may support sperm health. However, please consult your fertility specialist before starting any new supplements.
Engage in regular exercise
Moderate physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and improve overall health, which supports sperm production. However, excessive exercise or overtraining can have the opposite effect, leading to reduced testosterone levels and impaired sperm quality. Additionally, prolonged cycling (over 1.5 hours) should be avoided.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Smoking and vaping are associated with poor sperm quality, including reduced count and motility and increased DNA damage. Quitting should be a priority for those looking to improve fertility.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also negatively affect sperm count and quality, so keep your intake to moderate levels for optimal reproductive health.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese can lead to hormonal imbalances, reduced sperm quality and lowered overall fertility. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help improve sperm health.
Avoid exposure to toxins
Minimise exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals and industrial toxins, as they can negatively affect sperm health. Avoid contact with pollutants in some cleaning products, plastics and air pollution – and skip drinking from plastic water bottles.
If chemical exposure is unavoidable (i.e. due to your work environment), always use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, to reduce risk.
Attend regular medical assessments
Prioritising your overall health is essential, as conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and infections can negatively affect sperm quality. Regular check-ups with your GP or healthcare professional can help detect and manage these issues early.
If you’re trying to conceive, inform your fertility specialist about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as some may impair sperm function.
Avoid drug use
Recreational drug use, such as marijuana or anabolic steroids, can significantly reduce sperm count and quality. If you’re using these substances, consider seeking help to quit.
Manage stress
Chronic stress can negatively impact hormone levels, affecting sperm production. Consider practising relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, exercise or hobbies that help you relax.
Get enough sleep
Quality sleep is essential for overall health and plays a crucial role in hormone regulation. Poor sleep can disrupt hormone levels, including testosterone, which is vital for sperm production. To support reproductive health, prioritise restful sleep and aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest each night.
Limit caffeine intake
Excessive caffeine may negatively affect sperm quality. Limiting your intake to moderate levels (one or two cups per day) can be beneficial.
When to seek help
Making these lifestyle changes can help improve sperm quality over time. However, if you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success – 12 months if the female partner is under 35 years or six months if over 35 years – it may be time to seek specialist guidance. A fertility specialist can provide personalised advice and may recommend fertility testing to gain a clearer understanding of your reproductive health.
To book an appointment with one of our fertility specialists and explore your options, call Newlife IVF on (03) 8080 8933 or schedule a consultation online via our appointments page.
IVF is an assisted reproductive technique that helps people overcome fertility challenges to start or grow their families. This process involves fertilising an egg with sperm in a specialised laboratory, with the resulting embryo carefully transferred into the uterus with the aim that it will lead to a pregnancy.
Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey or considering your options, understanding the IVF process is an empowering first step. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process that we use at our fertility clinic in Melbourne, to help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
A step-by-step guide to the IVF process at Newlife IVF in Melbourne
From the initial consultation through to the embryo transfer procedure, IVF involves a series of carefully coordinated stages – tailored to your unique needs – that are designed to give you the best chance of pregnancy success.
Initial consultation with our Melbourne-based fertility specialist
If you’re concerned about your fertility and would like to seek advice from a fertility specialist, you will need a referral from your GP to attend our IVF clinic.
During your initial consultation, your fertility specialist will assess your health and the factors contributing to your fertility issues, as well as provide tailored advice, including recommendations about diet and lifestyle. This process involves taking a thorough medical history from you, performing relevant examinations and ordering appropriate tests. Your fertility specialist will also discuss all available treatment options with you so you can make an informed decision about whether the IVF process is right for you.
If it is decided that IVF treatment is appropriate, we will register you as a patient at our fertility clinic. At this stage, mandatory tests, such as screening for infectious diseases, will be conducted if they have not been done previously.
Personalised fertility treatment planning
As no two fertility journeys are the same, fertility care at our IVF clinic in Melbourne is never one-size-fits-all. Our approach begins with uncovering the root causes of your fertility challenges and guiding you through the treatment options that best suit your unique circumstances. These options can range from straightforward solutions like fertility optimisation and ovulation induction to advanced treatments, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF, or IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
In some cases, and after a careful review of your medical and IVF history, your fertility specialist may prescribe adjuvant treatments to complement an IVF cycle.
Ovulation induction and hormone stimulation
Ovulation induction is a commonly used fertility treatment for individuals with ovulatory dysfunction. Often serving as an early intervention, it can be effective as a standalone treatment or combined with others, such as IUI or IVF, to improve the chances of conception. Ovulation induction involves using fertility medication to stimulate your ovaries to produce one or more mature eggs and assist with ovulation. For those undergoing IVF, hormone stimulation with fertility medications is used to stimulate your ovaries to produce a higher number of mature eggs than they normally would. This is a critical step in preparation for egg retrieval.
During this stimulation phase, self-administered hormonal injections are given over 8–14 days to encourage the development of multiple eggs, increasing the number available for retrieval and fertilisation.
Fertility blood tests and monitoring
Careful monitoring plays a vital role throughout the stimulation phase. Using a combination of blood tests and ultrasounds, your fertility specialist will closely track how your ovaries are responding and how the follicles (sacs in the ovaries that contain eggs) are developing. These tests allow your specialist to assess if everything is progressing as planned and fine-tune your fertility medication to optimise your results.
As you near the end of the stimulation phase, monitoring is used to determine the optimal time for the ‘trigger injection’, which prepares the eggs for ovulation (i.e. their release from the ovaries). Your fertility nurse will liaise with your fertility specialist and guide you on when to administer the injection, as precise timing is essential – the egg retrieval procedure must occur before natural ovulation. Monitoring usually takes place at one of our Newlife IVF locations in Melbourne. However, you don’t have to be in Melbourne to access treatment. We have patients that live in rural or interstate locations and we work with local pathology and ultrasound providers to assist with our patients’ monitoring needs.
Egg retrieval procedure at our IVF clinic in Melbourne
Egg retrieval, also known as egg collection or egg pickup, is a key step in the IVF process. This procedure involves collecting eggs from your ovaries, which can be frozen for future use or fertilised in the next stage of your IVF cycle.
Performed at our IVF clinic under sedation, egg retrieval is a straightforward procedure that typically takes 20–30 minutes. During this time, your fertility specialist carefully collects eggs from your ovaries using a fine needle guided by ultrasound imaging. On average, 8–12 eggs are retrieved, although the exact number depends on factors such as age, ovarian response to the medication and health history.
Collecting multiple eggs at once is important to IVF success. A higher number of eggs increases the chance of developing the healthy embryos needed for a successful embryo transfer and pregnancy.
Our team understands that undergoing egg retrieval can feel both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. But you can rest assured that we’re here to support you every step of the way so that you feel informed and comfortable throughout the entire IVF process.
Sperm collection and ICSI treatment
On the day of egg retrieval, fresh semen samples are collected from the male partner. If you’re using frozen or donor sperm, our embryologists will ensure the sample is thawed and ready for use.
For standard IVF, the semen sample is carefully prepared by removing the seminal fluid (the fluid that contains sperm), isolating the motile sperm and removing immotile sperm before the insemination procedure
For ICSI, the process is more precise. Only a single sperm is used for fertilisation, requiring experienced embryologists to select the healthiest and most viable sperm and inject it directly into the egg.
Selecting the ideal sperm is a delicate process requiring years of expertise. Our embryologists are trained to identify sperm with the best shape and structure to maximise the chances of successful fertilisation.
Fertilisation and embryo development
The next step in the IVF process is fertilisation, where egg and sperm are brought together.
In some cases, depending on the sperm quality and the patient’s previous history, we use standard insemination, where each egg is placed in a laboratory dish and exposed to thousands of prepared sperm. The fittest sperm may then fertilise the egg naturally, mirroring what would occur in the body.
However, if there are challenges such as low sperm count or abnormalities in sperm quality, an advanced technique called ICSI may be used. With ICSI treatment, a single, healthy-looking sperm is carefully injected into an egg to increase the chances of fertilisation. While this method offers additional precision, it’s important to note that not all eggs will successfully fertilise.
If fertilisation occurs, the resulting embryos are carefully placed in an incubator that mimics the conditions of the female body. Over the next five days, these embryos grow and divide, preparing for the next stage of the IVF process – embryo transfer.
The embryo transfer procedure
The embryo transfer is one of the quickest yet most important stages of the IVF process. During this procedure, a carefully selected embryo is placed into your uterus with the hope that it will successfully implant and lead to pregnancy.
Performed under ultrasound guidance, the transfer involves using a long, thin instrument to gently release the embryo through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. For most women, the procedure feels similar to a routine pap test. It is quick, requires no anaesthetic and allows you to resume your usual activities afterwards.
At Newlife IVF, our fertility specialists and embryologists are committed to providing the highest standard of care and technology to maximise your chances of IVF success.
Pregnancy testing and ongoing support
The pregnancy test represents the culmination of weeks of preparation. This fertility blood test measures the level of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your body – a hormone produced when a fertilised egg (an embryo) implants into the uterus. Elevated hCG levels can indicate a successful IVF cycle and the achievement of pregnancy.
This test is performed approximately eleven days after the embryo transfer, giving your body the necessary time to respond to implantation. While waiting for results can be an emotional experience, our dedicated team is here to support you regardless of the outcome.
This webinar, presented by fertility specialists Dr Chris Russell and Dr Nicole Hope, provides a more detailed explanation of the IVF process.
Why choose Newlife IVF?
At Newlife IVF, we understand how significant the IVF process is, and we’re committed to walking beside you on your journey to parenthood. Whether celebrating your success or exploring the next steps, you’ll always have compassionate care and expert guidance from our team.
Clinician-owned and led fertility clinic in Melbourne
As one of few independent specialist fertility centres in Victoria, we take pride in offering a more personalised, compassionate and supportive experience compared to corporate-owned clinics.
State-of-the-art IVF treatment in Melbourne
Every aspect of our practice is thoughtfully designed with your needs in mind, from our expert-led care to our state-of-the-art laboratory and scientific tools and techniques.
Advanced scientific techniques and high IVF success rates
We incorporate cutting-edge scientific advancements into every step of our IVF treatment process, helping to give you the best possible chance of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Our approach includes the use of the EmbryoScope time-lapse system, which provides continuous monitoring of embryo development, sequential media to nurture embryos, and EmbryoGlue to enhance implantation potential when transferring embryos into the uterus.
For ICSI treatment, we take it a step further with egg spindle visualisation technology, allowing us to carefully select eggs with the greatest potential for fertilisation.
Our IVF success rates reflect the effectiveness of these methods, consistently exceeding the national average and giving our patients a better chance of achieving their dream of parenthood.
Accessible and affordable IVF treatment in Melbourne
At Newlife IVF, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build their family, which is why we are committed to providing affordable IVF treatment. Our fee structure is designed to be transparent and accessible, ensuring that fertility care in Melbourne, including IVF, is reasonably priced and doesn’t involve the stress of unexpected costs.
Contact Newlife IVF – your trusted fertility clinic in Melbourne
Now that you have the diagnosis, you may be left feeling confused, or even worried, about what unexplained infertility means for your chances of having a baby. If we don’t know exactly what’s wrong, how can we fix the problem and give you the best chance of having the family you long for?
Unexplained infertility explained
A diagnosis of unexplained infertility is made when a woman or couple has been unsuccessfully trying for a baby for 12 months or more and all common causes of infertility in both partners have been ruled out. While it’s not clear how many Australians experience unexplained infertility, it is estimated to affect somewhere between 8 and 28% of infertile couples worldwide.1
Unexplained infertility is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means it can only be given once all conventional fertility tests have returned normal results. For the female partner, these tests may include hormone levels and other examinations to check how her ovaries are functioning and to exclude disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Scans or other procedures to check for problems in the uterus (womb) or blockages in the fallopian tubes may also be recommended. In addition, keyhole surgery to diagnose endometriosis may be performed.
To investigate causes of male infertility, semen analysis to look at the number, motility, size and shape of sperm is usually carried out. Examinations, scans or other tests to look for problems with the testicles or the ducts through which sperm travels (blockages, for example) may be recommended. A fertility specialist may also check for hormonal imbalances or infections that may affect the male partner’s fertility.
If genetic problems are suspected, tests such as karyotype testing (a blood test) may be performed for one or both partners.
Women and couples will usually go through a comprehensive testing process before they are diagnosed with unexplained infertility. However, a fertility specialist may sometimes decide that performing certain tests carries more potential risks than benefits. In these cases, even though all available tests have not been carried out, a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is still possible.
Does unexplained infertility mean nothing is wrong?
A lot has to happen in order to make a baby; it is a complex process in which there is quite a lot of room for error. Both eggs and sperm must be healthy and physically able to meet (that is, the fallopian tubes and sperm-carrying ducts mustn’t be blocked). The sperm must be able to enter the egg to fertilise it, and the fertilised egg must implant into the lining of the uterus and develop into an embryo. Even in people without any fertility problems, the chance of achieving pregnancy each month is nowhere near 100% – rather, it’s between 15 and 25%. This goes to show that getting pregnant is no simple feat. Further, the complexity of what’s involved means that we simply cannot test for every potential problem that can occur.
It’s important for you to know that a diagnosis of unexplained infertility does not mean ‘nothing’s wrong’. Rather, it means that no currently available test can pinpoint the specific cause of your struggle. In other words, what you’re going through is real, we just can’t determine exactly what’s causing it.
So, if it’s not possible to find out what’s wrong, how can we fix it? Here’s the great news: even though we don’t know the exact cause of the problem, there are still treatments that can increase your chances of having a baby.
Unexplained infertility treatment
Below we explain the most common treatments offered to couples struggling with unexplained fertility. Because a woman’s ability to conceive naturally declines with age, women in their late 30s or 40s may be advised to commence in vitro fertilisation (IVF) without trying any other treatments.
Expectant management
In some cases, simply getting support and guidance to continue to try to conceive naturally may be sufficient. This can be done while working to improve your health if necessary. For example, losing excess weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption may be appropriate goals to work towards. This is known as expectant management, and for some people, it is enough to lead to a pregnancy. It is also the most cost-effective option, so if a woman is young and has a good ovarian reserve (that is, a good number of eggs left), it may represent the most appropriate treatment. More active treatments may be recommended for older women.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
In this procedure, washed, concentrated sperm from the male partner (or a donor) is injected directly into the uterus. This ensures that a very large number of the highest quality sperm from the sample is injected, increasing the chances of the egg and sperm meeting. IUI is useful in unexplained infertility because it sidesteps any potential problems that may prevent the sperm from entering the uterus naturally. In many cases, IUI is combined with low dose ovulation induction so that two eggs are released at a time instead of one, to further increase the chances of fertilisation.
IUI is a relatively inexpensive intervention that is often used before IVF is considered. It has a pregnancy rate per cycle of between 8 and 15%. However, the benefit is smaller for older women, with a pregnancy rate of 5% in women over 40. As a result, IVF is more likely to be recommended for this age group.
Tubal flushing
Tubal flushing is used to assess blockages in the fallopian tubes. However, it does appear to increase pregnancy rates and thus, may also be used as a dedicated fertility treatment.
In this procedure, a tube is placed through the woman’s cervix, and a water or oil-based solution is flushed into the uterus. The solution then travels through the fallopian tubes, ‘flushing’ them out. When tubal flushing is used on its own, you will be advised to try to conceive naturally in the months following the procedure. However, tubal flushing can also be performed in preparation for IUI. This ensures that no blockages prevent the egg from travelling to the uterus to meet with the injected sperm.
IVF
IVF bypasses many potential problems related to the fertilisation process by starting the process outside the womb. In IVF, a number of the female partner’s eggs (or donor eggs) are mixed with sperm in a laboratory dish.
There are two ways this mixing process may be carried out. In standard insemination, the ‘fittest’ of the thousands of sperm in a sample will fertilise the egg, as would occur in a natural pregnancy. If sperm abnormalities are suspected, or sperm count is low, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be performed. This is where the best sperm is chosen and injected directly into the egg.
Once the fertilised eggs have developed into embryos in a special incubator, one of the healthiest embryos will be transferred into the uterus. In ten days, a blood test is performed to check for pregnancy.
For every 100 IVF treatment cycles that are started, 18 babies are born.2 However, IVF success rates vary according to factors such as the woman’s age. Your fertility specialist can advise you on the chances of pregnancy in your case.
Where to next?
If you are ready to explore your options for having a baby, make an appointment with a Newlife IVF fertility specialist by calling (03) 8080 8933 or by booking online. We will assess your specific circumstances and help you make a decision about the best path forward. Our specialist counsellors are also available to help you manage the unsettling emotions that can accompany a diagnosis of unexplained infertility.
Gelbaya TA, Potdar N, Jeve YB, Nardo LG. Definition and epidemiology of unexplained infertility. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2014;69(2):109‐115. doi:10.1097/OGX.0000000000000043 ↩︎
Australian & New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD). Assisted Reproductive Technology in Australia & New Zealand 2017 (report). Available at https://npesu.unsw.edu.au. Last accessed 16 June 2020. ↩︎
