Natural Fertility Optimisation, Melbourne | Newlife IVF
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Fertility optimisation services

There are a number of diet and lifestyle factors that can affect your fertility. We can help you identify ways you can improve your fertility just by changing some of your usual routines and habits. In some cases, this may be all that’s required to help you conceive.

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Is something wrong with us?

When individuals and couples are struggling to conceive, they often assume that something is drastically wrong – that one or other of them has a condition that is preventing them from falling pregnant. However, the way we live can also have a huge impact on how fertile we are. This includes what we eat and drink, how much weight we are carrying, how much exercise we do, and whether we smoke. Making small changes in how we live our daily lives can sometimes have a profound effect on our ability to conceive.

We’ll guide you through the steps you can take to optimise your fertility

Diet and lifestyle factors

As part of your initial fertility assessment, we will look at a range of diet and lifestyle factors to see if some of your daily routines and habits could be contributing to your fertility issues. We will then provide specific advice on what changes you and your partner can make to optimise your fertility and increase your chances of falling pregnant naturally. Fertility optimisation strategies might include consuming caffeine in moderation, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight – all of which can contribute to your overall reproductive health.

For more information on fertility optimisation and how diet and other lifestyle factors can affect your fertility, read this article from our knowledge hub.

Timing intercourse

Well-timed intercourse can also improve your chances of falling pregnant naturally. By helping you recognise the signs of ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovarian follicles), we can help you pinpoint when you are most fertile each month and should try to conceive naturally. Timing sexual intercourse during this fertile window can help create the right conditions for natural conception.

Additional assessments

Alongside a thorough clinical assessment, your fertility specialist may also ask you to undergo some fertility testing. There is a range of tests that can help us understand more about your fertility needs, including:

  • Evaluation of the male partner: A semen analysis is the primary test for male fertility. It provides an assessment of overall sperm health by looking at semen volume, sperm concentration and count, sperm motility (movement) and sperm morphology (shape).
  • Evaluation of the female partner: There are several different tests that can be used to investigate female fertility. These include basic blood tests and imaging studies that help us assess your ovulation patterns and ovarian reserve. Where appropriate, we may also recommend diagnostic procedures like a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, which may also provide an opportunity for immediate treatment, e.g. removal of endometriosis lesions, tubal flushing.

All of these tests can be performed at our flagship treatment centre in Box Hill, with some tests also available at our other Melbourne-based clinics in Clayton and East Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions

  • What factors influence fertility?

    Fertility is multifaceted and can be influenced by several factors, such as your diet (including your intake of caffeine and alcohol), lifestyle practices (smoking, illicit drug use or any medication you take), weight, nutritional status, menstrual cycle irregularities or medical conditions.

    Our fertility specialists can help identify factors that may be affecting your fertility while providing optimisation techniques that improve your chances of conceiving.

  • How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?

    There are several dietary and lifestyle adjustments that you can make to improve your overall health and fertility. Dr Chris Russell discusses these interventions in this blog article, while Dr Nicole Hope describes potential testing and treatment options that can assist you on your fertility journey.

    Understanding your fertile window (approximately four days before until one day after ovulation) and timing intercourse within this period can increase your chances of conceiving. Our ovulation calculator can help you predict when you’re likely to ovulate and the best time to have sex.

    It’s important to remember that menstrual cycles can vary anywhere between 28 to 35 days. However, if your cycle is irregular, you are under 35 years of age and have been trying to conceive for 4 to 6 months, we recommend seeking help from a fertility specialist. We also recommend seeking assistance if you are 35 to 39 years with an irregular cycle and have been trying for three months.

  • What are some tips for optimising fertility naturally?

    Fertility optimisation strategies include maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, moderating caffeine intake, limiting alcohol, managing stress, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding exposure to toxins.

    Timed intercourse during an optimal fertility window may also increase your chances of conceiving.

  • Can age affect fertility?

    Yes, age can significantly impact fertility, particularly for women. Fertility declines with age, and women are generally most fertile in their 20s and early 30s. As individuals age, it becomes increasingly challenging to conceive.

    It is best to consult a fertility specialist to discuss your options.

  • How long does it take to see results from changing one’s lifestyle?

    The time it takes to see results from lifestyle changes can vary depending on individual circumstances and underlying medical conditions. Some individuals experience improvements in fertility relatively quickly, while others may require more time and persistence.

    Typically, improvements in semen parameters may occur within three months of lifestyle changes.

    Women over 35 years old should seek advice from a healthcare professional, such as a GP, on a reasonable timeframe for lifestyle changes before needing to consult with a fertility specialist.

  • Can lifestyle changes improve my chances of successful conception?

    Yes, lifestyle changes may improve reproductive health and maximise the chances of successful conception. By addressing lifestyle factors, optimising diet and nutrition, managing underlying medical conditions, and seeking appropriate medical interventions, individuals and couples can enhance their fertility and increase their likelihood of conceiving a child.

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Get in touch

For more information or to book an appointment with one of our fertility doctors, please call (03) 8080 8933 or email [email protected]. Fertility appointments can also be booked via our online booking page.

Our three Melbourne clinics are based in Box Hill, Clayton and East Melbourne and are open Monday–Friday: 8:00am–5:00pm. We welcome patients from all over Victoria, as well as those seeking care interstate or internationally. All fertility treatment requiring day surgery or lab access (e.g. egg collection, embryo transfer) will take place at our state-of-the-art treatment centre in Box Hill. Fertility consultations and IVF cycle monitoring can be arranged at all three Melbourne clinics.

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