Today, that vision, combined with the collective expertise and experience of our fertility specialists and support staff, has earned Newlife IVF recognition as one of Victoria’s top-performing IVF clinics.
According to the latest figures reported by the Herald Sun (sourced from the Federal Government’s Your IVF Success website), Newlife IVF holds the highest IVF success rate in Victoria for women under 35, with an impressive 62.5% of embryo transfers resulting in live birth.
For women aged 35 to 42, Newlife IVF also leads with the highest birth rates per embryo transfer in Metropolitan Melbourne (31.7%), placing us third overall in Victoria for this age group.
‘We are delighted to share that we have had another great year for our patients, with our pregnancy and birth success rates consistently above the national average. Our fertility specialist team focuses on providing the best possible milieu for eggs to mature and embryos to implant, and our amazing embryologists focus on every aspect of the egg, sperm and embryo care to provide a nurturing environment to achieve their developmental potential,’ said Dr Nicole Hope, fertility specialist and Medical Director at Newlife IVF.
A vision for exceptional fertility care
As a clinician-owned and led fertility clinic, we’re proud to be one of the few independent specialist fertility centres in Victoria. This independence allows us to offer a more personalised, supportive experience than corporate-owned clinics.
‘We feel so privileged to play a part in our patients’ journeys. Being able to provide a level of care that helps them achieve their dream of starting a family is truly an honour for us,’ said Dr Tiki Osianlis, Newlife IVF’s Managing Director and Scientific Director.
Every aspect of our practice is designed with our patients’ needs in mind. From our state-of-the-art laboratory to our use of advanced scientific tools and techniques, we combine expert-led care with cutting-edge science to give our patients the best possible chance of building the family they dream of.
‘Our IVF success rates highlight how effective our approach is. It’s not just about the science – it’s about the people. The entire team, from our fertility specialists and nurses to our embryologists, counsellors and admin staff, take the time to truly understand each patient’s unique journey. We adapt our care to fit their needs, and every single one of us is genuinely invested in helping our patients achieve their dream of becoming parents,’ said Dr Tiki.
Giving you Newlife in a different way
At Newlife IVF, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build their family, which is why we’re committed to making high-quality fertility treatment as accessible as possible. We remain committed to delivering outstanding results and compassionate care, empowering our patients with the best possible chance of success.
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.
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).
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 treatment, including IVF, is reasonably priced and doesn’t involve the stress of unexpected costs.
Contact Newlife IVF – your trusted fertility clinic in Melbourne
Fertility is largely influenced by the quality of both eggs and sperm. Age is the biggest determinant of egg quality1, but other factors such as diet, weight, physical activity and exposure to toxins (including illicit drugs or medications) also play a role. The good news is that whilst you cannot modify your age, there are things that you can do to improve egg quality and your chances of getting pregnant.
This involves making changes (if needed) to areas of your life that can influence various biological processes in the body – fertility included. With the proper modifications, you can protect your eggs from the harm caused by these factors and increase your likelihood of conceiving.
Why is age such a big factor?
Fertility starts to decline at the beginning of a woman’s 30s, but the decline is more rapid after age 35.1 This is because women are born with a lifetime supply of eggs – around 1-2 million – and this reserve gradually decreases over time. Egg quality also declines with age as the DNA in eggs becomes more susceptible to damage.
Eggs of lower quality are less likely to fertilise and develop into an embryo, affecting the chances of pregnancy. Additionally, older eggs are more likely to be affected by chromosome imbalance, which is associated with difficulty falling pregnant, an increased risk of miscarriage and a higher incidence of children born with a chromosome disorder (e.g. Down Syndrome).2
Unfortunately, once an egg’s DNA is damaged or the egg has an incorrect number of chromosomes (we call this aneuploidy), it cannot be reversed or repaired. For this reason, it’s important to protect your egg quality as much as possible.
Tips to improve your egg quality
Smoking
Women who smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke often face delays in conceiving. Smoking damages egg DNA, which reduces fertility and increases miscarriage risk.3 It also increases the chance of ectopic pregnancy and makes embryo implantation harder, while increasing the risk of pregnancy complications.4 Therefore, avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke is crucial when trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
Additionally, researchers are still learning about all the risks of e-cigarettes (vapes) on conception and pregnancy. At this stage, no amount of vaping is considered safe when trying to conceive.
Alcohol
If you’re trying to conceive, drinking alcohol can affect your ability to get pregnant and stay pregnant. Some studies suggest that even low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced fertility.5 Drinking alcohol can alter hormone levels and disrupt the menstrual cycle and the ability to ovulate, therefore reducing the chances of conceiving. So, cutting down or cutting out alcohol can improve your chances of falling pregnant, along with helping you embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Coffee/caffeine
Some studies have shown reduced fertility and increased risk of miscarriage with excessive caffeine consumption.6 Most studies also indicate that the risk of infertility rises with higher levels of caffeine intake. Unfortunately, a safe daily amount of caffeine has not been established. For this reason, we recommend limiting your intake to one caffeinated drink per day (<80–100 mg of caffeine). If you can go without all together, even better!
Illicit drugs
Taking recreational drugs reduces the chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy baby. For instance, cannabis and opioids are known to disrupt normal hormone production, leading to problems with ovulation and menstrual cycle disturbances.7 Additionally, stimulants such as cocaine and crystal meth have been linked to higher rates of miscarriage.8 Therefore, avoiding illicit drug use is one of the simplest ways to preserve your fertility.
Extreme exercise
Over-exercising can hinder ovulation and hormone production – specifically progesterone production, which is critical in supporting a pregnancy as it helps to thicken the lining of the uterus (needed for embryo implantation). Excessive exercise has also been linked to miscarriage.9 Vigorous exercise should not exceed 4 hours a week. However, lighter activities, such as walking and Pilates, are not limited.
Diet
The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to its potential benefits for reproductive health – and this may include egg quality. This diet emphasises the consumption of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish and healthy fats like olive oil, while limiting processed foods, red meat and added sugars.
Research suggests that adherence to the Mediterranean diet may improve fertility outcomes by promoting a healthy weight, reducing inflammation and optimising insulin sensitivity, all of which can positively influence ovarian function and embryo quality.10,11
Maintaining a healthy weight
Being underweight or overweight is associated with reduced pregnancy rates. This is because carrying too little or too much weight can disrupt the balance of hormones in your body, leading to ovulatory issues and irregular periods, along with an increased risk of miscarriage. Even if a woman has a regular cycle, fertility may still be reduced compared to women within the healthy weight range (a body mass index between 18.5 and 25).
Weight loss in overweight people doesn’t have to be drastic to improve fertility. Research has shown that even a modest drop in body weight (5–10%) can increase the chances of pregnancy – not to mention many other health benefits, such as a reduced risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and a lower rate of pregnancy-related complications.12 Weight training and improving your lean body mass is also crucial for optimising your metabolism and reducing insulin resistance.
Weight loss is difficult, but your care providers can help you navigate the weight management journey. Talking to your GP or fertility specialist about weight is a great first step. We’ll make sure you have the support you need.
Medical conditions and medications
Conception is most likely to occur when you’re in good health. Untreated medical conditions, especially hormonal disorders (e.g. thyroid issues) and gynaecological conditions (e.g. endometriosis), can hinder fertility. It’s essential to manage these conditions before trying to conceive. Additionally, ensure that any prescribed medications are safe to take during conception and pregnancy by discussing these with your fertility specialist.
Night shift work
Night shift workers may experience reduced fertility because disrupted or insufficient sleep can interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to hormonal imbalances. Research on patients undergoing IVF has shown that women working night shifts tend to produce fewer eggs suitable for embryo development.13 Meanwhile, other studies have linked shift work to higher miscarriage rates.14 If possible, avoid night shift work and stick to a regular shift schedule rather than rotating between day and night shifts, as consistency can help reduce the impact on hormone levels.
Supplements for improving egg quality
In addition to lifestyle changes, certain supplements are often recommended. While evidence supporting their impact on egg quality and IVF success rates is limited, some studies suggest potential benefits, whereas others show no significant improvements in fertility outcomes. However, when taken at recommended doses, these supplements are generally considered safe.11
For instance, antioxidants like vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 may enhance IVF outcomes by reducing DNA damage and improving egg quality, particularly in older women or those with diminished ovarian reserve. Other commonly suggested supplements include vitamin D (especially for those with a deficiency) and omega-3 fatty acids.11
Additionally, all women trying to conceive should take a supplement containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid, which is crucial for DNA synthesis and reducing neural tube defects, along with 150 mcg of iodine to support thyroid function.11
Small changes can lead to big results
Simple yet impactful lifestyle changes go a long way towards preserving egg quality, preventing egg damage and improving your overall fertility. By addressing these modifiable factors and prioritising your overall wellbeing, you can boost your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.
If you’re ready to explore your options for having a baby or are concerned about your fertility, you can make an appointment with one of our specialists by calling (03) 8080 8933 or by booking online.
References
Better Health Channel. Age and fertility [internet]. Victoria (AU): Better Health Channel; 2023 [updated 2023; cited 2024 Oct]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/age-and-fertility ↩↩
Winship A, Stringer J, Liew S et al. The importance of DNA repair for maintaining oocyte quality in response to anti-cancer treatments, environmental toxins and maternal ageing. Hum Reprod Update. 2018;24(2): 19–134. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmy002. ↩
Pineles BL, Park E, Samet JM. Systematic review and meta-analysis of miscarriage and maternal exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy. Am J Epidemiol. 2014;179(7):807–23. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwt334. Epub 2014 Feb 10. PMID: 24518810; PMCID: PMC3969532. ↩
Better Health Channel. Pregnancy and smoking [internet]. Victoria (AU): Better Health Channel; 2022 [updated 2022; cited 2024 Oct]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-and-smoking ↩
Fan D, Liu L, Xia Q et al. Female alcohol consumption and fecundability: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):13815. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-14261-8 ↩
Lyngsø J, Ramlau-Hansen CH, Bay B et al. Association between coffee or caffeine consumption and fecundity and fertility: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Clin Epidemiol. 2017;9:699–719. doi: 10.2147/CLEP.S146496. PMID: 29276412; PMCID: PMC5733907. ↩
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Substance use and fertility [internet]. Ontario (CA): The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada; 2024 [cited 2024 Oct]. Available from: https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/before-you-conceive/fertility/substance-use-and-fertility/ ↩
Smid MC, Metz TD, Gordon AJ. Stimulant use in Pregnancy: An Under-recognized Epidemic Among Pregnant Women. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2019;62(1):168–184. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000418. PMID: 30601144; PMCID: PMC6438363. ↩
Barakat R, Zhang D, Silva-José C et al. The influence of physical activity during pregnancy on miscarriage-systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2023;12(16):5393. doi: 10.3390/jcm12165393. PMID: 37629435; PMCID: PMC10455409. ↩
Hart RJ. Nutritional supplements and IVF: an evidence-based approach. Reprod Biomed Online. 2024;48(3):103770. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103770. ↩
Yang J, Song Y, Gaskins AJ, et al. Mediterranean diet and female reproductive health over lifespan: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023;229(6):617-631. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.030. ↩↩↩↩
Haase CL, Varbo A, Laursen PN et al. Association between body mass index, weight loss and the chance of pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and overweight or obesity: a retrospective cohort study in the UK. Hum Reprod. 2023;38(3):471–481. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deac267 ↩
Liu Z, Zheng Y, Wang B et al. The impact of sleep on in-vitro fertilization embryo transfer outcomes: a prospective study. Fertil Steril. 2023;119(1):47–55. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.10.015 ↩
Mínguez-Alarcón L, Souter I, Williams PL, et al. Occupational factors and markers of ovarian reserve and response among women at a fertility centre. Occup Environ Med. 2017;74:426-431. doi: 10.1136/oemed-2016-103953 ↩
Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to your wellbeing and focuses on treatments that support your body to heal itself. A naturopath may recommend a combination of therapies such as herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and diet and lifestyle advice.
Some evidence suggests that a holistic, naturopathic approach to care can benefit aspects of reproductive health. For example, a study in overweight women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) compared the combined effects of herbal supplementation and lifestyle changes with lifestyle changes alone.1 While the combination was not shown to specifically increase conception rates, it did improve other markers of fertility like menstrual cycle regularity (which can support ovulation) and enhanced mental wellbeing scores for depression.1
Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies are commonly used in naturopathy and include plants or parts of a plant – such as roots, flowers, bark, seeds and stems – that are often made into pills, teas or ointments for convenient consumption.
Simple acts like drinking a mug of herbal tea or using moisturisers infused with flower essences can relieve stress and create a sense of inner peace. And specifically regarding gynaecological findings, some herbal therapies have shown benefits. For instance, a study assessing the use of clomiphene (a medication that supports ovulation) combined with black cohosh supplementation in women with subfertility demonstrated increased endometrial thickness and improved hormone profiles.2 Theoretically, this can improve the chances of conception by creating a more receptive uterine environment for embryo implantation.2 However, the study findings did not specifically show an increase in pregnancy rates.2 If you would like to try a herbal remedy, keep in mind that they can affect your fertility treatment medications, so it’s essential to check if a herb is safe with your fertility specialist first.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine practice in which thin needles are inserted into the skin at select acupuncture points. These acupuncture points mark lines of energy flow (called meridians) within the body, and the insertion of acupuncture needles at these points is intended to stimulate this energy flow.
There is limited evidence showing that acupuncture enhances fertility. However, patients may find acupuncture beneficial for stress reduction3 and overall emotional wellbeing.4
Mind-body practices
Mind-body practices are centred on the belief that your mindset can influence your health. Some mind-body practices include mindfulness meditation, yoga, music therapy, hypnosis, art therapy, aromatherapy, guided imagery and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation that teaches you to become more aware of what you are thinking and feeling. Over time, mindfulness meditation can help you experience each moment with more compassion and less expectation – which may help ease the highs and lows of your fertility journey.
Research has linked mindfulness meditation with fewer difficult emotions, such as depression and stress, and less rumination, which can help you bounce back more easily from the highs and lows of your fertility journey.5
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient Indian mind-body practice that guides you through various postures and stretches. There are multiple styles of yoga, from gentle movements to more physically challenging practices. However, all yoga practices are a form of mindful movement.
The focus on flowing through physical motions and synchronising your movements with your breath can help you reconnect with your body and take a step back from the thoughts passing through your mind. This was evident in a six-week yoga program for women who were waiting for IVF treatment, where yoga was associated with fewer negative thoughts and feelings about fertility and an improved sense of wellbeing.6
Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of massage for the feet, hands and ears, where pressure is applied to select points that are believed to be linked to the function of broader body parts. By applying pressure to these points, reflexology aims to relieve stress and support healing in the body part each point is associated with.
A study comparing reflexology to gentle foot massage in women experiencing infertility found that reflexology did not improve ovulation or pregnancy rates. However, reflexology was associated with lower depression scores, which can help strengthen your resilience and overall fertility treatment experience.7
Take a balanced approach
Current medical research does not directly link complementary remedies to enhanced fertility. However, if such remedies benefit your emotional wellbeing and do not interfere with your current medical treatments, they could be a positive addition.
Always explore these options in consultation with your fertility specialist to ensure that these won’t interfere with your treatment.
There are also other changes you can make to maximise your chances of getting pregnant, such as:
Drinking caffeine in moderation
Incorporating regular movement into your routine
Maintaining a healthy weight
Enjoying a balanced, nutritious diet
Taking the recommended supplements.
If you would like to learn more about lifestyle changes to improve your fertility, you can also read ‘What can I do differently in 2024 to fall pregnant?’ by Newlife IVF fertility specialist Dr Nicole Hope.
Still got questions?
To meet with one of our Newlife IVF fertility specialists and learn more about how you can improve your fertility, you can reach our team by calling (03) 8080 8933 or book online via our appointments page.
References
Arentz S, Smith CA, Abbott J et al. Combined lifestyle and herbal medicine in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2017;31(9):1330-40. doi:10.1002/ptr.5858 ↩↩
Clark N, Will M, Moravek M et al. A systematic review of the evidence for complementary and alternative medicine in infertility. Int J of Gynaecol Obstet. 2013;122(3):202-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.03.032
HealthProfessional/#:~:text=Today%2C%20black%20cohosh%20is%20most,irritability%20%5B5%2C6%5D ↩↩↩
Xi J, Chen H, Peng ZH et al. Effects of acupuncture on the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology: an overview of systematic reviews. Evid-Based Complement and Alternat Med. 2018;2018:7352735. doi: 10.1155/2018/7352735 ↩
Hassanzadeh Bashtian M, Latifnejad Roudsari R, Sadeghi R. Effects of acupuncture on anxiety in infertile women: a systematic review of the literature. J Midwifery Reprod Health. 2017;5(1):842-8. doi: 10.22038/jmrh.2016.7949 ↩
Patel A, Sharma PSVN, Kumar P. Application of Mindfulness-Based Psychological Interventions in Infertility. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2020;13(1):3-21. doi: 10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_51_19 ↩
Oron G, Allnutt E, Lackman T et al. A prospective study using Hatha Yoga for stress reduction among women waiting for IVF treatment. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015;30(5):542-8. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.01.011 ↩
Holt J, Lord J, Acharya U et al. The effectiveness of foot reflexology in inducing ovulation: a sham-controlled randomised trial. Fertil Steril. 2008;91(6):2514-19. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.04.016 ↩
Building emotional resilience 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
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.
Practices to build your resilience
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 with you on your fertility 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.
We also offer our TLC group support sessions to help you overcome feelings of isolation during treatment and improve your connection with others. Please email [email protected] for upcoming meetings.
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 ↩↩↩
It’s a proud moment for us because when we established our clinic four years ago, we set out to provide patients with the highest standard of fertility care.
‘When starting Newlife IVF, I was very conscious of the people I surrounded myself with – I wanted to work alongside people who had been practising in their respective fields for many years and had significant experience, but who saw and wanted an opportunity to do things differently and injected our shared values into our work,’ said Dr Tiki Osianlis, Newlife IVF’s Managing Director and Scientific Director.
And we did just that! Our six founding doctors, including Dr Osianlis, Dr Chris Russell, Dr Nicole Hope, Dr Sameer Jatkar, Dr Hugo Fernandes and Associate Professor Martin Healey, already had a wealth of knowledge and experience at the time. So, they paired their expertise with a unique offering for the TTC (trying to conceive) community, centred around a more personalised, caring and supportive experience for couples and individuals wanting to begin or expand their families. Their intention was to create a service that enabled them to navigate the fertility journey alongside their patients.
Staying true to this ethos has propelled Newlife IVF to where it is today – four years of scientific excellence accompanied by the gift of new life (1,000 new lives, to be exact!).
Helping others grow their families is what we do best
We’re pretty chuffed to have reached this momentous occasion. So, too, are the new parents of our 1,000th baby, Jess T and Luke.
‘We feel so privileged to be a part of this incredible milestone! It is amazing to think of how many families have been created thanks to Newlife IVF, and we will be forever thankful to count ourselves and our precious baby Liam among that number,’ said Jess T.
Like many parents-to-be, Jess T and Luke’s fertility journey came with challenges. ‘We had been trying to conceive for over a year without any success, including an early miscarriage. Friends of ours had also experienced infertility and recommended Dr Chris Russell and Newlife IVF. From our first consultation with Chris, we immediately felt like we were in good hands and that this would be our best chance to fulfil our dream of starting a family,’ she said.
It’s no secret that the path to parenthood is peppered with emotional highs and lows. For this reason, our team go above and beyond to help our patients feel supported, empowered, informed and in control throughout every step of their fertility journey.
‘Chris always made Luke and I feel like valued patients. He respected our input and preferences, and we always left our appointments feeling comfortable about the next course of action. Our counsellor also helped to put my mind at ease throughout my IVF journey. It was comforting knowing that I had extra support if I needed it,’ said Jess T.
Fertility treatment is more than just science
Fertility care hinges on more than just using the latest scientific tools and techniques (although we have those, too!). Rather, an exceptional fertility experience involves developing an empathetic and trustworthy relationship with your fertility provider. Just ask Jess S and Tim, who have recently conceived their third IVF baby with help from Dr Russell and the Newlife IVF team. In fact, they’ve been with us from the very beginning.
‘When we began our fertility journey with Chris, we didn’t know Newlife was only a month old. The care and support we received from the whole team was nothing short of exceptional. We always felt like we were in good hands’, said Jess S.
‘When we first saw Chris, we were so overwhelmed with grief and fear of potentially never being able to have a baby. We didn’t understand what was ahead of us. Chris was kind, gentle and understanding of all these emotions,’ she said.
The patient-doctor relationship grew from strength to strength, with Jess S and Tim returning to our clinic for babies two and three.
‘There was so much fear and anxiety when we first started the IVF process. But the staff at Newlife were so supportive and encouraging. The care and advocacy they provided was above and beyond. When we returned for our second and third transfers, we knew we would be looked after each time. And we were! Every time we’ve gone back to see Chris, it felt like we never left. He knew our journey, understood what we wanted for our family and supported us. I’m now halfway through my third pregnancy and feel like part of the furniture,’ said Jess S.
Empathy lies at the heart of Newlife IVF
So it’s been four years of Newlife IVF, with 1,000 babies born, and many more to go. We feel extremely privileged to be part of our patients’ fertility journeys and are proud of all that we’ve achieved for them.
‘It’s immensely rewarding to help any patient achieve their dream family, but to help Jess and Tim have three babies in quick succession, and 1,000 babies in all over our first four years, really highlights the excellence that we are aiming for and achieving at Newlife IVF,’ said Dr Russell.
As we continue doing what we do best (building families and supporting our patients), we remain dedicated to offering you a more personalised, caring and supportive experience to bring you joy at the end of your journey with us.
So, here’s to the next thousand and all that follow thereafter!
The current restrictions to non-elective surgery that led to the suspension of some IVF services in Victoria will be lifted from 11.59pm on Tuesday 25 January 2022. This means that IVF stimulation cycles can resume from 26 January 2022. However, as the 26th is a public holiday, in-clinic procedures such as egg collection will effectively resume on 27 January 2022. Please contact your fertility nurse on Day 1 to check in as you usually would.
In the meantime, all other procedures continue as planned, including IVF cycles that commenced prior to 6 January 2022, frozen embryo transfers (FET), intrauterine insemination (IUI), ovulation induction, urgent medical egg freezing (e.g. due to impending cancer treatment), semen analyses and sperm freezing.
Should I have the COVID-19 vaccine (or booster) if I’m undergoing fertility treatment or IVF?
Yes. Based on advice from the Australian & New Zealand Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, we support the decision to get a COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, during fertility treatment. There is no evidence that the vaccine will affect your overall fertility or current treatment, nor the pregnancy that follows. This is true for both men and women.
We recommend that you avoid having the vaccine (or booster) in the days leading up to your admission to the hospital for embryo transfer or egg collection. Approximately 15% of patients have a fever following vaccination. Whilst this in itself is not worrying, hospital protocols may prevent patients who have a fever from being admitted to the hospital.
Should I have the COVID-19 vaccine (or booster) if I am pregnant?
Yes. The Pfizer vaccine is now recommended for all women who are pregnant. There has been extensive use of this vaccine in the US and UK with no specific pregnancy complications and no increase in overall complications compared to non-pregnant recipients. There has been no increase in fetal abnormalities or birth defects, nor is there any plausible reason for how this could occur. What has been seen with vaccine administration is a reduction in the chance of the pregnant woman getting COVID-19, and we know that pregnant women are more likely to get severe COVID infection requiring hospitalisation, admission to an Intensive Care Unit, and death. Increased rates of premature delivery of babies has been seen in pregnant women with severe COVID, and this can be reduced through vaccination.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine (or booster) cause miscarriage?
No. There is no evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage or abnormalities in the physical development of your baby.
Should I have the COVID-19 vaccine (or booster) if I am breastfeeding?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are thought to be safe and not considered to be a risk to your child.
How do COVID-19 vaccines work?
These vaccines protect you from COVID-19 by fooling your immune system into making an immune response to small proteins that are associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus causing the disease COVID-19). Your body will then have pre-built immunity should you ever be exposed to the real virus and you will be protected. For an adequate response, it is recommended that you receive the vaccine twice, several weeks apart (for Pfizer, which is currently the only vaccine recommended for use during pregnancy or for men and non-pregnant women aged 40–59) and several months apart for AstraZeneca (which men and non-pregnant women aged 18–39 may receive if they provide informed consent). A booster shot is now also recommended. At the time of writing, it is recommended that Victorians have their booster 3 months after their second vaccination. Further booster shots may be recommended in the future.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
There are minimal side effects that remain uncommon. These include a sore injection site, headache, fatigue, temperature rise and muscle weakness. These symptoms are not from you having ‘mild COVID-19’; they are a result of the immune response that your body mounts in response to the vaccine.
What should I do if I am newly pregnant?
Get the vaccine as soon as possible! As above, the Pfizer vaccine has been determined safe for use during pregnancy in Australia.
What effect does the COVID-19 pandemic have on my fertility treatment?
As of 27 January 2022, we will be back to offering all of our usual fertility treatments. In the meantime, Newlife IVF remains open, and our fertility specialists, nurses and counsellors are all available, with consults taking place virtually (via telehealth or videoconferencing). Patients are still able to attend face-to-face appointments with their fertility specialist when an examination is required. During IVF cycles, patients are able to attend for pathology and ultrasound tracking in person, as well as undergo their fertility procedures in our on-site partner day surgery, Epworth Eastern Ekera.
Please note: Newlife IVF must follow directives from the Department of Health, as well as the policies of Epworth Eastern Hospital, and these are subject to change. Currently, all patients undergo exposure risk screening prior to attending our facilities, and in some circumstances, a COVID-19 swab is required.
Further, any patient actually diagnosed with coronavirus will be managed by the Department of Health, and they will be unable to attend the clinic while infectious.
As we all know, Government and Department of Health advice can change at short notice. However, we are hopeful that there will be no further forced interruptions to IVF or fertility treatment once all treatment resumes on 27 January 2022.
If I am having difficulty conceiving, is it still safe to seek help?
It is safe to undergo fertility assessment and treatment due to the numerous precautions we’re taking during the process. We still advise you to seek help from one of our specialists in line with our usual recommendations:
If you are under 35, we advise seeking help after 12 months of trying for a baby without success.
If you are over 35, we recommend seeking help after just 6 months of trying.
We can arrange a virtual consult or see you in our rooms with suitable precautions in place. Our clinic is taking a number of steps to ensure safety, such as maintaining social distancing by staggering patient appointments and temperature checks. Please ensure good hand hygiene and frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitiser if attending in person.
We recommend patients remain proactive about their fertility assessment and treatment throughout this period due to the natural decline in fertility with age.
What should I do during this period if I’m undergoing fertility treatment?
We are encouraging our patients to do all the recommended actions to reduce their risk of being exposed to COVID-19 including social distancing and hand hygiene, and we are strongly supporting vaccination against COVID-19 before and during fertility treatment. It’s even more important than usual to keep healthy by eating well and exercising to benefit your physical and mental health – see our blog for useful tips.
What happens if I am quarantined during or before my fertility treatment?
During your period of quarantine, we will be following advice from the Department of Health and Human Services, who may advise that you are unable to attend Newlife IVF clinics for appointments, ultrasounds, blood tests or fertility procedures (such as embryo transfer). If you suspect you need to self-quarantine or have been told to undergo quarantine, please contact our nursing team as soon as practicable by calling (03) 8080 8933. While our first priority is to reduce the spread of coronavirus through our community, we will do what we can to facilitate your care and continue with your treatment, if it’s appropriate and safe to do so. For example, some appointments can be managed by teleconference, or home delivery of medications may be appropriate. Your fertility nurse will advise what is possible in your particular situation.
What effect does COVID-19 have on pregnant women?
Over the course of the pandemic, lots of information has been gathered on the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy. We can now say with confidence that:
There is no direct effect on a baby’s physical development if his/her mother is infected with COVID-19. By this, we mean, the virus itself does not lead to an increase in fetal abnormalities.
There are some reports of COVID-19 causing an infection in an unborn baby, but the risk must be quite low.
There is an increase in premature birth if the mother is infected with COVID-19.
Pregnant women are notmore likelyto become infected with COVID-19 than non-pregnant women.
Pregnant women are more likelyto havesevere COVID-19 infections. Severe infection includes a much higher rate of hospital admission, respiratory distress syndrome, and intensive care unit admission for mechanical ventilation (breathing with a tube). This is the major contributor to the increase in preterm birth; pregnant women can be so unwell that the baby must be delivered, regardless of the gestation, in order to save the mother’s life.
Pregnant women are more likely to die from COVID-19 infection than non-pregnant women.
However, it is important to note that most pregnant women who have a COVID-19 infection experience a mild infection only and recover fullywith no impact on the pregnancy.
Can I pass coronavirus on to my baby?
It is possible but very unlikely.
If I am diagnosed with coronavirus during my pregnancy, what effect will it have on my baby?
The major risk to your baby is that premature birth is more likely. It does not increase the chance of abnormalities in your baby.
I’m still worried – what can I do?
It is understandable to feel anxious at this time on top of the normal worries associated with fertility treatment and pregnancy. Don’t feel like you have to cope alone. We are always here to help, and the coronavirus pandemic is no exception. Please do not hesitate to call (03) 8080 8933 to speak to one of our team members or email [email protected]. We will then direct you to our fertility specialists, nursing or counselling team, as appropriate, for support and information.
This is certainly an extraordinary time but we will all get through it together.
If you have any further questions, do get in touch!
Stay safe and take care, from Chris and the rest of the Newlife IVF team.
#inthistogether
Disclaimer: all information in this post is correct as of 20 January 2022 and will be regularly updated as new information and advice from health authorities comes to hand.
Whether you intend to donate to friends or family, or anonymously, there are several things to consider before you make your decision. Although it can be an incredibly rewarding experience, donating your eggs is a physical and emotional commitment with potentially lifelong implications. It is therefore important to be fully informed before you decide to become a donor.
Things to consider before donating your eggs
Understanding the legal landscape of egg donation in Australia
In Australia, donors have no legal connection to any child conceived as a result of their donation. This means they have no parental responsibilities and are not required to pay child support. Donors also have no legal rights to the child and cannot be granted custody. If you are donating as a known donor, you and the intended parents should discuss how much involvement, if any, you will have in the child’s life. Boundaries should be worked out before you embark on this journey and you may wish to seek legal advice to facilitate this.
If you intend to become an anonymous donor, it’s important to understand that donation is not truly anonymous in Victoria. Children born from your donation can legally request access to your identifying information after they turn 18. This means you may receive contact from them. Additionally, some of your details will be shared with potential recipients – these include eye colour, height, cultural background and health. However, your identity will remain hidden from potential recipients.
Financial considerations – what to expect when donating eggs
In Australia, egg and sperm donation must be altruistic. That is, you cannot receive financial compensation for your donation. However, reasonable expenses can be paid by the recipients, including medical and out-of-pocket costs (such as travel expenses).
Emotional implications of egg donation
Before you donate, you are required to attend mandatory counselling sessions. This is to make sure you fully understand the legal, social and emotional aspects of egg donation. How do you feel about someone else raising a child who is genetically related to you? How will your decision to donate affect your family and children (if you have them)? How do you feel about the potential for future contact with one or more children or adults born as a result of your donation?
At Newlife IVF, our experienced fertility counsellors can help you consider these questions and more. You will complete your counselling feeling fully informed and reassured about your decision and its possible effects on your life in the future.
Physical health and eligibility criteria for egg donors
To become an egg donor, you must be mentally and physically healthy, living a healthy lifestyle, with no family history of inheritable disease. You are also required to be at least 21 years old before you can donate. Ideally, you should be younger than 38 years old. A mandatory health check, including blood tests and ultrasounds, will be performed. You will also be asked lots of questions about your personal and family health history. Once you are given the all-clear, you will be able to donate.
What happens when you donate your eggs
The process of donating your eggs will differ depending on whether you already have frozen eggs available – i.e. from a previous in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle – or need to have your eggs collected. Below we discuss both scenarios.
Donating your stored eggs
If you’ve been through IVF and your family is complete, you may have frozen eggs you aren’t intending to use. In this case, you may wish to donate your eggs to an individual or couple who also needs help to have a child. In this case, assuming you fulfil the criteria to become a donor, you will be able to donate your existing frozen eggs.
Egg collection
This process is identical to the first half of an IVF cycle. Before your eggs are collected, you will be given medication to stimulate your ovaries to produce several eggs. This medication comes in the form of a daily injection that will need to be taken for 8 to 14 days. The injection is delivered through a pen device, so it is very easy to use. You can choose to give yourself the injection or ask a friend or family member to do it for you.
Injections will begin on the first day of your period. From around day 5 or 6, a second daily injection will be added, to stop your ovaries from releasing any eggs (ovulating) before they can be collected.
From day 8, you will be monitored using blood tests and ultrasounds to check whether your follicles (small, fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries, each containing a developing egg) are large enough for egg collection. Egg retrieval is usually done at around day 13. About 36 hours prior to collection, the injection that prevents ovulation will be replaced by a so-called ‘trigger injection’. This stimulates the eggs to fully mature before collection.
Egg collection is a day procedure done under light anaesthetic. You won’t be aware of the procedure while it’s happening, nor will you remember it. Egg retrieval is carried out by a fertility specialist, who will use an ultrasound to visualise your ovaries. A thin needle will be inserted through the top of your vagina and into your ovaries to collect the eggs. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, and between 8 and 15 eggs are typically collected.
About 90 minutes after the procedure you will be allowed to go home. After resting at home for 1–2 days, you can resume your normal activities. It is common to experience some abdominal discomfort and bleeding. However, the discomfort is typically fairly mild and manageable with Panadol and a heat pack.
A COVID-19 test is also required prior to the day of the procedure. You will need to isolate at home, separating yourself from others in your household, until the results come back.
After your eggs are collected, an embryologist will look at them under a microscope. If your recipient is ready, they can use the eggs straight away. The mature eggs that are ready for fertilisation will be introduced to sperm on the same day.
If your recipient is not ready, the mature eggs can be frozen until they are ready to be used. They will also be quarantined for a period of 3 months. After the quarantine period has passed, you will be asked to come in for another round of blood tests to double-check that you are healthy. Once you’re given the all-clear, your eggs are ready to be used.
How to donate your eggs
The information in this article is certainly not exhaustive. We recommend that you refer to the information provided by The Health Regulator to gain a more complete understanding of the issues pertaining to egg donation. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you are ready to take the next step to donate your eggs, book an appointment at Newlife IVF. Whether you want to donate to friends or family, or as an anonymous donor, we can facilitate the process for you. To book your appointment, call (03) 8080 8933 or book online.
Donor sperm – clinic-recruited versus known donors
Essentially, there are two options for obtaining sperm: accessing donor sperm through a fertility clinic’s sperm bank, or using a sample provided by someone you know.
At Newlife IVF we have an on-site sperm bank containing samples recruited from local and international donors. The benefit of using sperm from our clinic-recruited donors is that it is thoroughly tested for infectious diseases and common genetic problems. After we freeze the sperm, it is then quarantined before donors are retested to make sure it is high quality and safe to use.
When you use a clinic-recruited donor, you also have the advantage of very clear legal boundaries. The donor has no legal connection to your child – they are not entitled to custody and do not have to pay child support. They also remain anonymous to a large extent; that is, you will not know the donor’s identity (but you will know their family medical history and some of their traits). However, your child can request that the donor’s identity be revealed to them when they turn 18.
If you choose not to go the clinic-recruited donor route, you may consider using a sperm sample from a friend or acquaintance. A benefit of using a known donor is you will likely have a good understanding of their appearance, background and traits. However, the social and legal boundaries are not as clear-cut as they are when using a clinic-recruited donor. Discussing expectations and creating firm boundaries with a known donor requires careful negotiation, and you may wish to seek legal advice on how best to proceed.
If you do decide to use a sample from someone you know, it’s best to involve a fertility clinic. That way, you can have the sample rigorously tested for safety and quality in the same way we test donor sperm.
In this video, Dr Chris Russell talks about donor sperm and its use in IVF and IUI procedures.
Insemination – how egg and sperm meet
The next consideration is how best to introduce the sperm sample to your egg. There are a few different options for insemination, and the most suitable will depend on your specific circumstances.
One possibility is home insemination. In this method, sperm is injected into the vagina using a syringe at home. As this mimics the natural fertilisation process, home insemination is effective when the donor has a normal sperm count. It is also one of the most cost-effective options. However, it does not afford the same degree of protection from infectious disease as undergoing a similar process via a fertility clinic.
The clinic-based alternative is intrauterine insemination (IUI). This is where a sperm sample is concentrated to contain a very high number of sperm. It is then injected directly into your uterus soon after your ovaries release an egg. Using a concentrated sperm sample increases the chances of a sperm fertilising your egg. Depending on your circumstances, your specialist may recommend combining IUI with a medication to stimulate the release of an egg from your ovaries, further increasing the chance of success.
The last option is in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In this process, several of your eggs will be introduced to sperm in laboratory dishes. When utilising clinic-recruited donor sperm, the best sperm may be selected and a single sperm injected directly into each egg, a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). One of the best embryos resulting from IVF insemination will then be transferred back to your uterus. The rest can be frozen and stored for later use, if necessary.
In ICSI, a single sperm is injected into the centre of a mature egg.
There are a few reasons you may be advised to undergo IVF. If you have known infertility, you’re in your late 30s or early 40s (when female fertility naturally declines significantly), or you struggle to get pregnant through other forms of insemination, your specialist may recommend this procedure. Likewise, IVF may be advisable if you’re using a known sperm donor with low sperm quality or quantity for other methods of insemination. If you wish to do preimplantation genetic testing, which is the process of genetically testing your embryos before they are transferred to your uterus, IVF will be necessary. For more information about these procedures in relation to your particular circumstances, chat to your fertility specialist.
I’m a single man – what are my options?
To have a baby as a single man, you will need the help of an egg donor and a surrogate. According to Victorian law, these must be two different women.
You may choose to use a clinic-recruited egg donor, or a known donor, i.e. a friend, acquaintance, or a family member (note: the last is only okay if you are not using your own sperm). Egg donation must be altruistic in Australia, meaning no financial compensation is paid for providing eggs. Once the donor eggs are ready, your sperm will be introduced to them using IVF (discussed earlier in this article), and the best resulting embryo will be transferred to your surrogate’s uterus. If you are not using your own sperm, donor embryos may be an appropriate option for you.
It’s common to ask a friend, acquaintance or family member to be a surrogate. Surrogacy is also an altruistic process in Australia, however ‘reasonable’ medical costs can be paid by you. Keep in mind that in Victoria, multiple medical consultations, counselling sessions and legal advice are required for both you and the surrogate prior to proceeding. You will also need to seek permission from the Patient Review Panel (this is a legal requirement in Victoria), and the sperm or embryos must be quarantined. This process can take several months.
Seeking a surrogate overseas may also be an option. However, according to Australian law, this is only legal if it is altruistic. Be aware that this is a very expensive route and you will need to plan to potentially be overseas for a few months after your baby is born to organise their entry into Australia.
For advice related to your particular circumstances, you may wish to seek legal advice and talk to a fertility specialist. Unfortunately, Newlife IVF is not permitted to assist you in finding a surrogate (nor can any other IVF provider). However, our counsellors can certainly orientate you to the Victorian surrogacy community and provide support and information as you look for a potential surrogate.
Ready to have a baby on your own?
Make an appointment with one of our caring and experienced Newlife IVF fertility specialists to discuss the most appropriate way forward based on your medical history, circumstances and preferences. Call (03) 8080 8933 or book online and take the next step towards your dream.
This post was contributed by Laura Oliver, one of Newlife IVF’s counsellors.
Christmas often symbolises a time of joy and happiness. We plan celebratory events with family and friends, and take time to reflect on the end of another year. But this time of year can also be very difficult for women and couples who have been struggling with infertility and going through assisted reproductive treatment (ART) like IVF.
The focus at Christmas time is often on children and families, with Christmas cards and social media posts typically displaying pictures of family events or children with Santa. There can be a real sense of pressure to deliver good news at a time of year when many people are celebrating. However, if you’ve been struggling to fall pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment, the end of the year can serve as a painful marker that you have not achieved what you had hoped for this year, and for some of you, a reminder that yet another 12 months have gone by without a successful outcome.
All of this can bring up unwanted feelings of sadness, frustration, jealousy, anger and grief – and with a barrage of festive mementos and occasions around you to remind you that you’re not pregnant, it’s no wonder you feel this way!
Below are some tips on how you can manage the festive season while coping with fertility issues and undergoing treatment.
Be selective
Pre-plan and be selective about which events you attend at this time of year. If you do attend an event, consider how long to stay there for, and what you can do while there to minimise any feelings of stress or discomfort – for example, helping cook or wash up can help keep you busy and distracted, and may assist you to avoid topics of conversation you don’t want to be involved in.
Warn people in advance that you may find Christmas difficult – this doesn’t mean having to disclose information about your fertility; you can make more general references to having had a stressful or difficult year instead. Try to give your hosts time to understand that this year might look a little different for you, and to not be offended if you decide not to attend or only stay for a short while.
If you have a partner or a support person with you, plan a code word or signal to give when you need them to rescue you from a difficult conversation, or when you want to wind up and go home.
Celebrate
Celebrate how you want. Sometimes, this might feel a little selfish at a time when there are often traditions to uphold or family events to attend, but give yourself permission to celebrate in a way that is comfortable and meaningful to you at this time.
This could mean going away with a friend or just your partner (or staying home) and avoiding big family gatherings. Or starting a new tradition for this time of year. Do something that you know will bring you joy, no matter how small.
Re-charge
Use some of this holiday period to re-charge and take a break from treatment (if you feel you can). Take advantage of your time off work and prioritise self-care – pamper yourself! Get a massage, go away for a few days, plan some day trips to the beach or the countryside, or curl up with a good book.
Reflect
Take some time to reflect on your IVF journey so far, and perhaps think about your plans for treatment moving forward. Is there anything you could do differently next year? What are your expectations, and do you need to adjust these at all? Do you have questions to discuss with your specialist? Perhaps even think about how much longer you think you can continue with IVF treatment before needing to pause and reassess again.
Reflect on your own, with your partner (if you have one) or a support person. You could try using a journal to write down how you’re feeling, record the questions you may have, or come up with a list of pros and cons to aid future decision-making.
Ask for help
Use your supports (partner, family, friends) to help you work through any difficult feelings as they arise. Be open and honest with your networks about how you feel and the ways in which they can be of support to you. Be reassured that the way you are feeling, and the different types of emotions and thoughts that may be triggered at this time of year, are very normal. But we all cope in different ways, so make sure you do whatever it is you need to do to keep your heart, mind and body strong for the year to come. And above all else, remember to be kind to yourself!
Lastly, remember that the Newlife IVF counselling team is here to help. We can help you navigate and unpack your experiences and emotions. If you feel that you could benefit from the support of our counselling team, please call the Newlife IVF team on (03) 8080 8933.
What is IVF and how does it work?
In ICSI, a single sperm is injected into the centre of a mature egg.