Melbourne Fertility Specialists and Doctors
CREI Subspecialist · PhD Clinical Genetics · ANZSREI President Elect · Medical Director, Melbourne IVFWomen's Health Melbourne is a specialist fertility clinic led by Dr Raelia Lew, one of fewer than 2% of Australian obstetricians and gynaecologists to hold CREI certification, the highest postgraduate qualification in IVF and assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand.
Are you starting to think about your fertility, or have you been trying for a while? We're here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Expert, Personalised Fertility Treatment
Meet Dr Raelia Lew, Women’s Health Melbourne’s Lead Fertility Specialist
Dr Raelia Lew is a CREI-certified fertility specialist and the Medical Director of both Women's Health Melbourne and Melbourne IVF. She is President-Elect of ANZSREI and the lead author of the ANZSREI consensus guideline on elective egg freezing, which is the national standard of care for this treatment.
Raelia holds a PhD in Clinical Genetics from the University of Sydney and completed a visiting fellowship at the University of Cambridge.
Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Raelia is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, a published researcher, and an invited speaker at national and international conferences. Her work has been featured in ABC News, The Economist, and Kidspot, and she hosts the Knocked Up podcast on Apple and Spotify, covering fertility and women's health for a general audience.
Fertility conditions we treat
-
PCOS affects around 1 in 10 Australian women and is one of the most common causes of irregular ovulation and difficulty conceiving. It's a hormonal condition, not just a reproductive one. Managing it well means looking at the whole picture. We investigate and treat all aspects of PCOS, from insulin resistance and androgen effects to ovulation and fertility planning.
-
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It affects roughly 1 in 9 Australian women, is frequently underdiagnosed, and can significantly affect fertility. Getting pregnant with endometriosis is possible, but it often requires a specialist who understands both the surgical and reproductive sides of the condition.
-
If your periods are irregular, absent, or unpredictable, ovulation may be the issue. The causes range from thyroid and adrenal conditions to stress, nutrition, and genetics. Identifying the specific cause is the first step, and in most cases, ovulation can be successfully regulated with the right treatment approach.
-
A previous pregnancy doesn't mean fertility challenges can't arise. Secondary infertility is more common than many people expect, and it can affect both partners. Our approach involves a thorough assessment of both of you, so nothing is assumed, and nothing is missed.
-
Egg quality and ovarian reserve change over time, and the pace varies between women. Understanding your own fertility picture means you can make genuinely informed decisions about timing, testing, and treatment. We offer a comprehensive assessment, so you know where you stand.
Learn more about female fertility and age
-
Male factors contribute to around half of all fertility difficulties, yet they're often the last thing investigated. Sperm health is influenced by a range of medical, lifestyle, and environmental factors, many of which are treatable. A semen analysis is a straightforward first step that can meaningfully change your path forward.
Fertility treatments we offer
-
IVF is a well-established assisted reproductive technology in which eggs and sperm are fertilised outside the body, and the strongest resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus. It's recommended for a range of fertility challenges, including blocked fallopian tubes, poor sperm quality, unexplained infertility, and after other treatments haven't achieved a pregnancy. Our IVF treatment is guided by Dr Raelia Lew, Medical Director of Melbourne IVF – one of the institutions where IVF was pioneered – and lead author of the national clinical guideline on egg freezing.
-
Freezing your eggs is one of the most significant steps you can take to preserve your fertility options. Modern vitrification techniques mean that more than 85% of frozen eggs now survive the warming process, retaining their quality relative to your age at the time of freezing. No matter why you are considering it, egg freezing gives you choices, and Dr Raelia Lew, co-author of the national/Australasian egg-freezing clinical guidelines, will help you make the right ones.
-
Your first visit is a thorough, unhurried consultation with Dr Lew. We review your history, order relevant investigations, and give you a clear picture of where things stand and what options make sense for you. Treatment may not be the next step, but you'll have informed clarity after this review.
-
IUI is a less invasive fertility treatment in which washed and concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. It's often considered before IVF and can be effective for mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or for single women and same-sex couples using donor sperm.
-
PGT allows embryos created through IVF to be screened for inherited genetic conditions or chromosomal errors before transfer. It's particularly relevant for couples with a known genetic condition, recurrent pregnancy loss, or women over 35. Dr Raelia Lew's background in clinical genetics means this is an area of particular depth at WHM.
-
For people who need donor eggs, sperm, or embryos to build their family, we provide careful, considered guidance through every stage of the process. We work with known and clinic-recruited donors and support single women, same-sex couples, and people with medical fertility challenges.
-
More women are choosing to have children on their own terms and their own timeline. We provide practical, respectful, expert care, whether using donor sperm or preserving eggs for later.
-
Acupuncture can support fertility treatment by improving circulation, regulating hormones, and reducing stress. WHM acupuncture is provided by Mandi Azoulay, our Chinese medicine and acupuncture practitioner, who works alongside the clinical team.
Credentials and recognition
Dr Raelia Lew's work is recognised across clinical, academic, and public health spheres, which most notably include:
CREI Subspecialist, the highest postgraduate qualification in IVF/ART in Australia & NZ
President Elect, ANZSREI (Australian and New Zealand Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility)
Lead author, ANZSREI consensus guideline on elective egg freezing
Medical Director, Women's Health Melbourne and Melbourne IVF
PhD in Clinical Genetics, University of Sydney; Visiting Fellow, University of Cambridge
Clinical Senior Lecturer, University of Melbourne
Published peer-reviewed research; invited speaker at national and international conferences
Host of the Knocked Up podcast
ABC News, The Economist, Kidspot, The Jewish Independent, and multiple podcast appearances
OUR NOVEL IVF APPROACH
Create, prepare, transfer. Our novel approach to IVF – where embryos are frozen, the lining and the body is holistically optimised and the embryo is transferred in a separate dedicated cycle.
MALE FERTILITY SPECIALISTS
When you and your partner are trying to conceive, you want to give your baby the best start in life. From a male perspective, that means achieving the best sperm health.
FERTILITY FAQS
-
Your options depend on what's causing the difficulty, and this is why assessment comes first. Once we have a clear picture of your situation, we can discuss treatments ranging from ovulation induction and IUI through to IVF. Some causes are straightforward to treat; others are more complex. The goal of your first visit is to understand exactly what's going on so we can solve the right problem.
-
If you're under 35 and have been trying for 12 months without success, it's worth seeing a specialist. If you're 35 or older, we'd suggest coming in after 6 months. If you have a known condition like PCOS or endometriosis, irregular cycles, or concerns about your fertility, there's no reason to wait.
-
Infertility has many causes, and it's not always a female-factor issue, as male factors contribute to around half of all cases. Common causes include ovulation disorders, endometriosis, tubal blockage, sperm quality, and age-related decline in egg quality. A thorough assessment of both partners is the most reliable way to find out what's actually going on.
-
A CREI-certified subspecialist is the highest postgraduate qualification in fertility medicine available in Australia and New Zealand. It requires additional years of subspecialty training beyond standard O&G certification and is held by fewer than 2% of Australian obstetricians and gynaecologists. It's the clearest indicator that your specialist has deep, dedicated expertise in this field.
-
Yes. Fertility testing can be done at any stage, even before you start trying. If you have a family history of early menopause, a known condition like endometriosis or PCOS, or just want to understand your reproductive picture before making decisions, an early assessment can be a good idea.
-
Initial investigations typically include blood tests to assess hormone levels and ovarian reserve (AMH and FSH), a pelvic ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries and uterus, and a semen analysis for situations that involve a male partner. Depending on your history, additional investigations such as genetic testing, a hysterosalpingogram (to assess the fallopian tubes), or further imaging may also be recommended.
-
Your diagnosis guides treatment. Options include ovulation induction (for ovulatory disorders), IUI (a less invasive insemination procedure), and IVF (for more complex fertility challenges). For some patients, surgical management of conditions like endometriosis is the most important first step. Preimplantation genetic testing may also be relevant. Your treatment plan will be built around your specific situation.
-
Success rates vary significantly depending on age, diagnosis, and treatment type. We don't offer blanket statistics as they can be misleading when applied to an individual. What we can tell you is that we publish our outcomes data through the national register (ANZARD), and we'll give you a clear, honest assessment of your situation at your first consultation.
-
Yes, many women with endometriosis do conceive, though it can take longer and may be more difficult depending on the severity of the condition. Surgical treatment to remove endometriosis can improve natural fertility for some women. For others, IVF is the most effective path. The right approach depends on the extent of your endometriosis, your age, and other factors, which is why specialist assessment matters.
Taking the first step is often the hardest part
A fertility assessment with Dr Raelia Lew is a clear, thorough consultation and never a push toward treatment. It's a chance to understand your options and make decisions that are right for you. Learn more about your first visit.