In Vitro Fertilisation
Assisted reproductive technology in which eggs are fertilised by sperm outside the body and resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus.
All IVF articles
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 4 min
When to start thinking about IVF
Outlines scenarios warranting IVF consideration: trying over 6-12 months, unexplained infertility, severe endometriosis, carrying a genetic condition, or prior vasectomy.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 4 min
IVF Babies Just as Healthy as others
Reviews evidence on the health of children conceived via IVF, covering congenital abnormality rates, ICSI-related risks, emotional stress and OHSS avoidance.
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Nutrition and Lifestyle · 2 min
Fertility supplements: do they work?
Dr Lew reviews the evidence for common fertility supplements including folate, iodine, DHEA, antioxidants and melatonin, and when they may help.
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Podcast · Knocked Up
Knocked Up Podcast: Choosing Your Doctor
Dr Raelia Lew discusses fertility specialist qualifications (FRANZCOG, CREI), continuity of care, and how to choose or change your fertility doctor.
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Preconception Genetic Carrier Screening · 1 min
Preconception screening
Dr Raelia Lew discusses preconception genetic carrier screening for recessive conditions like SMA and cystic fibrosis, and the 2018 Budget funding announcement.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 1 min
Myth 3: Egg collection is simple
Describes the egg collection procedure as a precise, ultrasound-guided surgery performed under sedation anaesthesia, highlighting the skill required from the operating surgeon.
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Female Fertility · 1 min
A modern holistic approach to fertility management
Women's Health Melbourne outlines its holistic approach to fertility care, combining IVF with mindfulness, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, counselling and nutrition support.
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Egg Freezing · 1 min
Myth 2: The process of egg freezing is easy
Dr Raelia Lew explains that while egg freezing is straightforward for clinicians, patients face real challenges such as self-injecting medication and cycle scheduling.
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Egg Freezing · 1 min
Myth 1: Egg freezing is a good insurance policy for women over 38 years
Debunks the myth that egg freezing alone guarantees future pregnancy for women over 38, noting fertility declines sharply with age and more IVF cycles are typically needed.
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Egg Freezing · 2 min
When freezing eggs, not all clinics are the same.
Dr Raelia Lew explains why she partners with Life Fertility Clinic Melbourne and lists the checklist of factors needed for the best egg freezing outcomes.
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Egg Freezing · 5 min
Low Cost Egg Freezing: Bargain or bad deal?
Explains how low-cost egg freezing providers cut corners on staffing, medication dosing, anaesthesia and lab quality, and lists questions to ask before choosing a specialist.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 3 min
Certificate in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Subspecialty (CREI)
Dr Raelia Lew explains what the RANZCOG CREI subspecialty qualification means and why it matters when choosing a fertility specialist for complex infertility.
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Endometriosis · 2 min
What is endometriosis?
Overview of endometriosis forms, causes, diagnosis via laparoscopy, and treatment options including IVF and hormonal suppression before treatment.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 3 min
The real cost of cut-price IVF
Argues that choosing a RANZCOG Board Certified CREI fertility specialist, rather than a cut-price corporate IVF clinic, offers better long-term value and care quality.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 3 min
Beyonce and Amal Clooney? Seems like twins are more common these days….
Explains why twin pregnancy rates are rising, comparing natural identical and fraternal twinning to rates seen with IVF and ovulation induction, and outlines the risks.
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Male Fertility · 3 min
Two to tango: What is male infertility?
Overviews male factor infertility causes, from sperm production and lifestyle factors to age-related decline, and outlines treatments including ICSI and advanced sperm selection.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 5 min
What is my chance of having a baby with IVF? Interpreting IVF clinic success rates in context
Explains factors affecting individual IVF success rates versus published averages, covering age, ovarian reserve, frozen embryos, and genetic screening.
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Egg Freezing · 3 min
Technology revolution: Changes make egg freezing affordable for younger women
Discusses how partnering with an independent lab and personalised care plans has made elective egg freezing more affordable, especially for younger women.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 4 min
In Vitro Maturation: Australian and Belgian Scientists lead the way
Explains in vitro maturation (IVM) technology, how it differs from standard IVF, its potential benefits for reducing treatment burden, and remaining safety unknowns.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 2 min
An IVF baby at 62?
Dr Raelia Lew reflects on a 62-year-old Tasmanian mother's donor-egg IVF birth, discussing how IVF technology and access to donor eggs have changed over decades.
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Preconception Genetic Carrier Screening · 3 min
The Zika Virus: tips for couples trying to get pregnant
Explains Zika virus transmission risks for couples trying to conceive, including travel precautions, waiting periods after exposure, and advice for IVF patients and donors.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 3 min
Should people be allowed to chose the sex of their babies through IVF?
Dr Raelia Lew argues for legalising elective, self-funded sex selection in IVF for family balancing, discussing Australia's NHMRC ethical framework.
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Female Fertility · 3 min
Does caffeine affect fertility?
Reviews evidence on how caffeine intake may affect fertility, miscarriage risk and IVF outcomes, with practical advice to limit daily coffee consumption.
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In Vitro Fertilisation · 3 min
Help! There are so many different types of fertility treatments. What is the difference?
Guides patients on choosing a fertility specialist and IVF model of care, explaining CREI training, hidden costs of low-cost clinics, and key questions to ask.
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Thinking about IVF? Let’s talk it through.
Book a consultation with Dr Raelia Lew and the Women’s Health Melbourne team to build a plan around your circumstances.