PCOS is now PMOS – a more accurate name for a complex condition

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PCOS is under-researched relative to its prevalence, which creates genuine knowledge and training gaps among healthcare providers. It’s also a complex, multisystem condition that rarely follows a textbook presentation, making diagnosis feel arbitrary and the path forward unclear.

Many of my patients arrive carrying that same frustration, alongside a tangle of unanswered questions, such as:

  • ‘Do I actually have cysts?’
  • ‘Why are my symptoms so different from what I’ve read online?’
  • ‘Why has no one explained how all of this fits together?’

If any of this sounds familiar, know that your confusion is not a reflection of you – it reflects a system that hasn’t yet caught up with the complexity of this condition. But that is changing.

In 2026, after years of research and global collaboration, PCOS was officially renamed PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome). And while that may sound like a simple change in terminology, it represents something far more significant – a long-overdue shift in how this condition is understood and how people living with it are cared for.

Why did the name need to change?

The term ‘polycystic ovary syndrome’ has always been misleading. It implies the condition is defined by cysts on the ovaries, but many people with this diagnosis don’t have ovarian cysts at all. What appear as ‘cysts’ on ultrasound are often immature follicles – not true cysts in the clinical sense.

More importantly, PMOS is not just an ovarian condition. What we now understand is that it’s a complex hormonal and metabolic syndrome affecting multiple systems throughout the body, extending well beyond the reproductive organs.

The old name unintentionally narrowed the focus to the ovaries, and patients paid the price with delayed or no diagnoses. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 70% of people with this condition don’t know they have it.1 Symptoms beyond the reproductive system, such as weight changes, insulin resistance and mood disturbances, were routinely overlooked. Some people were told they didn’t have the condition simply because their ultrasound looked normal.

This renaming isn’t cosmetic. It’s a correction of decades of misunderstanding. And for many, it will mean the difference between feeling dismissed or properly seen by your healthcare practitioner.

What PMOS actually means

PMOS may sound like a more complex term, but it is far more accurate. The new name reflects three interconnected aspects of the condition:

  • Polyendocrine – multiple hormonal systems are involved, not just the ovaries
  • Metabolic – the condition affects how your body regulates insulin, energy and weight
  • Ovarian – ovulation and reproductive function remain part of the picture.

Put simply, PMOS recognises that your symptoms are connected, not random. Irregular cycles, acne, excess hair growth, difficulty losing weight, mood changes and fertility challenges are not separate, unrelated problems. Rather, they are different expressions of the same underlying hormonal disruption.

And importantly, this is a condition we understand and manage far better today than ever before.

What this means for you

For many people, this change validates what they have felt all along – that their symptoms are real, that they are connected, and that they deserve more than piecemeal care.

You may also find that conversations with your healthcare team are approached differently. Rather than focusing primarily on your menstrual cycle or the appearance of your ovaries on ultrasound, there is likely to be greater emphasis on hormone balance, metabolic health (particularly insulin resistance) and long-term wellbeing, including cardiovascular risk and mental health.

This holistic approach is exactly what many patients have been asking for.

A question I’m often asked: ‘Will my menstrual cycle become regular again?’

In many cases, the answer is yes.

PMOS often disrupts ovulation through a combination of hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance. When we address these underlying drivers, we frequently see menstrual cycles becoming more regular, ovulation returning and symptoms improving more broadly.

That said, there is no quick fix. For most patients, meaningful and lasting improvement comes from consistent, sustainable changes built up over time – not from any single intervention.

Lifestyle as medicine

Lifestyle changes are the first-line treatment for PMOS because they directly target the two core drivers of the condition – insulin resistance and hormone dysregulation.

This doesn’t mean extremes or perfection. It means:

  • Nourishing your body with foods that stabilise blood sugar
  • Moving regularly in a way that feels sustainable, not punishing
  • Prioritising sleep and managing stress.

Even small, consistent shifts can have a meaningful impact on ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity.

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough

For some people, lifestyle changes alone won’t fully address their symptoms. This is a reflection of the condition’s complexity, not a personal failing.

Depending on your symptoms and goals, we may consider:

  • Hormonal treatments to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the effects of elevated androgens (responsible for symptoms like acne and excess hair growth)
  • Medications, such as metformin, to support insulin function and metabolic health
  • Ovulation induction if you’re trying to conceive a baby.

These aren’t a sign of failure or of doing something wrong. They are simply additional tools – ones that work best when built on the foundation of the lifestyle changes already discussed.

Looking after the whole of you

One of the most important shifts that comes with the PMOS reframing is that your care should extend beyond physical symptoms alone. This condition doesn’t just affect your ovaries – it affects how you feel in your body every day, and your care should reflect that.

The mental and emotional toll of living with a complex diagnosis, sometimes compounded by years of feeling unheard, deserves the same attention as your physical symptoms. So too does the impact that visible symptoms, such as acne, hair changes and weight shifts, can have on body image and self-esteem. Equally important is monitoring the long-term health risks associated with PMOS, particularly an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease – both of which are very manageable with the right support.

What this means if you’ve been living with PMOS

If you’ve struggled with a confusing or inaccurate diagnosis, this new name is significant as it represents a fundamental shift in how the condition is understood, not just what it’s called.

Your symptoms are not random, your experience is valid, and your care should be as individual as you are.

At Newlife IVF, we approach PMOS not as a label to manage, but as an opportunity to truly understand your body and build a path forward that feels achievable.

So if you’re living with PMOS and would like expert advice about ways to improve your chances of getting pregnant, you can make an appointment with one of our fertility specialists by calling Newlife IVF on (03) 8080 8933 or by booking online via our appointments page.

Reference

  1. World Health Organisation [Internet]. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Jan 2026 [cited 2026 2 June]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

The two-week wait – why some patients test early and what it means

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Some people may feel uncertain or apprehensive when talking to fertility clinics about home testing. We want to assure you that at Newlife IVF, we welcome discussion about your decisions and are here to support you with information and guidance.

What a positive or negative result might mean

A positive result on a urine test can feel like an enormous relief, but it isn’t always definitive. IVF medications – particularly the hCG trigger medication – can remain in your system for up to two weeks after egg retrieval, and a test taken too soon may simply be detecting what’s left of the trigger medication rather than a true pregnancy (a false positive result).

A true positive usually reflects that your body is producing hCG because an embryo has implanted. However, only a blood test can confirm the exact level of hCG hormone and whether it’s rising as it should, and this must be performed at the right time.

A negative urine test result doesn’t necessarily mean your IVF treatment cycle hasn’t produced a pregnancy. Urine tests require higher hormone levels to detect a pregnancy, and those levels may still be too low to detect during the early stage of pregnancy. Timing is crucial – testing before 10 to 12 days post-transfer is a common cause of a false negative result. So even if your home test is negative, your blood test may still come back positive.

The risks of solely relying on urine tests

If your at-home test shows a negative result, it’s important that you still attend your scheduled blood test. Home tests have important limitations, and one of the more serious is their inability to detect early warning signs of complications that a blood test would otherwise identify.

A urine test can only confirm whether hCG is present. It can’t measure how much, or whether levels are rising as they should. This distinction matters more than it might seem. A lower-than-expected hCG level, or a rise that’s slower than anticipated, can be an early indicator of an ectopic pregnancy – a condition where the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in a fallopian tube.

In a healthy intrauterine pregnancy, hCG levels roughly double every 48 to 72 hours. However, with an ectopic pregnancy, levels may rise more slowly or plateau, sometimes remaining low enough to evade detection on a urine test or producing a misleadingly positive result without confirming a healthy implantation site. Relying on a home test alone could delay the timely medical care your body needs, with possible serious consequences for your health.

The pros and cons of testing early

Testing early can offer convenience and privacy, and a positive result can bring emotional reassurance during an anxious wait. For many patients, this can also feel proactive and provide a sense of control.

The drawbacks, though, are worth understanding. Urine tests are less sensitive than blood tests, so testing too soon risks a false negative that may miss an early pregnancy. Meanwhile, residual hCG from a trigger injection can produce a false positive.

Most importantly, home tests cannot measure the precise hormone levels needed to properly monitor your progress.

Our advice, if you choose to test early

Testing early is a personal choice, and we understand the emotional impetus for wanting autonomy and control over knowing the outcome of your IVF cycle. The two-week wait is hard, and wanting answers is completely natural.

If you choose to take a home urine test, waiting until at least 10 days after your embryo transfer or insemination improves the chance of accurate results. And when doing so, keep in mind that a home urine test can never replace the insights provided by a blood test. A blood test remains the gold standard – it confirms whether a pregnancy has occurred, measures exact hCG levels and assesses whether your hormone levels are rising appropriately. And when paired with an ultrasound at the right time, a blood test verifies that the pregnancy is safely located in the uterus.

Your blood test also provides us with the full picture of whether a pregnancy is viable and progressing safely. If you feel anxious, uncertain or experience unusual symptoms during this time, such as pain or bleeding, please reach out to your nursing team right away.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our counselling team is also here to support you through the two-week wait and beyond. Your journey matters to us, and we’re committed to guiding you through every stage of fertility treatment with care and transparency.

Supported at every step – the team behind your fertility care

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Fertility treatment success depends on the doctor you choose and on the strength of the entire clinic team. It is shaped by integrated support across the clinic – from the scientists working behind the scenes, to dedicated nurses, fertility counsellors and genetic counsellors providing guided care, and the administrators, finance officers, patient support and marketing team – to ensure every part of your experience is seamless and well-coordinated.

Think of it like a symphony. A soloist may shine, but it’s the orchestra as a whole – each instrument working in harmony – that creates something truly remarkable. Fertility care is no different: the sum is greater than its parts.

In this blog, we’ll show how every part of a fertility clinic plays a vital role, explaining why looking at who your specialist partners with matters for both your treatment experience and results.

Comprehensive care close to home

Newlife IVF is a Melbourne-based fertility clinic with three convenient locations: our flagship site in Box Hill, and service centres in Clayton and East Melbourne. We also offer telehealth appointments, making it easier for individuals and couples from across Victoria – including regional and rural areas – to access world-class fertility care.

We provide the full spectrum of fertility services, from initial fertility testing and early treatment options to advanced care such as IVF, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), preimplantation genetic testing, fertility preservation, and donor or surrogacy pathways. This breadth of services allows us to tailor care to each person’s unique circumstances, ensuring patients don’t undergo unnecessary treatment, but instead receive the most appropriate care for their needs.

Best science, as standard

Behind every successful pregnancy is a foundation of rigorous science. At Newlife IVF, we are deeply committed to upholding best scientific practice and making it accessible to all our patients.

Our state-of-the-art laboratory is led by our Scientific Director, Dr Tiki Osianlis, and is equipped with the latest technology.

For IVF, we use advanced techniques such as:

  • EmbryoScope time-lapse system to continuously monitor embryo development
  • Sequential media and EmbryoGlue as a standard to support embryo growth and transfer
  • Egg spindle visualisation during ICSI, using specialised microscopes and polarised light to select eggs with the best fertilisation potential
  • PIEZO-ICSI, offering a gentler approach to ICSI that is more suited to patients with fragile eggs.

We also partner with CooperGenomics, a global leader in reproductive genetic testing, to provide patients with access to chromosomal screening and single-gene disorder testing.

Importantly, these advanced techniques are offered at reasonable prices, in line with our belief that every patient deserves the very best scientific care, not just those who can afford to pay extra.

Highly skilled embryologists – the clinic’s ‘engine room’

If the fertility specialist is the conductor of the symphony, the embryologists are the musicians bringing the music to life. Often called the ‘engine room’ of a fertility clinic, the laboratory team plays a vital role in determining the success of treatment.

At Newlife IVF, our embryologists are heavily involved in all aspects of treatment. We know how precious eggs, sperm and embryos are to our patients, and how daunting it can feel to entrust them to someone else’s care. That’s why our embryologists maintain open lines of communication, keeping patients informed about embryo progress and answering questions along the way.

We also have a comprehensive team in place so that no embryologist is overburdened. This allows each procedure to be carried out with the care, focus and attention it deserves, and reflects our commitment to optimising embryo development and, ultimately, pregnancy success.

Safeguarding your most precious cargo

The lab environment matters more than most people realise. Even seemingly small factors, such as air quality or exposure to light, can impact embryo development.

That’s why our laboratory has been purpose-built to reduce volatile compounds and harmful blue light. We also adhere to strict quality-control protocols to ensure ideal conditions for embryo growth are maintained every day.

Equally important is safeguarding the identity and integrity of every patient’s eggs, sperm and embryos. At Newlife IVF, we use a dual-layer witnessing system, comprising:

  • RI Witness electronic platform, which tracks eggs, sperm and embryos at every stage of treatment and handling
  • Double-witnessing by our embryologists, providing an additional layer of assurance.

This gold-standard system ensures every sample is accurately tracked, securely stored and handled with the highest levels of safety and accountability.

The steady presence of fertility nurses

If fertility specialists set the direction of care, fertility nurses provide continuity. With extensive experience in fertility treatment, fertility nurses are the conduit between patients and their treating fertility specialists, translating clinical decisions into clear direction and ensuring information flows clearly in both directions. They are often the team members patients interact with most, guiding them through each stage of treatment with clarity and reassurance.

At Newlife IVF, fertility nurses oversee key elements of care, including cycle monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds, medication education and administration support, and early pregnancy care before transition to obstetric services. Working closely with fertility specialists, they coordinate treatment plans, relay results and clinical updates, and advocate for patients’ needs. By taking time to explain treatment plans, procedures and medications in detail, our nurses help patients feel informed and confident throughout their fertility journey.

Emotional care as part of clinical care

Fertility treatment can bring uncertainty, stress and complex emotions alongside the physical treatment. That is why counselling is integrated into care at Newlife IVF, rather than treated as an optional extra.

Our experienced fertility counsellors support patients through all stages of treatment, offering tools to navigate the emotional demands of fertility care. They also play a critical role in supporting decision-making, relationship dynamics and preparation for donor conception or surrogacy pathways. The aim is to ensure patients feel emotionally prepared and empowered as their journey evolves.

Genetic insight to support informed decisions

Where genetic considerations are relevant, genetic counselling provides essential clarity and guidance. Our genetic counsellors work closely with fertility specialists to assess inherited health risks, explain inheritance patterns, and interpret genetic test results in clear, practical terms.

They support patients to understand testing options such as carrier screening and preimplantation genetic testing, while also helping them explore reproductive pathways that align with their circumstances and values. Emotional and ethical considerations are addressed alongside clinical information, ensuring decisions are made with confidence.

Coordination that reduces stress

Behind every appointment, test and treatment cycle is careful coordination. Our administration team plays a vital role in ensuring fertility care runs smoothly by managing schedules, communications and documentation so patients can focus on treatment rather than logistics.

They coordinate appointments, explain timelines and processes, assist with forms and maintain close communication with clinical teams to support continuity of care. Their work helps reduce uncertainty and ensures that patients feel informed and supported throughout their experience.

Financial clarity as part of patient-centred care

Fertility treatment represents a significant investment, and financial clarity is an important part of feeling supported. Our finance team works closely with patients to explain cost estimates, manage billing and payments, and assist with Medicare and private health insurance claims.

By breaking down financial information into clear, manageable steps and responding promptly to questions, they help minimise stress and uncertainty, allowing patients to make considered decisions about their care.

Support before the first appointment

Care at Newlife IVF begins well before treatment starts. Our patient enquiries and marketing teams help people take their first steps by providing accessible, accurate information and creating opportunities to learn more about fertility care.

From responding to initial enquiries and online forms, to developing educational resources and events, these teams ensure individuals and couples feel informed and welcomed as they begin exploring their fertility treatment options.

More than the sum of its parts

Fertility treatment is an incredibly personal journey – one that involves equal measures of science, compassion and trust. While your choice of fertility specialist is important, it is one part of a much larger picture.

At Newlife IVF, every aspect of our clinic – from our laboratory and scientific team to our nurses, fertility counsellors, donor services, genetic counsellors and administrative staff – works together to create an environment where patients feel supported, and where their eggs, sperm and embryos are given the best possible chance of success.

We believe families bring joy to life. That’s why we combine world-leading science, exceptional care and genuine compassion, as we strive to help you realise your dream of starting or growing your family.

Because in the end, fertility care is it about the whole team working in harmony, with you at the very centre.

If you’re ready to explore your options for having a baby, you can make an appointment with one of our specialists by calling (03) 8080 8933 or by booking online.

Embryo grading explained – what do those numbers and letters really mean?

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Here, we break down what embryo grading really represents, how it is used in IVF laboratories, and what it means – and does not mean – for your chances of success.

What is embryo grading?

Embryo grading is a system embryologists use to describe the appearance of an embryo under the microscope at a specific moment in time. It allows us to make informed decisions about which embryos to transfer or freeze, and to communicate clearly within the laboratory team when assessing embryo development.

Importantly, embryo grading is a descriptive tool rather than a guarantee of outcome. IVF laboratories may use slightly different grading systems, which means embryo grades can vary between clinics – even clinics located within the same state – and are not always directly comparable. Understanding what grading does and does not tell us can help you feel more informed and reassured throughout your IVF journey.

Why is so much attention given to embryo grading?

It’s natural to want something tangible to hold onto during IVF, and embryo grades can feel like a clear point of reference. Much like our early educational experiences, receiving a ‘grade’ can feel like an assessment of performance. Many people assume that a higher grade means a better embryo (and therefore a higher chance of success), while a lower grade suggests the opposite.

While this interpretation is understandable, it isn’t entirely accurate. There are many factors involved in embryo development and implantation, and grading alone cannot capture them all.

Embryo grading is not a prediction tool; it is an observation tool. It tells us what an embryo looks like at a particular point in time, not whether it will implant or result in a pregnancy. Every viable embryo, regardless of grade, has the potential to result in a pregnancy.

In our many years of experience in IVF laboratories, we have seen high-grade embryos that did not implant, and lower-grade embryos that went on to become healthy babies. While grading helps us prioritise embryos for transfer or freezing at that moment, it is only one piece of a much larger picture.

When do we grade embryos?

Embryos are grown in the Newlife IVF laboratory for up to six days after fertilisation. By day five or six, embryos ideally reach the blastocyst stage, which marks a critical milestone in development.

At this stage, the embryo has developed into many interacting cells, and for the first time, we can clearly identify three distinct structures:

  • Inner cell mass (ICM): A cluster of cells inside the embryo that will eventually form the baby
  • Trophectoderm (TE): The outer layer of cells that will develop into the placenta, which supports the baby during pregnancy
  • Blastocoel: A fluid-filled cavity that allows the embryo to expand.

A photographic image of a blastocyst (left) positioned next to a graphic representation of a blastocyst (right). The images show the types of cells that go on to become an embryo proper (foetus), including the zona pellucida (shell), cavity, trophectoderm cells (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM).

How does blastocyst grading work?

Blastocyst grading assesses three main features: the stage of expansion, the characteristics of the inner cell mass, and the characteristics of the trophectoderm. Each component is graded separately, as outlined below.

Expansion stage

The expansion stage refers to the size of the blastocyst and how far it has progressed in breaking free from its protective outer shell, known as the zona pellucida. As the blastocyst grows, it needs to thin and eventually break through this shell in a process called hatching.

Expansion is categorised into six stages:

  • Stage 1: Early blastocyst development, where a small fluid cavity is just beginning to form
  • Stage 2: Early expanding blastocyst, with a growing cavity but still relatively small within the shell
  • Stage 3: Expanded blastocyst, where the cavity is larger and the embryo occupies more space, but hatching has not yet begun
  • Stage 4: Fully expanded blastocyst, filling most of the shell, which has thinned significantly
  • Stage 5: Beginning to hatch, with part of the embryo emerging through the shell
  • Stage 6: Fully hatched, where the embryo has completely escaped the zona pellucida and is ready for implantation.

Inner cell mass (ICM) characteristics (A–D)

The inner cell mass is the group of cells that will go on to form the baby. It is graded from A to D based on appearance:

  • A: Many healthy cells that are tightly packed
  • B: Several cells with a slightly looser arrangement
  • C: Few cells that are scattered and less cohesive
  • D: Very few or degenerating cells (considered non-viable).

Trophectoderm characteristics (A–D)

The trophectoderm forms the placenta and is also graded from A to D:

  • A: Many cells are present, forming a strong and cohesive layer
  • B: A moderate number of cells with less uniformity
  • C: Few cells with an irregular appearance
  • D: Very few or degenerating cells (considered non-viable).

Putting it all together

When you see an embryo grade, it is simply a shorthand way of combining these three observations into a single description.

For example, a grade of 5AB means:

  • 5: The blastocyst is beginning to hatch from its outer shell
  • A: The inner cell mass has many tightly arranged cells
  • B: The trophectoderm has a reasonable number of cells forming a mostly cohesive layer (although the layer may not be uniform).

While this grading helps embryologists make informed decisions in the laboratory regarding embryo quality, it’s important to remember that no single grade can determine the outcome of an embryo.

Embryo grades are not fixed and can change over time

Embryo grading provides a snapshot in time. Embryos are dynamic and continue to grow, divide and change as they develop.

For example, an embryo graded early on day five as 2CB may look quite different later the same day, potentially developing into a 4BB embryo. This progression is entirely normal and reflects ongoing development in a viable embryo.

The same principle applies when an embryo is transferred, while others continue developing in the laboratory. An embryo transferred on day five may be graded 3BB, while its siblings reassessed later could receive a seemingly higher grade, like 5AA. This difference is often due simply to timing and additional hours of development – not because the transferred embryo was a poorer option.

At the time of transfer, the chosen embryo was assessed as the best option based on its developmental stage, appearance and timing. Because grading is so closely linked to when an embryo is observed, it is not a reliable way of comparing embryos with one another. Instead, grading is just one part of a broader decision-making process.

You can learn more about this approach in our blog, How we select embryos for transfer.

What grading can (and can’t) tell us

In general, higher embryo grades are associated with higher pregnancy rates, which is why grading remains a useful tool when deciding which embryos to transfer or freeze.

However, embryo grading is not an absolute predictor of outcome. A high-grade embryo does not guarantee a pregnancy, and a lower-grade embryo does not mean a pregnancy will not occur. In practice, we regularly see examples where a high-grade embryo, such as 6AA, does not implant, while a sibling embryo with a lower grade goes on to result in a healthy baby.

Once a pregnancy is established, the embryo’s grade is no longer relevant. It does not predict whether a pregnancy will continue, nor does it reflect the future health of the baby.

If an embryo has been transferred or frozen, it has been deemed viable and has potential. Every viable embryo, regardless of grade, has the capacity to become a baby. For patients with embryos of varying grades in storage, or those who have had a lower-grade embryo transferred, there is every reason to remain hopeful.

Looking beyond letters and numbers

Embryo grading is only one part of how we assess embryo development. In addition to visual grading, we use time-lapse imaging, key developmental milestones, embryologist expertise and AI-powered tools to observe how embryos grow and behave over time.

Together, these approaches provide a better understanding of embryo health and potential, helping us make the most informed decisions for your treatment.

Our guidance for patients

We encourage Newlife IVF patients to focus on the number of viable blastocysts rather than becoming fixated on letters and numbers. An embryo’s potential is far greater than its grade alone.

If an embryologist has transferred or frozen your embryo, the embryo has the capacity to continue developing, and this potential matters far more than a single snapshot assessment.

Interested to learn more about embryo grading or IVF?

If you would like to understand more about embryo grading or IVF treatment, be sure to listen to the embryo optimisation podcast episode. Our team at Newlife IVF is also here to support and guide you throughout your fertility journey – call us on (03) 8080 8933.

How embryos develop – from egg retrieval to blastocyst

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After retrieval, the egg and sperm are combined, and if fertilisation is successful, your embryo spends the first few days growing in the lab under the expert care of our team. This blog will help guide you through these early embryo development steps before transfer or freezing.

Factors affecting embryo development

Embryo development is a complex process that requires a combination of genetic, environmental and physiological factors to progress successfully. To achieve good embryo development, we require:

Healthy egg and sperm

The egg and sperm provide the genetic blueprint for development. Each embryo needs a complete set of 46 chromosomes – 23 from the egg and 23 from the sperm. Some embryos inherit incorrect genetic instructions that can impact embryo development and make it harder for them to divide and grow as expected.

Mitochondrial energy

Embryos need energy to divide and grow, which is provided by mitochondria (tiny energy-producing structures in cells). Poor mitochondrial function can slow or stop embryo development.

Efficient metabolic function

An embryo’s metabolic function provides both energy and the building blocks needed for development. This includes the creation of protein and fats, and the removal of waste products that can be toxic to the embryo. Together, these provide what the embryo needs for growth, cell division and viability.

Timely cell division

Embryos should ideally divide at a regular pace (2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, etc.). Uneven and/or delayed division can mean the embryo is of suboptimal quality and may not develop as expected.

Embryonic genome activation

Around Day 3 (see diagram below), embryos start using their own DNA instead of relying on maternal DNA (genetic code from the egg). If this DNA transfer is inadequate, interrupted or missing, this can slow or stop the development of an embryo.

Stable conditions

Embryos need the right temperature, oxygen and pH balance to grow. These factors are carefully assessed and monitored continuously in the laboratory environment.

Difficulties or inaccuracies in any of these processes can affect the way an embryo grows and can impact whether an embryo will reach the blastocyst stage (where it has divided into many cells), making it suitable for transfer or freezing.

Safeguarding your embryos is our highest priority

We understand how important every embryo is to your journey. That’s why we use the most advanced technology and scientifically proven methods to create the ideal environment for embryo development. From carefully performing every procedure to closely monitoring each embryo’s progress, our highly trained embryologists work tirelessly to give each embryo the best possible chance to grow and thrive.

We maintain strict laboratory conditions, including precise temperature, humidity and air quality control to mimic the natural environment as closely as possible. Our team carefully observes each embryo’s development at every stage. Even though not all embryos will reach the blastocyst stage, please know that we do everything in our power to maximise their potential. Your dream of building a family is at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to providing the best possible care every step of the way.

If you have any questions about embryo development or your fertility journey, please reach out to Newlife IVF. In the meantime, let’s walk through the different stages of embryo development to help you better understand the process.

 

Building resilience during IVF – how to cope with the highs and lows

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Building emotional resilience during IVF treatment can help you manage these emotions, recover from setbacks and cope with life’s difficulties and uncertainties.

What is resilience?

‘Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress.’1

Being resilient does not mean avoiding feelings of stress or emotional pain – rather, it is adapting to difficult or unexpected circumstances and bouncing back from the experience.

Resilience improves your wellbeing during fertility treatment

Concerning fertility, research has shown that higher levels of resilience among couples struggling with fertility are associated with enhanced quality of life and emotional stability, as well as lower fertility-related distress.2
Beyond helping you cope during fertility treatment, building resilience can have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing, leading to3:

    • Fewer depressive symptoms
    • Improved adaptation to stress
    • Enhanced ability to cope during distressing experiences
    • Improved physical health.

 

How to build resilience during fertility treatment

Like progressively strengthening a muscle, you can learn to become more resilient to life’s challenges over time. Here are some examples that may help.

Grow supportive connections

Drawing on the support of those around you, including your partner (where applicable), family or friends, can help share the emotional load of your experience as you continue with your fertility treatment.4 Help is a two-way street – in addition to accepting help, supporting your loved ones through difficult moments can help you feel connected to others while giving you a sense of satisfaction, in turn strengthening your resilience. Small and simple gestures like checking in with a friend or lending an empathetic ear while others are dealing with stress can also distract you from an inward focus where you feel stuck in your own problems.

Manage uncertainty

During fertility counselling sessions, we often dive into how to navigate feelings of uncertainty and lack of control that can be experienced during fertility treatment. This is because learning how to accept uncertainty – not just during fertility treatment but throughout life in general – can help develop resilience.

But merely accepting the unpredictability and ‘unknowns’ of your fertility care is not an easy thing to do, which is why we recommend practising mindfulness. Instead of latching onto feelings of uncertainty when these thoughts arise, acknowledge their existence and try to move through these feelings. This is one of the hardest things to do, so be kind to yourself while you work on this.

Set small, achievable goals

The pride and sense of accomplishment you feel when achieving a goal is motivating and energising, helping you to feel more optimistic. Research has shown that breaking down your overarching goal into smaller short-term goals can help reframe your mindset while also relieving feelings of disappointment after a negative fertility treatment cycle.4

So ensuring that your goals are achievable is a great way to build resilience. In this instance, the importance is not the goal itself but the process of setting small goals and noticing your progress.

Break down each step in your fertility treatment cycle into mini-goals – this might include taking your hormone injections each day, completing your blood tests and scans, having your embryo transfer or intrauterine insemination procedure, or getting through each day of the two-week wait before finding out whether the treatment resulted in the outcome you were hoping for.

Sprinkle in some joy

There can be moments of sadness and loss when trying to conceive, which can make it harder to appreciate other joys in life, particularly if your fertility journey is regularly on your mind (as it’s very easy for treatment to become a sole focus).

Try to maintain some ‘normality’ in your life by engaging in activities that bring you joy.4 Humour is also effective in helping to develop a more resilient nature, so exploring activities that make you laugh while giving you a break from treatment can help you stay connected to day-to-day life.

Take the time to reflect

Think back on obstacles that you have previously overcome and recognise that you have already been developing resilience over the years, perhaps without knowing it. Reflect on past situations that have caused you stress, grief or trauma and ask yourself:

      • What worked in helping you to cope during these times?
      • What didn’t work well?
      • Who were the best people to help you at those times?

Take these learnings about building resilience during your IVF journey and draw on them when working through any disappointing or unexpected outcomes.

Connect with our supportive counselling team

Our compassionate Newlife IVF counsellors are here to guide you through every step of your journey.

At Newlife IVF, we are committed to supporting our patients the best we can, which includes providing you with additional counselling sessions at no extra cost. To book an appointment with one of our counsellors, call (03) 8080 8933 or email us at [email protected]. And to make things easy for you, we are more than happy to consult with you over the phone so you don’t have to take time off work.

Remember, you have made it through rough times before. You’ve got this.

References

  1. American Psychological Association. Building your resilience. American Psychological Association. 2020. Accessed 20249. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience ↩
  2. 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 ↩
  3. 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. ↩
  4. 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 ↩ ↩ ↩

Newlife IVF recognised for excellence again

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Based on figures published by the Herald Sun, sourced from the Federal Government’s Your IVF Success website, Newlife IVF recorded the highest pregnancy rates in Victorian patients under 35 years (per treatment cycle attempt in 2024), achieving a 52% pregnancy success rate (compared with the national average of 41%). Exceptional outcomes were also achieved across older age groups, with pregnancy success rates of 43% for women aged 35–38 years (the national average is 35%) and 31% for women aged 39–42 years (the national average is 25%).

Newlife IVF also excelled in live birth rates across Victoria, achieving an outstanding result of 52% for patients under 35 years (46% is the national average), and 27% for 35–42 year olds (the national average is 24%).1 Notably, since its establishment nearly seven years ago, Newlife IVF has consistently delivered outcomes that surpass the national average.

‘We’re proud of what these results mean for our patients, with pregnancy and birth outcomes that continue to exceed the national average,’ said Dr Nicole Hope, fertility specialist and Medical Director at Newlife IVF. ‘Our approach is built on precision and care at every stage. Our specialists focus on optimising conditions for egg quality and embryo development and implantation, while our embryologists bring exceptional attention to the care of eggs, sperm and embryos. Alongside this, our wider team – including nurses, counsellors, genetic counsellors and administrative staff – provides dedicated support across the many aspects of fertility care that influence wellbeing and outcomes. Together, this depth of expertise creates a strong foundation for patient success.’

Outstanding success rates backed by best-practice patient care

Results like these are not achieved by chance. They reflect a clear and consistent philosophy that has guided Newlife IVF since its inception.

Newlife IVF was built on a shared vision to do things differently. From the beginning, the goal was to create a fertility clinic that puts patients before profits, combining best-practice science with genuinely personalised care and support. Every decision and every advancement have been guided by that principle.

As a clinician-owned and led fertility clinic, Newlife IVF is proud to be an independent specialist fertility centre. This independence enables a more supportive and patient-focused experience than is often possible within large corporate-owned clinics.

‘Our results are a reflection of how we work as a connected team,’ said Dr Tiki Osianlis, Managing Director and Scientific Director at Newlife IVF. ‘Clinical expertise and best scientific practice are essential, but they are only part of the picture. What truly sets our care apart is the way our team collaborates around each patient. We take the time to listen, to understand their circumstances, and to adapt treatment accordingly. That shared commitment across every role allows us to deliver care that is both highly individualised and deeply supportive as patients work towards building their family.’

A patient-first approach to fertility care

Every aspect of care at Newlife IVF is designed with patients in mind. From our state-of-the-art laboratory to the use of advanced scientific tools and techniques, expert-led care is combined with cutting-edge technology to maximise each patient’s chance of success.

At Newlife IVF, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build their family. That belief underpins our commitment to making high-quality fertility treatment as accessible as possible. We remain focused on delivering outstanding results alongside compassionate, personalised care, supporting our patients every step of the way as they work towards building the family they dream of.

Appointments with one of our fertility specialists in Melbourne are available for those ready to explore their next steps. Call us on (03) 8080 8933 or book an appointment online.

Footnotes

  1. These measures represent the births per completed egg retrieval cycle. Success rates are based on the number of live births that resulted from the eggs collected from women in 2022 that were fertilised and implanted as embryos in 2022 and 2023. Source: YourIVFsuccess. ↩

Budget versus premium-priced IVF clinics: does success cost more?

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The first point to make is that the cost of fertility treatment will always vary from couple to couple. This is because the type of treatment offered depends on the specific cause(s) of a couple’s fertility issues. But even when treatment is similar (e.g. standard IVF), the total cost of treatment can still differ because not every couple will achieve success straightaway. One couple may achieve success in just one treatment cycle while another couple may require two or more cycles. The latter scenario will lead to additional costs for storage of frozen embryos and repeat stimulation cycles or frozen embryo transfers (FET). Further, the cost of a round of treatment and ancillary costs, like storage fees, vary by provider.

In Australia, private fertility clinics typically fall into one of two service models: ‘budget’ or ‘premium’. So how do you choose between them – and is there an alternative to a low-cost or high-cost clinic? Before I answer that, let me explain some important differences between low and higher-cost clinics.

How do budget clinics differ from other providers?

A budget clinic is typically able to offer fertility treatment at low or no out-of-pocket costs by restricting the types of services they provide. For example, they may not offer care for all types of fertility issues, excluding those that incur a higher cost to the clinic. They may also choose not to offer specialised services such as pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), donor conception (requiring donor eggs, sperm or embryos), surrogacy, or embryo freezing and storage.

Some budget clinics may also only offer standard medication protocols. For example, a woman who is 30 years old, within a specific weight range and has a certain number of eggs, may be assigned ‘Protocol A’ treatment without the option for an individualised treatment plan. Further, the doctors who consult at budget clinics are often on rotation, so you may see a different doctor for each of your appointments, much like an outpatient clinic at a public hospital. Budget clinics may also limit the number of IVF cycles that the clinic can start at any given time, which can lead to significant delays in treatment initiation and sometimes even a missed opportunity to conceive.

In contrast, non-budget clinics are more likely to offer all types of fertility treatment and extend their care to patients with more complex fertility issues. These clinics may also offer additional services such as PGT. The other benefit of these clinics is that you can choose which fertility specialist you want to manage your care. This specialist will provide personalised care specific to your needs and remain with you throughout your entire treatment journey. Lastly, these clinics don’t usually restrict the number of IVF cycles they can run at any one time, meaning you will be able to start treatment when you’re ready, rather than when the clinic can fit you in.

Do success rates vary between low-cost and higher-cost clinics?

Variations in each clinic’s patient populations make it difficult to draw a direct comparison between the success rates of two clinics. For example, some clinics may have a higher proportion of easy-to-treat patients versus patients with complicated fertility issues, which is likely to impact their success rates. Further, clinics can report ‘success’ in different ways, e.g. pregnancy rates may be reported as per egg collection OR per embryo transfer. Similarly, some clinics may report ‘success’ as a positive pregnancy test at the end of a treatment cycle, while others may report success only when a live pregnancy is seen on an early ultrasound (clinical pregnancy) or if a baby is born (live birth rate). Thus, if you are comparing ‘results’ between clinics, it’s important to check that they are using the same definition to report success.

Success rates may also not reflect the different ways patients can journey through IVF. For example, if a couple has all their embryos frozen because the woman is at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, some clinics may record this stimulated cycle as one where the woman failed to proceed to embryo transfer. This doesn’t reflect that a fresh transfer was deliberately not attempted and that embryos were frozen for use in future FET cycles. Likewise, if pregnancy rates are reported after a FET cycle, it is not always clear if the embryo underwent PGT, which is likely to increase the chance of success.

I can only afford fertility treatment with a budget clinic – is it worth it?

Despite some limitations, there is a definite place for budget fertility clinics in Australia. If cost alone is the only barrier to starting fertility treatment, then a budget IVF clinic may still offer you a better chance of starting a family than trying to conceive on your own.

However, you should be mindful that the prices listed on a clinic’s website may not accurately reflect the total costs that you will incur throughout your care. The following questions are a great place to start when enquiring about treatment costs:

  • Are there additional fees for freezing surplus embryos?
  • What ongoing costs are associated with storing frozen embryos?
  • How much does a frozen embryo transfer cycle cost?
  • What fees do you charge for advanced lab procedures, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or PGT?

How do Newlife IVF’s fees compare to other providers?

One of the reasons we established Newlife IVF was so that we could offer patients high-quality fertility care at reasonable prices. As a doctor-owned clinic, we do not have the pressure of shareholders nor the need to meet the same profit margins required by larger, corporate fertility clinics. Not only do we offer premium fertility care at an affordable price, but our ‘routine’ treatments also include advanced lab techniques that some clinics may bill as ‘add-ons’ on top of their standard service costs.

Some of these advanced techniques include the use of the EmbryoScope time-lapse system, sequential media and EmbryoGlue for all IVF treatments, as well as egg spindle visualisation for all ICSI procedures. These extra lab techniques help us to select the best embryo to transfer into the womb, improve the chance of the embryo implanting, while also providing more information about egg quality and embryo development. We include these techniques as standard because we want to give our patients the best chance of success, right from their very first treatment. If the first cycle is not successful, we use information gathered from the EmbryoScope and/or egg spindle visualisation to provide our patients with meaningful feedback, and to help inform future treatment decisions.

What additional value does Newlife IVF offer?

At Newlife, we pride ourselves on offering our patients a highly personalised fertility treatments at our IVF clinic in Melbourne. We find our patients’ feedback speaks volumes about the exceptional standard of care we provide. Below are the top three things our patients say differentiate Newlife IVF from other IVF providers:

  1. Our fertility specialists and supporting clinical, technical and administrative teams all have a wealth of experience in caring for patients who need help building a family.
  2. Our attentive and caring staff offer regular feedback and support throughout a patient’s treatment journey, so they feel confident we are looking after them and their embryos, which makes them feel less like a ‘number’.
  3. Our patients appreciate coming to the same fertility clinic and seeing their dedicated doctor for all of their appointments. Since Newlife IVF isn’t located in a large hospital, it feels less clinical and more personal.

How can Newlife IVF help individuals and couples who have not found success elsewhere?

If you’ve not been successful elsewhere, one of our highly-skilled fertility specialists can offer a fresh perspective and a second opinion.

Further, our in-house laboratory was specially designed to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful blue light in order to provide ideal conditions for embryo growth. We also employ extra lab procedures that you may not have had access to at your previous clinic. These procedures are included as standard to optimise embryo development and give your embryo the best chance of successfully implanting in the womb.

Last word

Our best advice is not to take treatment fees at face value. Not all IVF clinics are equal, and the cost of care doesn’t necessarily equate to the overall value a clinic provides throughout your fertility journey. You can receive premium fertility care at affordable prices by choosing an independent provider with leading fertility specialists and a commitment to best scientific practice. At Newlife IVF, we offer high-quality care at reasonable prices, so you can focus on the task of falling pregnant without the worry of undue financial duress.

You can book an initial fertility consultation with one of our fertility specialists by calling (03) 8080 8933 or booking online.

Further reading

 

 

 

Curious about embryo optimisation? Dr Tiki Osianlis shares her expertise on the Conceive Baby Podcast

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Understanding embryo development

Although IVF and embryo development can be complex topics, Tiki and Tasha endeavour to make the science more accessible. The podcast episode breaks down the laboratory advances that Newlife IVF embryologists use day-to-day, in a way that’s easy to understand.

During the episode, host Tasha asks Tiki about the details of embryo development that patients often seek more information about. Sharing plenty of embryology pearls of wisdom along the way, Tiki describes the differences between a day 3 and day 5 embryo, the top factors that stop embryo growth, and the fine details of embryo grading and ranking.

However, as Tiki put it: ‘don’t agonise over grading’. Instead of getting too caught up in embryo grading, patients are encouraged to rely on the expertise of an embryologist, who can provide valuable insight into what their results truly mean.

Tiki also explains what mosaic embryos are, whether they are suitable for implantation, what PGT testing is and the special circumstances when PGT testing may not be recommended.

‘Genetic testing of embryos, including insights into mosaic embryos, offers a window into chromosomal normalcy but must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis,’ says Tiki.

Blending expertise in fertility care

You may notice from the podcast that Tiki and Tasha talk with an easy flow. This is not just their communication skills shining through – they have shared conversations in the past over their mutual passion to educate and inform patients.

As a naturopath and nutritionist, Tasha has a wealth of experience and specialist expertise in overcoming fertility challenges. She is passionate about supporting patients to achieve their best fertility health before ovulation and she regularly shares this expertise on ‘Conceive Baby Podcast’, as well as through media appearances, speaking seminars and journal publications.

As for, Tiki, she oversees our state-of-the-art laboratory – drawing on a wealth of experience in embryology and IVF. She is a driving force behind Newlife’s commitment to best scientific practice. Tiki is passionate about ensuring that the latest scientific fertility advances are offered to patients to help them achieve a healthy family as soon as possible.

‘Behind the laboratory doors, there are so many people that are hoping for our patients to have a fantastic outcome,’ says Tiki.

Putting patients first

If there was one thing that shone through from Tiki and Tasha’s conversation, it was the care that every team member has for their patients. This is integral to the ethos both Tiki and Tasha bring to their fertility work. Over a patient’s fertility journey, the team is cheering them on – they share in the highs and the lows and are deeply invested in supporting each patient to achieve their fertility goals.

‘And I do want to say that every embryologist that I’ve ever come across – and I’ve seen many of them – genuinely care about what they’re doing and they care so much about the patients,’ says Tiki.

Tune in now!

Whether you’re on a fertility journey yourself or simply curious about embryology, be sure to listen to the embryo optimisation podcast episode.

Witnessing systems at Newlife IVF

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What is IVF witnessing?

Witnessing in IVF refers to the process of confirming that the correct eggs, sperm and embryos are used for the correct patient at the correct time. It mitigates the risk of mismatched or misidentified samples.  At Newlife IVF, we take this responsibility extremely seriously, which is why we use both electronic and manual methods for accuracy and traceability.

RI Witness – electronic tracking for your peace of mind

Newlife IVF employs the RI Witness electronic witnessing system, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to track and verify all eggs, sperm and embryos in the laboratory. Each patient is assigned an RFID card and every patient vessel (e.g. tubes, dishes and cryo-vessels) is labelled with a matching RFID tag, all of which are programmed with each patient’s unique IVF code and three points of identification.

How RI Witness works at Newlife IVF:

  • Patient RFID card: you are assigned an RFID card that is linked to your profile. This is used for identification during key procedures, such as egg retrieval and embryo transfer
  • RFID tags on all labware: all test tubes, dishes and cryo-vessels used to hold your biological material are labelled with RFID tags matched to your unique code and profile
  • Real-time monitoring: all lab workstations have RI Witness receivers that detect these tags automatically. The system logs and monitors every sample movement during the procedure in real-time
  • Mismatch protection: if a mismatch ever occurs – for example, if two different tags are brought into an area at the same time – RI Witness triggers an audible and visual alarm, and the procedure is stopped immediately to investigate and correct the issue. To further reduce the risk of mismatches, our embryologists strictly work with the biological materials of only one patient at a time at each workstation.

Cryostorage tracking

All biological material placed into cryostorage is barcoded and tagged using the RI Witness system.

Each cryo-vessel is labelled with:

  • Your full name
  • Date of birth
  • Unique IVF code
  • Date of freezing
  • Barcode is specific to the eggs, sperm or embryos stored inside.

These cold-resistant tags ensure identification is maintained even at ultra-low temperatures. When the material is removed from cryostorage, the barcode is scanned and cross-verified with RFID data and RI Witness, and double-witnessed by embryologists to confirm all points of identification.

Embryologist double-witnessing

In addition to RI Witness, every procedure is manually witnessed by two embryologists. This human double-checking system complements electronic witnessing and adds a layer of human judgement, visual verification and accountability.

Manual witnessing includes:

  • Verifying three patient identifiers (full name, DOB and patient unique IVF code)
  • Cross-referencing all vessel labels, barcodes and RI Witness tags
  • Confirming the procedure that is to take place
  • Checking the freeze dates and, for embryos, specific embryo numbers
  • Confirming the correct sample before and after thawing.

This step is essential when biological material is entering or exiting the laboratory, and before every procedure such as insemination, embryo transfer, embryo biopsy or cryopreservation.

Cryostorage safety – cryo-vessel monitoring and audits

Biological materials such as eggs, sperm and embryos are stored in specially designed devices (cryo-vessels) that are specific for very cold temperatures.  The cryo-vessel is tagged with a special tag that withstands very cold temperatures. The cyro-vessel includes the patient’s name, date of birth, unique IVF code and the date of the freezing, along with a unique barcode that is specific to that patient’s egg, sperm or embryo held within the individual device.

Every sample is:

  • Uniquely identified and traceable
  • Matched at any time using the RI Witness system and barcode
  • Manually verified when moved or thawed.

Regular audits are conducted, comparing all stored material against patient records, to ensure that what is in storage precisely matches what is documented in each individual file and the RI Witness log.

Thawing of stored biological material

When biological material is removed from cryostorage, the barcode is scanned and linked to the patient’s vessel via an RFID tag.  Removal of eggs, sperm or embryos from cryostorage is also witnessed manually by the embryologist performing the procedure and a second embryologist.  Before thawing the biological material, the embryologists will witness the three points of patient identification on the cryotag, the freeze date and, in the case of embryos, the specific embryo number on the cryotag. This is cross-referenced with the vessel the biological material will go into after thawing, and the RI witness system. A mismatch at any point will sound an alarm.

Only once all of these steps have been completed will the thawing of the eggs, sperm or embryos proceed.

Summary of witnessing measures at Newlife IVF:

  • Only one patient’s material is handled at each workstation at any time
  • All vessels and labware are RFID tagged and barcoded
  • The RI Witness system and the embryologist manual double-witnessing are used to confirm all details at every procedure
  • Cryostored material is linked to the patient via a barcode and the RI Witness system.
  • Regular audits verify that frozen material in storage matches patient records and the RI witness system.

Please ask us!

We understand IVF can be a time filled with both hope and uncertainty. Our systems are designed to mitigate risk and ensure your biological material is being managed with the highest levels of care, security and accountability. If you have any questions, please speak to a member of our team. We’re always happy to help you feel supported and informed.