Witnessing systems at Newlife IVF

Written by

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.

The real cost of egg freezing – a candid conversation between Dr Nicole Hope and Victoria Devine

Written by

Understanding egg freezing and the costs

Victoria Devine aims to make finance easier in every area of life, including fertility care. To do this, she strongly advocates that you take the time to do your research. Whether it be a new sweater, a first home or your future fertility – it pays to educate yourself first.

Victoria sat down with Dr Hope and asked her all about egg freezing. With a straightforward clarity that comes from her decades of fertility experience, Dr Hope outlined the egg freezing and IVF processes, and the differences between the two. She also explained how fertility care is timed to match the natural rhythms of your body. For this reason, a lot of fertility treatments are timed around your menstrual cycle.

‘The body has it all worked out and everything we do is actually trying to mimic or replicate what happens in the body,’ said Dr Hope.

Having covered the fundamentals, Victoria and Dr Hope then dived into the costs of egg freezing and IVF, as well as who is eligible for Medicare deductions to their fertility treatment. Dr Hope also discussed some of the patient financing options available to help people manage the costs of fertility care more comfortably.

Cutting out hidden fees at Newlife IVF

When it comes to any major expenses, Victoria recommends that it can be helpful to budget for both the known costs and any additional expenses that may come your way. In the case of egg freezing – depending on the healthcare provider you choose – you may have costs tacked on outside of the initial quote.

This is why at Newlife IVF, transparency with patients is a priority. It is rare for a patient to receive an unexpected or additional cost – and if there is a medical need for one, this will always be discussed beforehand.

‘People shouldn’t be getting too many extra costs outside what they are quoted,’ said Dr Hope.

Dr Hope also explained that all Newlife IVF patients receive an appointment with a member of the finance team before any treatment is started. This appointment helps people understand the costs of treatments and services, and the financing options available, which can help them make informed decisions about whether the treatment/service is right for them.

Infertility is more common than you may think

To complement Dr Hope’s fertility guidance, Victoria shared her own pregnancy experience, as well as the fertility journeys of some of her friends. It quickly became clear how varied fertility journeys can be and that there is no one-size-fits-all for family planning. This led Victoria to ask if there are any factors that can affect someone’s fertility.

Dr Hope explained that the quality of a woman’s eggs is one of the main contributors to their chances of having a baby. She added that although egg quality is affected by many factors, age is often the most crucial.

‘For women, the single biggest thing that predicts when we can get pregnant is our age,’ said Dr Hope.

Drawing on her proactive approach to fertility treatment, Dr Hope also talked through what people can do to improve their egg quality at any age.

A brief background about the webinar presenters

Victoria Devine is a multi-award-winning financial advisor, business owner, podcaster and author. She hosts the popular podcasts She’s on the Money and The Property Playbook, and is the CEO of Zella, a financial services company. Through all her ventures, Victoria aims to transform the way millennials think about money to make their financial dreams achievable.

Dr Nicole Hope is a highly experienced fertility specialist and the Medical Director of Newlife IVF. She also holds an advanced Certificate in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI). This is the highest level of qualification you can have in fertility care and less than 100 Australian fertility specialists have it! Above all, Dr Hope is passionate about helping her patients start or grow their families, and she prioritises the importance of providing the right information and support at each step of fertility care.

Learn more about the financial side of egg freezing

Watch the webinar for a full breakdown of egg freezing, the costs and the financing options available.

Single and ready to have a baby – what are my options?

Written by

I’m a single woman – what are my options?

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.

Two embryologists performing the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure.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.

Putting patients first – the secret to exceptional results

Written by

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.

Understanding the IVF process and treatment

Written by

Embryologist examining cells under the microscopeWhat is IVF and how does it work?

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).

In some cases, and after a careful review of your medical and IVF history, your fertility specialist may prescribe adjuvant treatments to complement an IVF cycle.

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

A fertility specialist performing a pelvic ultrasound on a patient.

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

To book an appointment for IVF treatment in Melbourne with one of our caring, experienced fertility doctors, please call (03) 8080 8933 or email [email protected].

Simple changes to help improve your egg quality

Written by

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 Mediterranean Diet foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds and healthy fats like avocado.

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

 

  1. 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 ↩ ↩
  2. 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. ↩
  3. 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. ↩
  4. 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 ↩
  5. 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 ↩
  6. 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. ↩
  7. 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/ ↩
  8. 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. ↩
  9. 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. ↩
  10. Hart RJ. Nutritional supplements and IVF: an evidence-based approach. Reprod Biomed Online. 2024;48(3):103770. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103770. ↩
  11. 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. ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
  12. 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 ↩
  13. 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 ↩
  14. 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 ↩

Using natural therapies in combination with fertility treatment

Written by

Naturopathy

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

A female in casual clothes performing mindfulness meditation with her eyes closed while seated on a bed next to window.

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

  1. 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 ↩ ↩
  2. 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 ↩ ↩ ↩
  3. 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 ↩
  4. 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 ↩
  5. 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 ↩
  6. 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 ↩
  7. 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 resilience during IVF – how to cope with the highs and lows

Written by

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 Cropped shot of two young women embracing each other

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

  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 ↩ ↩ ↩

Balancing work and fertility treatment

Written by

For instance, it can feel overwhelming when you have to manage multiple appointments – including tests, scans and procedures – alongside a busy work schedule. Below, we explore common patient experiences when navigating a career as well as fertility treatment, along with advice from our counsellors to help you manage this balancing act.

To tell or not to tell

Some people find it easier to communicate with their workplace manager about their upcoming fertility treatment so that they can negotiate time off or flexible working arrangements when beginning a treatment cycle. Being upfront and open about what is required of you throughout your fertility treatment journey can help you and your manager plan around the quantity of work you can do, along with arrangements to suit your treatment schedule, such as reduced travel, flexible hours or the option to work from home if needed.

Unfortunately, there are instances where workplaces are not supportive of their employees, and women choose to withhold their family-building plans from their workplace for fear of discrimination or missing out on opportunities due to future pregnancy. If you elect not to disclose your fertility treatment with your workplace, have a plan in place to help you manage your scheduled appointments, including time off work for your procedures. Without going into the specific details, you may consider disclosing that you are ‘having a medical procedure’ and leave it at that.

Managing questions

Having your colleagues ask questions about your fertility or why you’ve had time off lately is a common experience for many of our patients. Some people are inherently curious about your family-building plans even though it isn’t necessarily their business. Just as you may be doing with family and friends, you might consider having a plan to manage these questions. For instance, coming up with some standard responses can be a good trick to have up your sleeve so that you can reply promptly and nip that curiosity in the bud.

If you’ve already opened up to others about your infertility, you might find yourself fielding questions. For instance, there may be interest about when you’re starting treatment or how far along you are in your treatment cycle, along with how you’re feeling and whether you’re pregnant yet. While these questions are often well-intended and come from a good place, sometimes they are misplaced or poorly timed.

If you have told others about your fertility treatment journey, consider setting boundaries with them from the start – let them know that you will update them when you have news or need their support, and kindly ask them to give you space during this time. For many patients, the workplace can serve as a place to remain busy and distracted, so being interrupted with questions related to your fertility treatment can impinge on your ability to distract yourself.

Should I take leave?

Patients often ask us for advice on whether they should take a few days or weeks off work during their treatment. In our experience, this decision is highly individual and often determined by whether it is financially viable for you to do so or if you have enough annual leave accrued to facilitate this.

During our counselling sessions, we also discuss whether it is helpful to maintain a normal routine. On one hand, sticking to your routine can give you a sense of normalcy and preserve your emotional health and wellbeing. Meanwhile, extended leave from work may leave you feeling like you have too much time on your hands, causing you to ruminate on your treatment. On the other hand, if you find that work is exacerbating your distress about your fertility journey, perhaps it’s worth considering a few days of planned leave or working from home during the more stressful periods of your treatment cycle.

We generally advise patients to take a day off work on the day of egg collection (and likely the next day). While there is a lesser need to do so for intrauterine insemination (IUI) and embryo transfers, it can be an opportunity for you to have a day off to do something enjoyable and celebrate. After all, you may have just made a baby! Taking sick leave for these days is how most patients manage their treatment, and you will be given a medical certificate on the day of your procedure to accommodate this.

Self-care at work

Some patients have found that they are less engaged and ‘switched on’ at work while undertaking fertility treatment or that they are falling short of their usual high standards. In these instances, it’s important to remind yourself that your medications (which mimic your body’s hormones) and the potential stress of fertility issues can affect how you function at work. You also may find that your focus shifts away from work and towards the practical and emotional demands of fertility treatment.

Making your work a lesser priority can feel strange and uncomfortable, particularly if you have a strong work ethic. It may take some time to adjust to these new feelings, so be kind to yourself in this space – and be mindful of the pressure you place on yourself at work. Consider lowering the expectations you have for yourself. You don’t always need to function at 100% capacity.

You may find that telling a trusted colleague about your treatment can help provide you with emotional support and practical help when dealing with these feelings. Perhaps even consider devising strategies for when you’re feeling under pressure, such as leaving your office for a walk, practising mindfulness or breathing exercises, talking to your support person or a friend, or even leaving work early.

Our counselling team is here to help

The Newlife IVF counsellors are very experienced in providing support during and after IVF treatment. If you would like to book an appointment with one of our counsellors, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach our team by calling (03) 8080 8933. And to make things easy for you, we are more than happy to talk with you over the phone, so you don’t have to take more time off work.

Your guide to a successful egg collection

Written by

What is egg collection?

Egg collection (also referred to as ‘egg retrieval’ or ‘egg pickup’) is the process by which we collect eggs from your ovaries. The eggs collected can then be frozen and stored, or used in the next step of an IVF cycle. Usually, we will be able to collect around 8–12 eggs but this is dependent on multiple factors, including your age.

Sometimes, you may need to undergo more than one egg collection, so we have a good quantity of eggs available (in the double digits is ideal). The number of eggs is important, whether you are freezing your eggs for potential use in later life, or whether you are moving on to the next step in the IVF process straightaway.

How do I prepare for my egg collection?

Two weeks before your egg collection

You will require regular hormone injections for around 8–14 days before your egg retrieval. This varies based on how your body is responding to the fertility medications and which regimen your fertility specialist decides is best for you. These injections encourage the maturation of eggs that would otherwise deteriorate. This is important as only mature eggs are capable of fertilisation when combined with sperm (an egg and sperm must successfully unite in order for an embryo to form).

While injections can sound painful and daunting, the needles are very small and easy to use. We will teach you (or a partner or another preferred person) how to give the injections at home.

You can read more about how we stimulate the ovaries to produce mature eggs.

The week prior to egg collection

An ultrasound image showing the number of follicles within a woman's ovary
Ultrasound imaging is used during fertility treatment to track the development of ovarian follicles.

About a week after you start these medications, you will have a vaginal ultrasound so we can view your ovaries and count the number of follicles present. Usually, each follicle will contain one egg. The number of follicles gives us a good idea of how well you are responding to the fertility medications, while the size of the follicles is a good indicator of egg maturity. Unfortunately, small follicles usually contain immature eggs, which can be difficult to retrieve – they tend to stick to the follicle wall during collection. Thus, we may need to adjust your fertility medications to encourage more growth.

Ultrasound and blood tests also help us to determine the best time to collect your eggs. As such, these tests will be performed over the course of this week with the exact timing of your egg collection updated in line with your results. This change in schedule can sometimes be frustrating for patients, particularly in the midst of work commitments, but it ensures we are collecting your eggs at the optimal time in terms of both egg quantity and quality – the more mature eggs, the better!

1–2 days before your egg collection

Around 35–36 hours before your scheduled egg collection, you will have a ‘trigger injection’. This is a different hormone medication and will trigger ovulation (the release of eggs from your ovaries).

We will also ask you to fast from 6 hours before the time of your scheduled procedure (this reduces the risk of nausea and vomiting later).

Morning of your egg collection

On the morning of your egg collection, you may feel both excited and nervous – and hungry (!) from fasting. There are just a few things we need you to remember:

  • Continue to eat and drink nothing. Small sips of clear fluids are okay up to 2 hours before your procedure
  • Brush your teeth – we understand the last thing you want to do is to break our ‘nothing to drink’ rule but it’s okay to brush your teeth!
  • Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing
  • Do not wear any makeup or jewellery, and
  • Confirm the availability of the person you have organised to drive you home after your procedure and to ideally spend the rest of the day with you while your sedation wears off.

What will happen when I arrive for my egg collection?

On arrival, please make your way to our Ground Floor reception to complete your admissions paperwork. We will then guide you through to a waiting area where you can change into a hospital gown. There will usually be a period of waiting at this point, as we schedule your admission time an hour before your procedure. We recommend bringing a good book or podcast along.

Next, we will discuss the procedure with you, check when you took your trigger injection, answer any last-minute questions you may have, and ensure you understand and feel comfortable with what will happen next.

When it’s time for your procedure, we will guide you through to the procedure room and give you some light sedation. Once the sedation has kicked in (you will feel drowsy and relaxed), we will insert an ultrasound probe into your vagina. This provides a clear view of your ovaries and the follicles inside them (the eggs are located inside these follicles). We will then guide a fine needle attached to the probe into each of the follicles, one at a time. A suction device attached to the needle drives the fluid inside the follicle up the needle and into a heated test tube. This entire process takes around 20–30 minutes.

An image of oocyte-containing fluid collected from an egg retrieval procedure
During the egg retrieval procedure, fluid is collected from ovarian follicles, which contain eggs (the dark, circular spots).

The fluid collected is taken straight through to our lab for examination by one of our embryologists. Under a microscope, they can carefully identify the eggs and discard the fluid. Our lab is directly adjacent to our day surgery so your eggs don’t have very far to travel!

If your egg collection is for the purposes of egg freezing, any mature eggs we find will be frozen and stored within a few hours of your procedure. If your egg collection is part of an IVF cycle, we may also freeze the mature eggs for use at a later date. Alternatively, we may proceed to the next step of the IVF process straightaway, placing your eggs with specially-prepared sperm from your partner or donor (this is called ‘insemination’).

Depending on how many eggs were collected and the volume of sperm available, 1–2 eggs will each be placed in a petri dish with a concentrated sperm sample containing around 100,000 sperm! Ideally, each egg will be fertilised by a single sperm, with every normally fertilised egg having the potential to grow and develop further into an embryo. However, it’s important to note that not every egg we collect will be mature, and not every mature egg placed with sperm will be fertilised. Hence, by collecting multiple eggs, we increase the chances of success at this step in the IVF process. You can read more about fertilisation and what impacts its success.

What happens after my egg retrieval?

Around 90 minutes after your procedure, your designated person can take you home. Before you leave, let us know if you need a medical certificate. We recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day.

If you are planning to freeze your eggs, we will generally call you later that day to tell you how many mature eggs were collected. If we are proceeding with insemination, we will usually call you the next day instead, so we can also tell you how many of these eggs were successfully fertilised overnight. Any fertilised eggs will be placed in an incubator in our lab. Here, their development will be monitored closely with the hope that they continue to grow into healthy embryos, ready for the next step in the IVF process – embryo transfer.

How can I best support my recovery after an egg collection?

Most women will experience some mild pain or discomfort after an egg collection and it may take weeks for this discomfort to ease completely. To help support your recovery, we recommend:

  • Placing a heat pack over your belly and resting if you’re experiencing any cramping or discomfort. If your pain continues, take some paracetamol. Note: do not take any antihistamines, ibuprofen, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications if you are planning to have an embryo transfer
  • Consuming clear fluids if you are nauseous until you feel better
  • Looking out for any vaginal bleeding (but don’t worry if you notice some light spotting or bleeding for a few days – this is completely normal)
  • Avoiding vaginal creams, lubricants or spermicides (aside from the progesterone cream we may have given you)
  • Avoiding all heavy lifting or vigorous exercise such as running or cycling for a few weeks
  • Staying away from hot tubs and Jacuzzis
  • Limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake
  • Avoiding intercourse for a few days or until you feel comfortable. Engaging in intercourse around this time can result in natural conception; however, it’s important to listen to your body and only do what it feels physically ready for.

Are there any symptoms I should watch out for?

There are a few symptoms to watch out for after this procedure, including fever; pain, nausea or vomiting that’s not improving; heavy vaginal bleeding; feeling overly weak, faint or dizzy; shortness of breath; pain in your shoulder area; severe stomach bloating; rapid weight gain; or little to no urination despite drinking plenty of water.

If you are concerned or worried about anything you are experiencing, please call our clinic for advice on (03) 8080 8933. Alternatively, you can contact your fertility specialist. After-hours, you should visit your closest emergency department.

Still got questions?

If you have an upcoming egg collection booked and still have questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call on (03) 8080 8933. If you’re interested in learning more about egg freezing or IVF, check out the rest of our website for further information. For personalised advice, you can also book an appointment with one of our fertility specialists.