Fertility & women’s health, explained

Secondary Infertility · 1 min

Trouble Having Number 2: why does secondary infertility happen?

Explains secondary infertility, the difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy after a previous birth, its causes and risk factors, and when to seek specialist help.

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In Vitro Fertilisation · 3 min

The real cost of cut-price IVF

Argues that choosing a RANZCOG Board Certified CREI fertility specialist, rather than a cut-price corporate IVF clinic, offers better long-term value and care quality.

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In Vitro Fertilisation · 3 min

Beyonce and Amal Clooney? Seems like twins are more common these days….

Explains why twin pregnancy rates are rising, comparing natural identical and fraternal twinning to rates seen with IVF and ovulation induction, and outlines the risks.

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Male Fertility · 3 min

Two to tango: What is male infertility?

Overviews male factor infertility causes, from sperm production and lifestyle factors to age-related decline, and outlines treatments including ICSI and advanced sperm selection.

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In Vitro Fertilisation · 5 min

What is my chance of having a baby with IVF? Interpreting IVF clinic success rates in context

Explains factors affecting individual IVF success rates versus published averages, covering age, ovarian reserve, frozen embryos, and genetic screening.

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Egg Freezing · 3 min

Technology revolution: Changes make egg freezing affordable for younger women

Discusses how partnering with an independent lab and personalised care plans has made elective egg freezing more affordable, especially for younger women.

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Contraception and Cycle Regulation · 3 min

Link between depression and the contraceptive pill?

Critically examines a Danish cohort study linking the contraceptive pill to depression, explaining study design limitations and biases behind the reported association.

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Egg Freezing · 6 min

WHEN SHOULD YOU START THINKING ABOUT FREEZING YOUR EGGS?

Advises women in their mid-to-late twenties to consider egg freezing early, covering eligibility, the treatment cycle, vitrification, timing and thaw success rates.

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In Vitro Fertilisation · 4 min

In Vitro Maturation: Australian and Belgian Scientists lead the way

Explains in vitro maturation (IVM) technology, how it differs from standard IVF, its potential benefits for reducing treatment burden, and remaining safety unknowns.

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In Vitro Fertilisation · 2 min

An IVF baby at 62?

Dr Raelia Lew reflects on a 62-year-old Tasmanian mother's donor-egg IVF birth, discussing how IVF technology and access to donor eggs have changed over decades.

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Preconception Genetic Carrier Screening · 3 min

The Zika Virus: tips for couples trying to get pregnant

Explains Zika virus transmission risks for couples trying to conceive, including travel precautions, waiting periods after exposure, and advice for IVF patients and donors.

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In Vitro Fertilisation · 3 min

Should people be allowed to chose the sex of their babies through IVF?

Dr Raelia Lew argues for legalising elective, self-funded sex selection in IVF for family balancing, discussing Australia's NHMRC ethical framework.

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Female Fertility · 3 min

Does caffeine affect fertility?

Reviews evidence on how caffeine intake may affect fertility, miscarriage risk and IVF outcomes, with practical advice to limit daily coffee consumption.

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In Vitro Fertilisation · 3 min

Help! There are so many different types of fertility treatments. What is the difference?

Guides patients on choosing a fertility specialist and IVF model of care, explaining CREI training, hidden costs of low-cost clinics, and key questions to ask.

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Egg Freezing · 3 min

Is egg freezing empowering women to make choices about their future or deterring them from having a family?

Opinion piece from Dr Raelia Lew arguing egg freezing empowers women's choices and addressing social criticisms of the technology and its promotion.

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Female Fertility · 4 min

Fertility over 40: a struggle against the tide

Dr Lew responds to an ABC Four Corners report on fertility after 40, discussing natural conception odds, IVF success by age, donor eggs, egg freezing and PCOS.

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Male Fertility · 1 min

Men who smoke are putting their chances of fatherhood at risk

Reports on Quit Victoria research showing smoking lowers sperm counts and motility in men, with Dr Raelia Lew noting the damage is reversible within three months of quitting.

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In Vitro Fertilisation · 2 min

My IVF experience: A patient’s perspective

A patient recounts her IVF journey starting at age 38, including a failed first cycle, a successful second cycle, and advice not to delay trying to conceive.

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Egg Freezing · 1 min

If I freeze my eggs when I’m 30, will they retain their genetic quality or will this deteriorate over time

Explains how egg vitrification prevents ice-crystal damage during freezing, allowing eggs to be stored for years without deterioration in genetic quality.

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Egg Freezing · 3 min

Don’t wait till it’s too late – When is the best time to Freeze your eggs - for the best results?

Compares the pros and cons of egg freezing in your 20s, 30s and after 35, explaining how age affects egg quality, quantity and treatment costs.

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