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Finally, let’s look at some advanced fertility treatment options….

• Ivy AI performs a comprehensive three dimensional assessment of the growth of the embryos through all stages of development and then relates this data to whether a fetal heart has developed, or not.
• By objective analysis of the images, Ivy identifies the embryos with the greatest likelihood of developing as far as a fetal heart, by allocating each embryo an ‘embryoscore’.
• The embryo with the highest embryoscore, and therefore the highest potential for leading to a viable fetus, can then be selected for transfer, with the aim of accelerating the chance of a healthy baby.

• An EmbryoScope is an innovative time-lapse technology used to carefully monitor and analyse the development of embryos.
• It combines an incubator, high resolution camera and computer software to automatically take an image of an embryo up to every 7 minutes.

• Electronic ID Tracking is an electronic system called “Witness” which allocates the patients identity to each sample and digitally tracks every vessel containing the patient’s eggs, embryos and sperm to improve traceability.
• By using this technology, embryologists reduce the chance of error in human samples with the use of a system that monitors and digitally tracks every patient sample.
• The RI witness system is used to automatically identify and track tags attached to dishes or tubes containing patient’s eggs, embryos and sperm. The tags contain electronically stored patient information and monitors the movements of patient samples throughout the process.

• PGT is a scientific technique that can be used to test embryos for either a known genetic condition or chromosome variations.
• This enables only chromosomally healthy embryos or those unaffected by a specific disorder to be selected for transfer during an IVF cycle.

• CT is a pre-implantation genetic testing technique that screens all 24 chromosomes in a developing embryo.
• This enables the selection of only the embryos with a healthy chromosome profile to transfer.

• DHM uses high resolution and high magnification digital enlargement technology to enlarge images of sperm, to observe their size and shape information, to select the most appropriate sperm to be injected into the egg.

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This brings us to the end of our 4 week fertility program. You should now have a better understanding of your fertility and how to improve your chances of conceiving naturally or with treatments while improving your health, lifestyle and relationship.

If you would like more advice or guidance please call us on 1800 111 483 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

We hope that 2020 is the year you fall pregnant!

In case you missed it

• Week 1: Let''s make it your year >
• Week 2: Pre-pregnancy health & lifestyle >
• Week 3: Common fertility issues >

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Matthew, let''s look at some of the common fertility issues that could affect your chances of falling pregnant with fertility treatments...

It’s a common misconception that fertility issues are caused by the female. It takes two to tango! Causes of infertility are attributed to 35% female factors, 35% male factors and 20% combined female and male factors, with unexplained infertility occurring in about 10% of cases.

Standard fertility tests look for underlying reproductive conditions, such as PCOS, endometriosis or low sperm count, which can affect your chances of falling pregnant naturally.

If treatments for these conditions are unsuccessful, or in the case of unexplained infertility, there are more complex investigations that fertility specialists can undertake to identify the cause, and help you to conceive.

Older age

• The single most important factor influencing fertility is a woman’s age, as her egg count and egg quality declines as she gets older, particularly after the age of 36.
• A man’s age can also cause infertility with studies indicating that sperm quality declines with age and there is an increased possibility of sperm DNA damage, which could result in complications in pregnancy, and after birth.

Recurrent miscarriage

• Sadly, miscarriages are a common occurrence, with one in six pregnancies ending before week 20. Miscarriages can happen for a number of reasons, including chromosomal, genetic or uterine problems, the couple''s age, and hormonal imbalances. Most patients who experience miscarriage will eventually go on to have a baby, so it is important to stay positive
• Specialists can conduct investigations to test for the possible cause of miscarriages and provide specialised care during the next pregnancy.

Chromosomal variations

• Chromosomal variations are caused when an embryo has a missing or extra chromosome.
• These variations can affect up to 70% of early human embryos, with most causing the embryo to stop developing. A fertility specialist may discuss preimplantation genetic testing.

Thin endometrium (womb lining)

• A sufficiently thick endometrium is required to provide a site for proper implantation of a fertilised embryo and support its growth.
• If the lining becomes thin, it is difficult for the embryo to implant to the wall which may result in difficulties conceiving.

High sperm DNA fragmentation

• High sperm DNA fragmentation means that there is a higher than usual level of fragmentation of the DNA (genetic material) in the sperm.
• A sperm DNA fragmentation test is sometimes suggested for males.

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In case you missed it...

• Week 1: Let''s make it your year >
• Week 2: Pre-pregnancy health & lifestyle >

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Matthew,

We''d like to help you make this your best year yet! 

By signing up to the “Let’s Make It Your Year” pre-pregnancy guide, you have made the first step in getting yourself into the best space mentally and physically, empowering you to conquer your fertility! 

You’ve indicated you’re already seeing a fertility specialist so we’ll cut to the chase.

Having a good understanding of your reproductive system, menstrual cycle and when you are most fertile is important for giving yourself the best chance of conceiving naturally or with fertility treatments. First line treatments such as Clomiphene (Clomid) and intra-uterine insemination are often performed in conjunction with timed intercourse or your natural cycle.

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Dear Matthew,

It’s wonderful to write to you with good news. As you have no doubt seen in the media, the Government has announced that the restrictions on IVF and elective surgeries will be lifted on the 27th April.

We are pleased that the Government hasn’t forgotten about IVF patients and their desire to have a family, and we are prepared to restart fertility treatment and IVF as quickly as possible. If you would like to restart your suspended treatment, please call your Fertility Specialist. 

Our clinics will need to continue to operate a little bit differently and we are introducing some new measures to make sure that the quality of your care isn’t compromised while we increase our infection control and safety protocols.

We can assure you that our preparations will make our facilities as safe as it’s possible to be:

• Patients will be tested for COVID-19 where appropriate and as advised by their doctor. We will aim for a 48-hour turnaround of results to minimize interruption to treatment.
• For your safety we will continue to practise social distancing in our clinics. Our fertility specialists, nurses, counsellors and administrators will continue consulting via phone or online video conferencing, where appropriate.  Appointments that require face to face contact will be less than 15 minutes in duration.  
• We will check the temperature of everyone entering our facilities.  Please stay home and call your Doctor if you are unwell. 

We will continue with our increased hygiene for infection control, including: 

• Using hand sanitisation before and after contact with our patients.
• Following cough etiquette by maintaining the 1.5 metre distance rule, wherever possible.
• Where social distancing is not possible, such as for blood tests and scans, utilising masks and appropriate protective equipment.
• Continuing washing down all surfaces between patients with disinfectants.
• Implementing strict staff protocols - if any staff, or their families, display even mild symptoms, they know to stay at home and we will arrange for them to be tested.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Melbourne IVF. Please call your Fertility Specialist to discuss continuing your treatment. 

Dear Matthew

The impact of the coronavirus continues to be felt across the whole community, we recognise the additional stress you may be facing, having to adapt your daily life, and worry how this outbreak may threaten your dream of having a family. 

We want to let you know we are here to support you during this tough time and we’re still open for online fertility specialist consultations, counselling, nursing and administrative appointments.

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), has published guidelines about which IVF procedures are included in the list of elective surgeries which have been temporarily suspended, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Victorian Government guidelines on postponing IVF treatments which came into effect (Thursday 2 April) mean we cannot initiate new treatment cycles - this applies to intrauterine insemination (IUIs), IVF including retrievals and frozen embryo transfers, and non-urgent gamete cryopreservation (egg, sperm & embryo freezing).

Only in some urgent medical circumstances can we commence treatment for example for fertility preservation patients, who urgently need to freeze eggs and sperm before cancer treatment, their fast-tracked care will understandably continue.
  
We know this news may be upsetting, but we also understand the need to support the Australian healthcare system and conserve personal protective equipment such as masks by postponing non-urgent elective surgeries such as IVF treatment, in case the outbreak escalates.

Whilst we wait for the situation to improve, we don’t want you to give up hope of you achieving your goal of having a baby. Our best advice is to keep in optimal health, so once we come through this, you’ll be ready to start your fertility treatment. 

Our fertility specialists are still consulting via phone or online video conferencing through our Fertility Link service. You can access online counselling sessions and advice from our nurses, which can help you deal with feelings of anxiety, worry and stress. 

We have a number of planned webinars and live Q&A sessions hosted by our team of fertility specialists, with many on the topic of fertility and COVID-19. Head to our Facebook or Instagram for the latest event updates.

We understand how tough this situation is and our experienced team is here to provide you with ongoing support. Please call your managing doctor for advice on next steps.