Frequently asked questions

I know that fertility care raises many questions, both practical and emotional. Below are questions I am asked most frequently to help provide clarity, reassurance, and confidence at every stage of your journey.

Most people under 35 seek support after around 12 months of trying to conceive.

If you are 35 or older, we generally recommend reaching out after 6 months.

However, you do not need to wait for a specific timeframe. If you feel concerned, something doesn’t seem right, or you simply want guidance, I am here whenever you are ready. Your path is personal, and there is never a “too early” moment to ask questions.

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a process that allows women to store their eggs for future use. This procedure involves stimulating the ovaries with hormones to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and frozen for future fertility treatments. During consultations, we ensure you understand the process, potential outcomes, and how it fits into your life plans.

We begin with a gentle but thorough assessment to understand your fertility profile. This may include:

  • A comprehensive medical history
  • Hormone blood tests
  • A pelvic ultrasound to assess the ovaries and uterus
  • A semen analysis (if applicable)

I will explain the purpose of each test, what we are assessing, and how the results guide your treatment plan, so you feel informed not overwhelmed.

IVF outcomes depends on age, egg and sperm health, and your individual medical circumstances. Rather than relying on generalised statistics, I provide personalised guidance based on your test results and history.

My approach is open, realistic, and hopeful, always aiming to maximise your chance of achieving your goal using evidence based care and thoughtful treatment planning.

A typical IVF cycle takes approximately 3–5 weeks, from starting medications to embryo transfer.


We outline each stage clearly so you always know what to expect.

Small, sustainable lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference. We often recommend:

  • Balanced nutrition
  • Regular, moderate exercise
  • Reducing alcohol intake
  • Avoiding smoking or vaping
  • Prioritising sleep and emotional wellbeing

There is no expectation of perfection. I will support you in making changes that feel realistic and achievable. For more information, visit What can I do differently to fall pregnant?

Absolutely. Fertility care often brings a mix of hope, uncertainty, frustration, and emotional intensity.


At Newlife, emotional wellbeing is built into your care. Our counselling team, resources, and routine checkins are here to help you feel supported and grounded. You do not have to navigate this alone.

IVF is generally very safe, but as with any medical treatment, there are risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and procedure related discomfort.

I discuss all potential risks openly and monitor you closely throughout treatment to ensure your safety and comfort.

If a cycle does not result in pregnancy, we will take the time to review the findings with care, clarity, and compassion. We will discuss what we have learned and the next steps, which may include adjusting treatment, exploring additional testing, or considering alternative pathways.

A single cycle does not define your journey. I will continue to support you step by step.

Yes. Newlife IVF offers donor pathways for eggs, sperm, and embryos.

Many families grow through donor treatment. We provide comprehensive support, including counselling and clear guidance throughout the process, so you feel informed and confident.

For more information: you can visit the following pages:

Donor sperm – Donate Sperm for IVF: Sperm Bank, Melbourne | Newlife IVF

Donor eggs – Donor Eggs in Melbourne | Egg Donor Services | Newlife IVF

Donor embryos – Donor Embryos – Melbourne, Victoria | Newlife IVF

Surrogacy – IVF Surrogacy Services – Melbourne, VIC | Newlife IVF

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Further information

Understanding the Tests Involved in Your IVF WorkUp

If you are beginning your fertility journey, please know you are not alone. My aim is to guide you through each stage with clarity, gentleness, and confidence. A fertility workup is one of the first steps and helps us understand the factors influencing your ability to conceive.

1. Understanding Your Medical Background

Before testing begins, I will ask you to forward relevant medical records, list current medications, and share lifestyle information. These details help us form a complete picture of your reproductive health.

2. Hormone Testing & Ovulation Assessment

Blood tests help assess:

  • Egg development and ovulation
  • Ovarian reserve
  • Hormonal patterns related to cycle regulation

This information helps us understand your ovarian function and how your body may respond to treatment.

3. Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound allows us to:

  • Count antral follicles to estimate egg reserve
  • Assess the uterus for fibroids, polyps, or other factors that may affect implantation

Identifying these factors early can be important.

For more information on some of the most commonly used fertility terms, read Fertility terms explained.


4. Assessing the Fallopian Tubes

Although IVF bypasses the tubes, understanding their condition offers valuable information about your reproductive history.


I may recommend tests such as a HSG (hysterosalpingogram) or a HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo-Contrast-Sonography). These help determine whether the tubes are open and functioning.

5. Uterine Evaluation

A healthy uterine environment is essential for implantation. Assessments such as saline ultrasound or hysteroscopy help identify:

  • Polyps
  • Fibroids
  • Adhesions
  • Structural variations

Addressing these can improve treatment outcomes.

6. Semen Analysis

Sperm factors contribute to infertility more often than many realise. A semen analysis evaluates:

  • Sperm count
  • Motility
  • Morphology
  • Overall sperm health

These results help to guide fertility treatment recommendations and the fertilisation aspects of IVF.

7. Additional Health Screening

Depending on your history, further tests may include:

  • Infectious disease screening
  • Thyroid and metabolic testing
  • Genetic carrier screening

These ensure your care is both safe and comprehensive.

8. Reviewing Your Results Together

Once testing is complete, we will discuss:

  • Any identified factors affecting fertility
  • Recommended treatment options
  • Timing and next steps

My goal is to ensure you feel informed, empowered, and fully supported.

You’re Not Doing This Alone

Your fertility journey is personal and deeply meaningful. I’m here to provide clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care, using your fertility workup to guide the pathway that gives you the best possible chance of achieving your goal.

Same-Sex Couples

I warmly welcome and support families of all kinds. For same-sex couples, the fertility assessment remains largely the same, but your treatment pathway will vary depending on the gametes (eggs or sperm) available within your relationship and your goals for family building.

Female Same-Sex Couples

Both partners with a uterus and ovaries typically complete the standard fertility workup. Differences relate mainly to donor sperm selection and treatment type.

1. Choosing Donor Sperm

Options include:

  • Clinic recruited identity release donors (commonly used in Victoria)
  • Known donors (family or friends)

All donors undergo mandatory medical and infectious disease screening.

2. Treatment Options

Depending on your clinical needs, this may include:

  • Donor IUI, if medically appropriate
  • IVF with donor sperm, especially in cases of endometriosis, reduced ovarian reserve, tubal issues, or previous IUI that has not resulted in a pregnancy

3. Reciprocal IVF (Shared Parenthood)

Reciprocal IVF allows both partners to participate physically in the conception process:

  • One partner provides the eggs
  • The other carries the pregnancy

Many couples choose this for a shared biological or gestational connection.

Male Same-Sex Couples

Male couples work with an egg donor and a gestational carrier (surrogate).

1. Choosing an Egg Donor

Options include:

  • Clinic recruited identity release egg donors
  • Known donors

All undergo medical, genetic, and infectious disease screening.

2. IVF With a Gestational Carrier

Embryos are created using donor eggs and sperm from one or both partners, then transferred to the surrogate.

3. Legal and Ethical Requirements

Surrogacy in Victoria is carefully regulated. I will guide you through the process alongside the Newlife IVF team.

Trans and Gender Diverse Patients

Some gender-affirming treatments may affect fertility. Options such as sperm, egg, or embryo freezing may also be available. I provide supportive, inclusive care tailored to your individual needs.

A Pathway That Respects Your Family Vision

No matter your identity or relationship structure, my role is to help you choose a pathway that aligns with:

  • Your values
  • Your goals
  • Your medical needs
  • Victorian legal and ethical frameworks

I am committed to supporting all families with respect, warmth, and evidence-based care.

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