FAQ´s

At Life Fertility Clinic we aim to be your source of information. We travel regularly and extensively to stay informed with the latest research, technology and current worldwide fertility treatment. You should feel comfortable speaking with us about any aspect of your treatment or concerns that you might have. Printed material, links to websites and a suggested reading list will also be available should you wish to explore your fertility treatment in more detail.

In the meantime, here is a list of frequently asked questions and general answers.

How quickly can I start treatment after my initial visit with the doctor?
This depends on your specific situation and investigations your IVF doctor requires to make an accurate diagnosis. Generally speaking patients are referred to Life Fertility Clinic immediately after the initial visit with their IVF doctor.

Does my partner need to come to all my appointments?
Your partner needs to be present at the time of egg retrieval so he can deliver a sperm specimen and drive you home. We recommend that your partner be present at the initial consultation and teaching session, so we can answer any questions he may have and show him how to give you your injections.

Where are you located?
Level 2, 35 Astor Terrace, Spring Hill. Our location is very conveniently placed. Astor Terrace is in the heart of medical specialist delivery in Brisbane. With three multi-level car parks, and two minute, 30 minute, two hour and four hour parking in Astor Terrace, you should have no problem attending the clinic. There are a number of hotels close to the clinic with a range of comfort. We recommend the Sofitel and Novotel Hotels. The Marriott Hotel is also within walking distance. The Inchcolm and Emporium are boutique Hotels nearby and the Astor Apartments offer affordable comfort in the same building as the clinic. For a comprehensive list of accommodation please see our reception staff who will be happy to assist you.

How long does a treatment take, how long will I need to be in Brisbane?
Generally speaking, you will need to be in Brisbane for approximately two weeks during the active phase of an IVF treatment.

Does Life Fertility Clinic treat both men and women for infertility?
Yes. Our treatments encompass both male and female factor fertility. Even if only one partner is actively undergoing treatment, we have found it beneficial to both partners to be present whenever possible during discussions and procedures.

If I am a single person, can I still be treated at the Life Fertility Clinic, or do you only deal with couples?
We do treat single people as well, however if you are not medically infertile you will not be eligible for Medicare benefits.

How do you determine the first day of your cycle?
Day one of your period is classified when you see a red flow, not just intermittent spotting, commencing before midday. Again, spotting does not count unless it is a continuous (not intermittent) spotting. If your period starts after midday, that day is day zero and the next day is classified as day one.

How much do follicles grow each day?
Follicles grow one to two mm a day while taking vulatory stimulants and after the hCG injection.

Will smaller follicles ‘catch up’ in time to release eggs?
Follicles generally need to be at least 18-20 mm to contain mature eggs. If the smaller follicles are close in size to the lead follicle, they may ‘catch up’ and release. hCG will usually result in most mature follicles releasing eggs. Otherwise, it is likely only the lead follicle will ovulate.

How long after the hCG injection does ovulation occur and how do we know?
Ovulation occurs 36-40 hours after the hCG injection. We know this from IVF observation. Eggs will release in this time frame if they have not been retrieved.

How long do sperm live after timed intercourse or after IUI?
Normal, healthy sperm live approximately 48-72 hours. We do know that washed sperm can survive in the IVF incubator for up to 72 hours. That would be considered the upper practical limit.

How long does it take for fertilisation to occur?
Fertilisation occurs within 24 hours of ovulation.

How long does it take for implantation to occur?
Implantation occurs about five to 10 days after ovulation.

How thick should my uterine lining be at ovulation?
As you approach your LH surge, it should be greater than six mm and ideally between eight and 12 mm. It should also be noted that, although most doctors prefer the ‘triple patterns’ of linings, there is no conclusive research on whether a better pattern actually results in higher pregnancy rates.

How do we know if the sperm count is adequate for IUI?
Besides the number of sperm, the percentage with rapid forward-progressive motility and with normal morphology at the time of insemination are important to know. If the functional sperm count (number with normal morphology and rapid forward-progressive motility) exceeds one million per ml, chances for pregnancy with well-timed IUI are excellent. Our Semen Analysis fact sheet has more information.

How many times should I try IUI before moving on to IVF?
Once a couple has had three to four IUI cycles, they might consider moving to IVF as the chance of a successful IUI cycle is subsequently reduced.

How long should my partner abstain before the IUI? His semen analysis is normal.
For most men, two to five days of abstinence is ideal. That gives the ‘sample’ an opportunity to regenerate. If the sample is too ‘old’ it raises the risk of poor motility, white cells, and other problems. (An ‘old’ sample is a sample taken after more than seven days of abstinence).

Should I take progesterone supplementation during treatment?
Some patients commence progesterone during the luteal phase (phase from ovulation to period) automatically. The underlying concept is that if you wait to find out if the progesterone is low, even at seven days past ovulation, it can be too late because the  lining may not be receptive to implantation. Low progesterone can cause implantation failure, as its role is to vascularise and maintain the uterine lining where implantation takes place. There are two types of progesterone supplementation: progesterone vaginal pessaries, and Crinone (progesterone) vaginal gel. Also, hCG ‘boosters’ given two to five days after the initial dose to trigger ovulation are commonly used to cause the Corpus Luteum to produce more progesterone. (Due to the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome this is only ordered if your doctor feels it is safe to do so). Progesterone, even in the form of over-the- counter creams, should not be taken before ovulation because it can block ovulation and make the cervical mucus difficult for the sperm to penetrate. Crinone and pessaries deliver progesterone in a more effective manner than oral supplementation. Oral progesterone is not used at Life Fertility Clinic due to ineffective absorption. Be aware that Crinone is quite expensive and progesterone pessaries melt and discharge vaginally.

I heard that multiple cycles with fertility drugs increase the chance of getting ovarian cancer. Is this true?
No. There is no evidence that shows a statistically significant increase in the ovarian cancer risk.

I am concerned about the nature of my discharge and/or my cervical mucous during this treatment cycle.
You can get many types of discharge when you are on ovulation stimulants. Usually, cervical mucous will be seen in stimulated cycles as the oestrogen rises. How much is observed varies very much from patient to patient. Fertile mucous is clear and very tretchy Ð similar to egg whites. Often women are not even aware of it, as most of it tends to stay up by the opening of the cervix.  Vaginal pessaries, such as Crinone, can create a pink or brown discharge in normal situations. Any unusual spotting or discharge needs to be checked by your IVF doctor. Note that Clomid often thickens the cervical mucous.

Is it safe to take over the counter drugs during treatment?
Over the counter drugs can have significant effects on various body systems. It is extremely important that you consult your IVF doctor or Nurse Coordinator before taking any other medications during your treatment cycle. This includes herbal remedies and vitamins.

I am afraid that I might have ovarian hyperstimulation. What can you tell me about this?
First, if you are concerned about the possibility of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) you should phone your doctor or the Life Fertility Clinic as soon as reasonably possible. OHSS is when you have an unusually large number of mature follicles that release eggs. When these follicles release, there is an unusually high concentration of oestrogen-rich fluid in the peritoneal cavity and the ovaries are generally enlarged far beyond their usual plum size. In some cases, they can swell to softball size. In milder cases, women experience bloating and some pain from the oversized ovaries. The treatment then is just a matter of rest and staying well hydrated. In more severe cases, the oestrogen in the peritoneal cavity causes fluid to leak out of the circulatory system into the peritoneal cavity and other spaces, such as the cavity around the lungs. This can cause marked discomfort and bloating, and can cause difficulty breathing due to pressure on the diaphragm. Your IVF doctor will monitor your signs and symptoms and act accordingly. You may need to be observed in hospital and rarely in Intensive Care.

I have spotted, and it is not time for my period. Was it implantation spotting?
Implantation bleeding is the exception rather than the rule. Sometimes the procedures themselves can irritate the cervix and cause light brown spotting afterwards. Light spotting can be normal, but contact your IVF doctor or Nurse Coordinator with any concerns.

My breasts are tender, I have cramps, am irritable, nauseated, bloated, or, I am gaining a small amount of weight. It´s not yet time for my pregnancy test. Could these be signs of pregnancy?
You are probably feeling the effects of the hormones you are taking. It’s really too early to be feeling anything as a result of a pregnancy. Implantation normally takes place about three to five days after embryo transfer, but even after that it takes a couple of days for the hCG to build up in the blood stream. The presence of these symptoms does not indicate pregnancy, and the absence of them does not indicate a failed cycle.

My period has been unusually light or heavy since my last cycle with Clomid or FSH injection, or, I do not have my period yet, although my pregnancy test was negative. Is this normal?
Yes, it is normal for your period to be light, heavy, or simply different. This is due to the hormone levels being different.  Progesterone supplements can delay the onset of your period. Most women don’t start their period until the progesterone level drops, which may take a few extra days.

I have questions about special precautions during treatment. Should I avoid exercise after ovulation?
Swimming and any other low impact exercise that doesn’t overheat you is fine. It’s best to avoid activities like jogging and high impact aerobics. If you wanted to be on the cautious side, you might also avoid picking up anything too heavy (greater than 6-8kgs) during the waiting period.

What about hot baths or spa baths?
If you are trying to become pregnant or are already pregnant, it is safest to avoid raising your core body temperature. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from taking a hot bath or a spa bath.

Should I avoid air travel or ground travel after my transfer?
Just don’t overdo it. Air travel is fine as long as the pressure is maintained, which it generally is in commercial aircraft.

Can my husband collect his sperm at home?
Yes, but it must be brought to our lab no longer than an hour after ejaculation. The specimen must be kept at body temperature. You will need a sterile specimen container provided by our office.

What if my husband or I get sick during an IVF cycle?
Most colds or upper respiratory infections will not be a problem, but you must inform your doctor or nurse because it is important for us to know about these conditions if an anaesthetic is to be administered. Most over the counter medications and antibiotics are safe to use with fertility drugs, but check with Life Fertility Clinic first.

What if I have a question about my medication after office hours?
Our fertility specialists and nurses may be contacted after hours in case of an emergency, otherwise we advise that you contact our IVF nurses between opening hours Monday Ð Friday, 8.00am Ð 4.30pm. You will be given detailed information about all the medication your IVF doctor has ordered, such as side effects and storage details. You may also refer to our medication fact sheet for further details, or the patient information leaflet that comes with all dispensed medication. After each visit with your fertility specialist your IVF nurse will ensure you have enough medication until your next visit. It is important to note that Synarel nasal spray contains 60 sprays. We recommend that you take note of this, especially if you have used the same bottle of Synarel in a previous cycle.

Why do I get a red reaction at the injection site?
Some of the medications (especially the trigger injection) may cause a local skin reaction. The area will become red and inflamed and will feel warm to the touch. This does not affect your IVF cycle and usually will go away in one to two days. Please notify the clinic if you have any concerns and we will review you as soon as possible.

What are the most common side effects of fertility medications?
Some of the most common side effects are feeling bloated, hot flushes and feeling emotional. There may be localised skin reaction at the injection site. Hot, wet compresses will help with the discomfort. What do I do with all of my dirty needles and syringes? All dirty needles and syringes must be disposed of in a sharps container. One will be given to you with your medications. When the container is full, please close it securely and return it to Life Fertility Clinic for disposal.

What is the average number of embryos transferred?
The doctor will make the decision after discussing this with you. With IVF, the risk of multiple pregnancies is directly related to  the number of embryos that are transferred into the uterus. We minimise the risk of multiple pregnancy by adhering to the RTAC recommendations on embryo transfer, which encourages one embryo to be transferred in any patients’ first IVF cycle, and a maximum of two embryos transferred in subsequent cycles for patients older than 35 years.

Why do I need to wait 14-16 days before taking a pregnancy test?
If you have been given an injection of the pregnancy hormone hCG (Ovidrel or Pregnyl), it normally takes 10 days for the medication to be out of your system. A false reading may result if taken earlier than this.

Why must I get a blood test after an IVF cycle to check if I am pregnant?
A blood test is more sensitive than a home pregnancy test or urinary hCG. We must show documentation that a blood test was performed to verify pregnancy status. Many patients will often have an implantation bleed and assume they are not pregnant when in fact they are.

If I don’t get pregnant after my first attempt, when can I try again?
You will need to make an appointment with your IVF doctor prior to commencement of treatment. This is in order to plan your cycle and decide on the appropriate time to commence a new cycle.

Does Life Fertility Clinic have counselling services?
Yes. We have an excellent counsellor who specialises in fertility issues. 

Will I get pregnant on my first IVF cycle?
It varies from patient to patient, and depends on numerous factors, such as your age and your particular diagnosis. It’s best to discuss this question with your doctor at Life Fertility Clinic.

If I don’t get pregnant the first time with IVF, how many cycles does it take?
This will vary from patient to patient. However, at Life Fertility Clinic, after a failed IVF cycle, our team of experienced embryologists, nurses and your doctor will review your chart to assess the cycle and develop a plan, which includes the next steps for you and your partner.

What are the fees for treatment?
Since medical requirements differ for each individual or couple, your Patient Administration Officer at Life Fertility Clinic will explain and clarify applicable fees when you register with the clinic.

What is IVF?
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a procedure whereby eggs are removed from a woman’s ovaries and inseminated outside the body. One to two embryo(s) that result are then returned to the woman’s uterus where they may implant and grow. Excess embryos may be frozen for future use.

What is ‘male factor’ infertility?
Male factor infertility usually refers to abnormalities in the sperm, such as a low sperm count or poor motility, or problems with normal sexual function that may impact on a man’s fertility.

Can I exercise as usual during an IVF cycle?
While we do encourage exercise and healthy living, the answer to this question must really be given on an individual basis. For most people we recommend that activity during the stimulation phase of IVF should be limited to gentle exercise. Please consult your doctor, they will take into consideration the type of exercise you favour, your current exercise level, your overall health and any other factors and advise you accordingly.

How great an impact can stress have on one’s ability to become pregnant, or even carry the pregnancy to term?
If a woman is not taking fertility drugs, stress can inhibit normal ovulation and therefore decrease the chance of pregnancy.  However, during IVF (which is usually a stressful time) there is no evidence that stress has a negative impact on the chance of pregnancy. On the other hand, there is some evidence that emotional stress can have an impact on the risk of miscarriage.

How long does it usually take to become pregnant naturally, before we should start thinking about treatments like IVF?
If you have regular periods and are 35 years of age or less, you should wait one year before undergoing any fertility investigations. Menstrual irregularity is a clear sign of irregular ovulation though, and can be corrected early on. For women who are over the age of 35, it would be reasonable to do some preliminary fertility testing right away. This would ensure there are no issues that need to be treated immediately, given the limited number of years left for childbearing.

I’m a healthy woman in her early 40’s, but I’ve never been able to conceive. Is it too late for me to try IVF?
The chance of a successful pregnancy, using your own eggs with IVF, is very small if you are over 42 years of age. In our experience, a successful pregnancy (using IVF) in women between 40 and 42 years of age will occur between five and 10 per cent of the time. In these circumstances, the best chance of achieving a pregnancy is to use donor eggs from a woman younger than 35 years of age as the chances of a pregnancy rise to approximately the pregnancy rate for the female population of this age, even if the recipient is well over 40 years of age.

How do I find an egg donor?
Egg donors cannot be paid in Australia. Donations are performed for altruistic reasons, for a friend or relative. If a patient (potential recipient) needs donor eggs, we recommend she find her own donor (known donor) due to the limited number of egg donors available in Australia. If this is not an option a patient may add her name to the waiting list for egg donors at Life Fertility Clinic, however, the waiting period could extend to years before a donor becomes available. These donors are called ‘clinic recruited’ donors. Another alternative is to advertise. If the recipient did not wish to be known to the donor the IVF nurses at Life Fertility Clinic are able to act as a go-between.

Is the use of the progesterone hormones safe during pregnancy?
The existing data suggests that progesterone treatment in the first trimester of pregnancy does not pose a teratogenic risk. Two meta-analyses failed to show increased risk in general, or specifically, for genitourinary malformations, with oral contraceptives (Obstet Gynecol 1995; 85:141-9).

Is it safe to take herbal products?
Many herbal medications have powerful biological effects and some may affect fertility. We suggest you consult your doctor before using any herbal medications during your fertility treatments.

Can freezing damage my embryos?
Yes. It is possible for embryos to be damaged despite our best efforts when freezing and thawing them. This is because the embryos cells contain water that expands as it freezes. Highly specialised laboratory techniques are used to minimise the risks, but damage to individual cells within an embryo can occur. Some embryos when examined after the thawing process cannot be used for transfer. The first baby to be born from a frozen embryo cycle took place in Australia in 1984. The embryo was frozen with eight cells and upon thawing, lost two cells. Considering the transferred embryo contained six live cells, it was still capable of continuing to develop normally.

What are the success rates of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?
Success of ART is dependent on many factors, the most critical of which is the age of the woman. Please refer to our website or ask for a copy of the most up to date Life Fertility Clinic pregnancy results from the laboratory. Be aware that when you compare pregnancy rates between clinics, results may vary due to the selection process used. For example, the clinic’s overall pregnancy rate will be significantly less than that of a group of women less than 30 years of age. The indication for treatment can also have a varying effect on the success rate. Genetic factors, quality of the eggs and embryos, quality controls in the laboratory, and the skill of the people looking after you can all impact on your chances of being successful.