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In this Women’s Agenda feature, Laila shares her IVF journey, with expert insight from Genea Fertility Specialist Dr Ying Li on hope, support and expectations.

Male fertility challenges are common and contribute to around half of all infertility cases. Despite this, many men delay testing due to stigma. Genea Fertility Specialist Dr Chandrika Parmar highlights the importance of early testing and the range of treatment options available.

Genea Wollongong is now open at our brand new, purpose-built facility at Wollongong Private Hospital. WIN News Illawarra came for an exclusive first look at what this means for fertility care in the Illawarra region.

Genea Melbourne City – North Melbourne Fertility Specialist A/Prof Catarina Ang answers common questions about egg freezing and fertility preservation.

“Trimester Zero” is a pre-conception trend encouraging 3–6 months of health optimisation. Fertility specialist Dr Simon Nothman explains what’s evidence-based and what isn’t a recognised medical phase.

In this podcast episode, Melbourne City Medical Director A/Prof Alex Polyakov explores polygenic embryo screening, examining the science and regulatory considerations.

Prospective parents are being marketed genetic tests that claim to predict which IVF embryo will grow into the tallest, smartest or healthiest child, but A/Prof Alex Polyakov's research shows these tests cannot deliver what they promise. His findings reveal the predictions are extremely uncertain with vanishingly small benefits, whilst couples undergoing IVF solely for genetic testing actually reduce their chances of having a healthy baby due to IVF-associated risks.

A new form of genetic testing is allowing IVF patients to compare embryos based on future health risks and traits. Melbourne City Medical Director A/Prof Alex Polyakov weighs in on the scientific limits and ethical concerns surrounding the technology.

Australia is facing increasing pressure on access to donor sperm, with shortages and rising costs affecting people seeking fertility treatment. These constraints are influencing reproductive choices and treatment timelines across the country. Dr Anne Clark, Medical Director of Fertility First - Genea Sydney South, provides expert insight into the factors contributing to limited donor supply and what this means for patients navigating fertility care.

With male infertility contributing to a significant number of fertility challenges, Australia’s new guidelines offer much-needed structure around assessment and referral. Dr Genia Rozen spoke with The Medical Republic about what this means for patients and the clinicians who support them.

Fertility First has once again been recognised as Fertility Clinic of the Year, celebrating nearly three decades of care, advocacy, and support for families, including the LGBTIQA+ community. Discover how the clinic continues to shape donor and surrogacy services nationwide.

After experiencing two miscarriages, Dani and her husband used IVF to welcome their son. She shares her story of loss and hope, alongside expert insights from Genea Fertility Specialist Dr Danielle Robson on coping with pregnancy loss and building a supportive care network.

In Women’s Agenda, new mum Tayla Smith shares how Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) helped her and her husband start their family. Genea Fertility Specialist Dr Rose McDonnell explains how genetic testing is opening doors for hopeful parents.

With cannabis-based products becoming increasingly popular for anxiety and endometriosis pain, new research has raised important concerns about their impact on fertility. A/Prof Alex Polyakov, Medical Director at Genea Fertility Melbourne and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, says women trying to conceive, naturally or through IVF, should avoid cannabis in all forms.

Women planning to conceive naturally or via IVF are advised to avoid cannabis, with new research showing THC may damage eggs and increase miscarriage risk. In this article in The Age, Genea Melbourne City Medical Director A/Prof Alex Polyakov noted that patients trying to conceive should not use cannabis-based products.

Research has examined whether paracetamol in pregnancy is linked to autism. Genea Melbourne City Medical Director A/Prof Alex Polyakov notes most studies are retrospective and cannot prove causation.

Large study of 9 million pregnancies finds possible link between gestational diabetes and ADHD/autism risk, but experts stress genetics remain strongest factor.

Trump's claims linking paracetamol in pregnancy to autism spark controversy. Expert A/Prof Polyakov examines the evidence and what pregnant women should know.

Royal Women's Hospital's In Time program provides free fertility preservation for young cancer patients, offering hope for building families post-treatment.

Learn from Dr Simon Nothman how AMH testing can inform fertility decisions, while highlighting what the test does and does not reveal.

The Women’s In Time program helps children and young people with cancer preserve their fertility at no cost. Dr Genia Rozen says the chance to safeguard fertility offers families rare hope alongside life-saving treatment.

Legal requirements for posthumous sperm use vary widely across Australia. A/Prof Alex Polyakov highlights the inconsistencies women face when seeking fertility treatment after the loss of a partner.

Learn how Sonia Magliocchi became a mother at 48, featuring insights from Genea Chief Scientific Officer Dean Morbeck on embryo viability and the impact of age on fertility.

An Australian woman in her 60s is pursuing IVF, challenging typical age limits. Dr Anthony Marren discusses IVF trends among older women seeking fertility treatment.

A new study shows cannabis use can affect egg and embryo development during IVF. A/Prof Alex Polyakov says THC may increase abnormal embryos, delay conception, and raise IVF failure or miscarriage risk.

Study links pre-conception CT scans to slight pregnancy risks, but experts say findings are modest and shouldn't discourage necessary imaging.

A significant shift in family planning sees single women increasingly seeking donor sperm. Dr Anne Clark describes seeing a "massive" increase in solo mums seeking fertility treatment.

With the expert care of Dr Chandrika Parmar, Fertility Specialist and Director at Genea Melbourne, Sam Hargraves, Melbourne sports broadcaster and his partner Evie navigated the challenges of azoospermia and found hope through IVF with ICSI. Now a proud father of two, Sam is breaking the silence around male infertility, urging men to speak up, get tested, and redefine what it truly means to be a man.

In this IVF Real Talk podcast episode, Genea Senior Embryologist, Sanjana, takes listeners inside the fertility lab where life begins. She shares with IVF Real Talk podcast hosts, Lucy and Yaelle, insights into the science and emotion of IVF, from handling precious embryos to navigating complex ethical terrain. 

Genea Fertility has partnered with the Victorian Pride Centre to support LGBTIQ+ family-building journeys. Genea Perth Clinical Director, Dr Julia Barton, emphasises Genea’s commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and compassionate environment for all families.

When one partner is ready to stop IVF but the other isn’t what happens next? It’s one of the most emotionally complex crossroads in the fertility journey. In this podcast, Fertility Specialist Dr Alice Huang explores how couples can navigate mismatched timelines, differing grief responses, and difficult decisions about when to pause or stop treatment.

In celebration of Pride Month, Genea Fertility is proud to announce a new partnership with Victorian Pride Centre. This exciting collaboration highlights a shared commitment to supporting the diverse family-making journeys of LGBTQIA+ people and builds on the long-standing advocacy for inclusive, patient-centred fertility care.

Australia’s IVF sector is recognised as one of the safest and most transparent in the world, supported by a highly regulated, closely scrutinised, and continuously reviewed system. This trusted and transparent framework ensures that patient safety is prioritised, with any incidents thoroughly investigated and lessons quickly applied to improve care. 

IVF specialist Dr Chandrika Parmar offers guidance for Indian-Australian couples exploring fertility treatment in Australia. She shares tips on choosing a trustworthy clinic, explains the legal and ethical aspects of consent, and reflects on how cultural expectations can shape the IVF journey. Plus, she highlights key do’s and don’ts, along with helpful community resources. This conversation is delivered in Hindi.

At their East Melbourne location, Dr Chandrika Parmar specialises in understanding the unique needs of rainbow families, including important considerations like biological connections between siblings. The piece features a moving success story from Jenny, a lesbian mother who describes Dr Parmar as her "greatest cheerleader and ally", particularly valuable as someone who understood both her queer and ethnic identities during a challenging fertility journey.

New data suggests that by the next century, one in three babies in Australia could be conceived via IVF. Genea Melbourne’s Medical Director, Associate Professor Alex Polyakov, reveals why this trend is accelerating — and why understanding your fertility earlier could make all the difference. 

Dr Chandrika Parmar explains why timing matters in egg freezing, how many eggs are usually collected, and what to expect from the process.

Genea Melbourne City's Dr Genia Rozen offered advice on sustainable weight management became a turning point, motivating Jess to lose 45 kilos through lifestyle changes. Despite emotional setbacks during IVF, including cycles with no viable embryos, the couple persevered with Dr Rozen's support. Their determination finally resulted in a successful pregnancy after transferring one of two viable embryos.

Genea Newcastle's Dr Myvanwy McIlveen was crowned Australia's top fertility specialist for transforming dreams of parenthood into reality, fighting for affordable treatments, and pioneering breakthroughs - including helping a woman born without a uterus become a mother.

Dr Myvanwy McIlveen, Medical Director of Genea Newcastle, was named Fertility Specialist of the Year at the 2024 Australian Surrogacy and Donor Awards. With over 20 years in reproductive health, she advocates for equitable access to healthcare, including Medicare rebates for single women and same-sex couples. Dr McIlveen dedicates her award to patient Amelia Crispin, whose surrogacy journey inspired her passion for helping families grow.

Fertility First, part of the Genea network and based in Hurstville, has been named 'Clinic of the Year' at the 2024 Australian Surrogacy and Donor Awards. Operating since 1997, the clinic maintains one of Australia's largest banks of diverse donor sperm and eggs. Led by Dr Anne Clark, and recently joined by co-medical director Dr Ying Li, the clinic provides immediate, cost-effective fertility treatments, serving patients with no waitlists.

A/Prof Alex Polyakov discusses the trend of older motherhood, noting that fertility chances decrease significantly by the mid-40s. He explains that, while IVF can improve chances, its success often hinges on repeated attempts, which can be financially and emotionally taxing. 

A/Prof Lionel Reyftmann, Clinical Director and Fertility Specialist at Genea Wollongong, featured on WIN NEWS Illawarra, discusses how advancements in IVF technology have significantly improved success rates and advocates for Medicare rebates to support patients seeking fertility treatment.

In this article, Dr Mathias Epee of Genea Perth outlines Australia's complex sperm donation regulations, emphasising that donation must be altruistic with only reasonable expense reimbursement. Donors must consent to identity registration, with donor-conceived individuals gaining access to this information at age 16. In Western Australia, donors are limited to five recipient families. All Genea donors undergo medical screening and counselling regarding legal and ethical implications.

In this episode, Dr Genia Rozen discusses fertility preservation for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. As the co-lead of the Fertility Preservation Service at the Royal Women’s Hospital and with a PhD focused on fertility after cancer, Dr Rozen shares her extensive expertise on the available options to safeguard fertility during cancer treatment.

Endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, may see a breakthrough in treatment thanks to new gut microbiome research. A/Prof Alex Polyakov describes the disorder as misplaced uterine-like tissue growth, causing severe pain and potential infertility. While traditional treatments range from pain relief to surgery, emerging options like the newly approved Ryego and dietary interventions offer fresh hope for those battling this complex and often misunderstood condition.

Uterine lining issues can significantly impact fertility, but there's hope with proper understanding and care. Dr Alice Huang, a leading gynaecologist and fertility specialist from Genea Fertility Melbourne City, joins us to shed light on this crucial aspect of conception. She explains the complexities of a 'thin line,' explores effective treatments, and offers expert insights to support those on their parenthood journey.

This article discusses the growing openness around fertility issues, particularly egg freezing, in modern society. It explores how social media and personal experiences have contributed to normalising conversations about fertility preservation. The piece features expert commentary from Dr Genia Rozen, a Genea Melbourne City fertility specialist.

Dr Nicole McPherson, Genea’s Director of Research, presented at the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand conference, highlighting a troubling rise in sperm DNA damage. Her study reveals that by 2054, nearly half of men seeking fertility treatment could have DNA damage rates of 30% or higher, affecting conception and pregnancy rates.

Secondary infertility—the struggle to conceive after having a child—is a silent challenge many families face. This episode features A/Prof Alex Polyakov, Medical Director at Genea Fertility Melbourne City. Alex offers valuable insights into this often-overlooked issue. Discussed was the emotional impact, potential causes, and steps towards overcoming secondary infertility, shedding light on a journey that's more common than many realise.

This episode features Dr Chandrika Parmar from Genea Fertility, Melbourne, a women's health expert with over 15 years of experience. She shares her insights on IVF, PCOS, and endometriosis, highlighting the rapid advancements in fertility research and technology since IVF's introduction 45 years ago. This informative discussion is valuable for women planning pregnancy, those dealing with PCOS or endometriosis, or anyone interested in women's health issues. Listeners can expect an eye-opening conversation about the evolving landscape of reproductive health.

Discover how five inspiring South Australian scientists, including Dr Nicole McPherson, Genea's Director of Research, are revolutionising reproductive health. From reducing endometriosis diagnosis time to transforming male fertility care, these researchers are paving the way for healthier families and inspiring future generations of scientists.

We’ve seen how modern reproductive medicine has transformed the journey to parenthood, especially through IVF. Thanks to groundbreaking innovations like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT), and time-lapse imaging, IVF success rates have improved significantly. We’re proud to have developed technologies like the EmbryoScope, Geri™, and AI-driven embryo selection, all designed to enhance embryo quality and success rates. These advances provide hope to those facing infertility, making the dream of parenthood more accessible and achievable.

Optimising your chance of conception involves understanding factors like egg reserves and fertile windows. Dr Kate Gowling from Genea Adelaide - Fertility SA explains how to boost your chances of natural conception and what steps to take if you've been trying for up to 12 months and need additional support.

With more women in Australia freezing their eggs and embryos, fertility clinics are facing storage challenges. Clinics like Genea Fertility are considering expansion to accommodate the increased demand. "We are seeing quite a significant increase in patients and, obviously, an increase in the number of eggs. And, as it stands at the moment, of those people that have stored eggs, 80 per cent [of eggs] actually remain in storage," says Dr Anthony Marren. Experts warn that storage space is limited, and current storage facilities are struggling to keep up with the rapidly rising number of preserved eggs and embryos.

Netflix’s new documentary "The Man with 1000 Kids" has sparked significant unease among new parents, questioning the fertility industry's ethics and regulations. Dr Alice Huang from Genea Melbourne City highlights the importance of transparency and strict regulations in donor sperm use, emphasising Genea’s adherence to rigorous protocols to protect all parties involved.

Genea Fertility Specialists, Dr Ying Li, Dr Danielle Robson, and Dr Anthony Marren, have released the first Australasian Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Clinical Management Guideline 2024.

Dr Myvanwy McIlveen, one of Genea Newcastle's Fertility Specialists, played a significant role in Baby Howie's altruistic surrogacy journey. Born without a uterus, Amelia knew she needed to take a different path to motherhood. Together with her partner Ben and a 'team' she didn't know she needed, Amelia was able to live out her dreams. Dr McIlveen’s dedication and expertise brought hope and joy to the Crispin family, making their dream of parenthood a reality.

The article explores the discrimination LGBTQIA+ individuals and single women may face when accessing Medicare rebates for assisted reproductive technology. Genea Fertility CEO Tim Yeoh and other advocates are urging policy updates to ensure equitable access to IVF treatments for all family types.

In this podcast episode, Dr Erin Fuller dives into the topic of secondary infertility, a common experience for many women trying to conceive after a previous pregnancy. She discusses factors such as age, weight, and stress that affect fertility, and explores options like egg freezing and the management of conditions like endometriosis.

Dr Victoria Nisenblat of Genea Adelaide breaks down everything you need to know about egg freezing for fertility preservation. In recent years, interest in egg freezing has spiked as women look to take control of their fertility journey. Career ambition, economic stability and life goals have seen this generation often delay parenthood.

The article explores the growing trend of elective egg freezing among Aussie women who want to preserve their fertility and outpace the biological clock. Dr Genia Rozen emphasises the importance of discussions around fertility and advocates for societal support and policy changes. 

In this article, two women share their stories, highlighting the complexity of motherhood and the need for awareness and support for women facing fertility struggles. Dr Genia Rozen underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, and the critical role they play in effectively addressing these issues.

In East Melbourne, we partnered with Unispace, to create a groundbreaking consult and monitoring clinic. Unispace focused on designing a clinic that striked a balance between functional, efficient, clean, welcoming and calm. By embedding patient needs into the design process, Genea and Unispace aim to alleviate stress and enhance the overall experience for individuals undergoing fertility treatment in East Melbourne.

The article explores endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting millions of women worldwide. A/Prof Alex Polyakov sheds light on common symptoms, causes, treatments, what a diagnosis may mean for individuals and how to manage the symptoms.

This article emphasises Genea's investment in quality service and scientific innovation, as highlighted by Dr Myvanwy McIlveen, Chair of Genea's Medical Advisory Committee. Genea's commitment to excellence positions it as a leader in achieving positive outcomes in IVF treatments.

The article outlines A/Prof Alex Polyakov's criticism of a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Alabama. The ruling equates frozen embryos to living children under state law, which could lead to criminal charges for those who destroy them. Polyakov argues that this decision showcases a lack of understanding of in vitro fertilization (IVF) processes and their consequences.

The article sheds light on the complexities of fertility choices and highlights the need for more comprehensive education and support. A/Prof Alex Polyakov recommends considering egg freezing between ages 35 and 37 for cost efficiency.

A/Prof Alex Polyakov, underscored the significance of research findings that ultrasound exposure substantially improves human sperm motility by 266% while advising caution. Further research is required to assess broader impacts on fertility treatments.

A/Prof Alex Polyakov explores the dynamics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and contraceptive pill usage. While the pill doesn't cure PCOS, Polyakov suggests that it may not solely act as a short-term remedy for symptoms but could potentially contribute to the natural resolution of PCOS over time. He emphasises, "As women get older, the number of follicles or cysts in the ovaries decreases," indicating that PCOS may resolve as women age.

A study reveals widespread and unnecessary use of ICSI, in Australia, with questionable benefits for couples without severe male infertility. A/Prof Alex Polyakov's research suggests roughly 30% of couples would benefit from ICSI for male-factor infertility, contrasting conventional IVF's effectiveness for those with normal semen analysis. Polyakov highlights the natural sperm selection process in conventional IVF versus lab-selected sperm in ICSI. The study prompts calls for judicious use of ICSI to avoid financial burden and potential health risks.

The Women’s hospital hosts Meet a Scientist events to promote STEM careers for girls. Despite strides, a 2023 report highlighted gender gaps in STEM fields, originating from high school education disparities. Only one female scientist is mentioned in Australian curricula, fueling the need for initiatives like Meet a Scientist. Dr Genia Rozen, a researcher investigating fertility preservation after cancer, shares her journey, stressing the importance of learning from both successes and struggles. She underscores the significance of events like Meet a Scientist in providing insights into women's lives in science. Schools can email for event access.

Jess and John Buchelin, parents of two, discovered they both carried the cystic fibrosis gene mutation during genetic screening before their third child. With a one in four chance of their child having the condition, they opted for IVF and genetic screening for embryos. Out of five embryos, only one, their son Finn, was free of the gene mutation. Assoc Prof Lionel Reyftmann, a Genea Fertility Specialist, emphasised the significance of Medicare covering the test's cost to address health equity concerns. Options for high-risk couples include traditional testing, IVF with screening, or donor options, with 1 in 240 Australian couples facing elevated risk.

One of our Fertility Specialists played a vital role in the historic achievement of Australia's first baby born from a transplanted uterus. At Sydney's Royal Hospital for Women, Deans and surgeon Mats Brännström conducted the groundbreaking surgery on Kirsty Bryant, supporting the family from transplant to the birth of Henry Bryant. The hospital is authorised for 6 uterine transplant surgeries in a 3-year clinical trial. Following Bryant's surgery, two additional women at the hospital have undergone the procedure, with one now pregnant.

The first robot-assisted surgery at Epworth Hospital in 2003 revolutionised various surgical fields, improving outcomes and patient recovery. Dr Catarina Ang foresees many more applications.

A study by Genea Fertility scientists has led to the birth of 70 healthy babies from the use of embryos which would have previously been deemed unfit for use and discarded. Two of those babies are 10-month-old identical twin sisters Ella and Ruby Bent. The girls, along with parents Louise and Nick, and Scientific Director Steve McArthur appeared on Nine’s Today Extra to share the story of how Genea Fertility’s industry-leading genetic testing provides women and couples with the highest number of viable embryos during the IVF process and, therefore, the best chance of a successful pregnancy. 

"Prospective parents will be able to watch their embryos grow by simply checking a phone app (MyGenea), under advanced technology coming to Adelaide". The MyGenea app has landed in Adelaide and available to Genea Adelaide - Fertility SA patients undergoing fertility treatment. 

"It's not every day a mother volunteers to give birth to her daughter's child. But that's the gift 52-year-old Jasmina offered to her daughter Michelle and husband Jono. Incredibly, Jono's sister Sophie, a mother of three, also stepped up to be a surrogate for the couple, who've battled with infertility for years." Genea Wollongong Fertility Specialist Assoc Prof Lionel Reyftmann has helped a family dream come true. 

Genea Wollongong Fertility Specialist Assoc Prof Lionel Reyftmann has helped an Illawarra couple struggling with conception achieve their family dreams through assisted conception IVF. "It was definitely worth it. He has definitely changed our lives," said Ms McMinn in the Illawarra Mercury article. 

Genea has been helping couples create families for more than 37 years – and now we are in Queensland. Genea Medical Director Associate Professor Mark Bowman and Genea Brisbane Fertility Specialist Dr John Esler welcomed the media at the clinic’s opening in November. They highlighted the superior technology, expertise and care that is now available to Queensland families thanks to the arrival of Genea Brisbane.

When a couple’s attempts to conceive fail, thoughts usually turn to a woman’s fertility. However, figures from the latest Australian and New Zealand Reproductive Database (ANZARD) report prove male fertility should also be considered if a couple faces difficulties falling pregnant naturally. The report found male infertility was a factor in one in three IVF cycles undertaken by couples in 2020. In 20 per cent of cycles male infertility was the sole reason for treatment, while 11.2 per cent of cycles were due to a combination of male and female infertility. To help dispel the stigma that can sometimes surround male infertility, Genea Perth patients Matt and Mylie Hammond spoke to 9Honey Parenting about their experience with male infertility – and their journey to become parents of adorable baby son Jasper.

Like many women her age, Brittany Hockley knows she wants children one day – but not any time soon. She also knows that as women head past their mid-30s, their fertility begins to decline. That is why Brittany made the decision to freeze her eggs with Genea. “I wanted to be sure that when the time came, I’d have the choice, that my biological clock wouldn’t have taken that away from me,” Brittany wrote on Mamamia.