Jess and Matt's path to parenthood is the kind of story that gives hope to anyone navigating the emotional and physical demands of fertility treatment. The Sydney couple, who met as teenagers working at a fish and chip shop, went on to face years of challenges before finally welcoming their baby at the start of the new year.
After marrying in 2022 and coming home from their east coast campervan honeymoon, the couple felt ready to start a family. It quickly became clear that natural conception was not going to be straightforward. When Jess visited a specialist, she was diagnosed with low AMH levels, indicating a lower than expected egg reserve for her age. The news was devastating, but the couple were determined to keep going.
Their IVF journey with Dr Genia Rozen at Genea Melbourne City involved multiple cycles, needle phobias, cycles that yielded no viable embryos, and moments where giving up felt like the only option. A trip to Bali to reset and recharge became a turning point, reminding them that looking after their mental health was just as important as the treatment itself.
One of the most significant shifts came when Dr Rozen spoke to Jess about the relationship between weight and fertility outcomes. With the support of her specialist and her own determination, Jess lost 45 kilograms through sustainable lifestyle changes, an achievement she describes as life-changing in more ways than one.
From 13 eggs retrieved in their final round, two viable embryos resulted. One was transferred, and after an agonising wait and a sneaked home pregnancy test, the result was positive. Despite a frightening bleed at eight weeks, the pregnancy continued, and their baby arrived as a joyful New Year arrival.
Their advice to others: do not wait too long to seek help, lean on each other, and never underestimate the importance of mental health along the way.
Dr Genia Rozen
Dr Genia Rozen integrates clinical excellence with her passion for research to ensure that patients are given the best treatment for their fertility and gynaecological problems. Her approach revolves around holistic, personalised and genuine care, creating a nurturing environment to support her patients journey towards building their family.
