In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
Aiming to help you grow your family.
- Team of 17 fertility doctors
- Supportive team including accredited fertility counsellors
- Open until 5 pm weekdays
Supporting Your Fertility Journey
Deciding whether in vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be for you is often an emotional process. If your dreams of extending your family haven’t quite gone as you’d hoped, it’s perfectly normal to go through a wide range of feelings, all of them completely valid.The main emotions are frustration that pregnancy, an easy and natural experience, seems distant, and difficult, let alone costly.
When it comes time to take a step towards IVF, our team at Surfcoast Fertility is here to support you. Our IVF clinic offers personalised care with your health, well-being, and dreams in mind.
What IVF Includes
Personalised Treatment
We tailor your IVF treatment to you, using factors like your age, fertility history, to craft your unique plan.
Fertilisation and Embryo Options
Depending on your circumstances, we also provide intrauterine insemination (IUI), donor insemination (DI), and other potential options.
Support Throughout Treatment
Our whole fertility team is behind you to provide guidance and support when you need it most.
Wondering if IVF may be the next step in your journey?
The IVF Process at Surfcoast Fertility
1. Fertility Consultation
This can be in-person at one of our clinics or online via Telehealth.
2. Pre-Treatment Tests and Preparation
We may arrange blood tests, ultrasounds, or other assessments as we plan your treatment.
3. Personal Treatment
Your fertility doctor will prescribe your personalised treatment regimen.
4. Medications
This includes giving yourself FSH injections as well as other medications we prescribe. Your fertility nurse will guide you along every step and provide clear information about medications and how to use them.
5. Ultrasound
Here, we monitor your body’s response to treatment and your follicle growth.
6. Trigger Injection
This is used to mature the eggs, in line with your fertility nurse's advice, and timing of use is crucial.
7. Semen Collection or Donor Sperm Preparation
We prepare a partner’s semen sample, or prepare donor sperm for fertilisation.
8. Egg Collection
This is usually a day procedure that we perform under sedation anaesthesia.
9. Insemination, Fertilisation, and Embryo Culture
Our scientists bring egg and sperm together, in the laboratory forming embryos, then monitor their growth.
10. Embryo Transfer (ET)
We carefully transfer embryos into the uterus under ultrasound guidance.
11. Embryo Freezing
We typically freeze any additional embryos for potential future use.
12. Pregnancy Testing
We schedule a pregnancy test for around two weeks after embryo transfer.
Answering Your Questions About IVF
What is IVF for?
IVF is for people who would like to have a baby but are unable to due to factors like blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male factor infertility, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and unexplained infertility. Singles and same-sex couples who wish to have a baby also need to use IVF, as well as people who would like to save their eggs before medical treatments such as chemotherapy.
Who are our typical patients?
Our typical patients are everyday members of our community. Most are aged between their 20s and 40s. We see singles, couples, and people of any gender or sexual orientation.
What should I expect emotionally during the IVF process?
IVF can be an emotional experience for all involved, including those supporting the person undergoing treatment. You may feel excited and hopeful at times but anxious, frustrated, and overwhelmed at others. We find that the uncertainty and waiting are some of the most difficult parts. Try to be patient with yourself, make space for whatever you’re feeling, and reach out to us for support at any time.
What are the potential risks of IVF?
IVF is widely used and generally safe; however, any medical procedure comes with potential risks. We’ll discuss the risks with you and carefully monitor your response throughout treatment in an effort to identify and manage potential complications.
The main potential risks include:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Injection side effects such as bruising, redness, or mild allergic reactions
- Hormonal symptoms such as fatigue and mood swings
- Complications related to the oocyte collection
Is IVF painful?
IVF may involve some discomfort, but everybody experiences every stage of treatment differently. Most people don’t find the process painful, but you may feel discomfort such as cramping, bloating, and breast tenderness throughout parts of the process. We’ll explain what to expect at each stage and discuss options in an effort to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Is there anything you can’t do during IVF?
In many ways, you’ll be able to continue your daily activities through IVF; however, you may need to make some temporary adjustments to some parts. For example, we typically recommend avoiding overly strenuous exercise. We will discuss any medications you are on as these may occasionally interfere with some IVF medications). You should also not smoke or drink alcohol.
Why Surfcoast Fertility?
24 Years of Experience
We’ve been assisting people in their fertility journeys across Victoria since 2002.
Doctor-Owned Clinic
Our clinic has remained owned by Doctors since its inception.
Support Across Victoria
With clinics in Geelong, Ballarat, and Warrnambool, we’re proud to care for our regional communities.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Making the choice to undergo IVF is a big one, and our team is here for you every step of the way. Whether you’re hoping for your first child or to extend your growing brood, our experienced fertility doctors, nurses, scientists, and counsellors provide physical and emotional support throughout your journey.