Lyla Lindsey
In Australia, one in six different-sex couples experience trouble getting pregnant. To improve fertility, people in Australia can seek support from fertility clinics such as Virtus Health, which offers a wide range of assisted reproductive services. These services include ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and genetic testing. Additionally, people can improve their fertility by making lifestyle changes, such as abstaining from alcohol and drugs, maintaining a healthy weight, and timing intercourse during the fertile window of the menstrual cycle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Assisted reproductive treatment (ART) | 4% of all women who gave birth in Australia received some form of ART treatment |
| IVF | The first IVF pregnancy was achieved in Victoria in 1973, and Australia's first IVF baby, Candice Reed, was born in Victoria in 1980 |
| Altruistic surrogacy | Legal in Australia |
| Commercial surrogacy | Many travel abroad to access it |
| Fertility reduction factors | Smoking, obesity, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and ecstasy |
| Fertile window | 14 days before the next period |
| Fertility issues | 40% of participants in a 2012 survey were unaware that smoking and obesity significantly reduce fertility |
| Fertility clinics | Virtus Health Australia, Carrot Fertility |
| Fertility treatments | Ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and genetic testing |
| Fertility considerations | Age, egg quality, sperm quality, pregnancy complications |
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What You'll Learn
Assisted reproductive treatment (ART)
One of the most well-known ART methods is in vitro fertilisation (IVF), where egg development and release are stimulated through hormonal therapy, followed by intrauterine insemination. IVF Australia, a part of Virtus Health, provides comprehensive fertility assessments and personalised plans, ensuring individuals and couples receive consistent and compassionate care. They also offer exclusive insights and guidance through their Fertile Minds YouTube channel, addressing various topics related to fertility and pregnancy planning.
Another ART option is intrauterine insemination (IUI), a less complex treatment compared to IVF. This procedure involves inseminating the woman's uterus with prepared sperm to increase the chances of fertilisation. For those seeking ART, it is important to consider the emotional aspects of fertility treatment. Virtus Health addresses this by offering counselling services or recommending therapists specialising in fertility challenges, understanding that emotional support can enhance treatment outcomes.
Overall, ART in Australia is characterised by a commitment to scientific innovation, personalised care, and emotional support, reflecting the dedication of fertility specialists to help individuals and couples navigate their fertility journeys and achieve their parenthood goals.
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IVF and other fertility treatments
IVF is a complex treatment that involves in vitro fertilization, where an egg is fertilized by sperm in a laboratory dish and then implanted into the uterus. It is often recommended for couples who have been trying to conceive naturally for at least one year with no success. The process typically involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. IVF can be an effective treatment for various fertility issues, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and male factor infertility.
In addition to IVF, there are other fertility treatments available in Australia. These include ovulation induction, which uses hormonal therapy to stimulate egg development and release, and intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI is a simpler procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization. For couples who may not be suitable candidates for IVF or IUI, surrogacy and donor treatment options are also available. Altruistic surrogacy is legal in Australia, but many individuals and couples choose to travel abroad to access commercial surrogacy.
The success rates of IVF and other fertility treatments have been improving in Australia. In 2012, the national accreditation scheme encouraged the use of single embryo transfer, resulting in a drop in multiple birth rates and improved outcomes for mothers and babies. As of 2012, the clinical pregnancy rate for treatment cycles involving single embryo transfer remained stable at 23%. Assisted reproductive treatment (ART) providers in Australia are also increasingly providing global services, contributing to the development of the ART industry.
When undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments, it is important to consider the mental health aspect of the process. The emotional strain associated with fertility treatments can be challenging, and seeking counselling services or therapy can be beneficial. Organisations like Virtus Health Australia offer free emotional support alongside their fertility treatments, recognising the importance of mental well-being in improving treatment outcomes.
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Lifestyle factors: obesity, smoking, alcohol, drugs
Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use can significantly impact fertility in both men and women.
Obesity is a growing problem in Australia, and excess weight is linked to reduced fertility. High levels of abdominal fat increase the risk of fertility issues by disrupting the hormone balance and affecting the menstrual cycle. Weight-loss interventions that include diet and exercise can help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve fertility.
Smoking is another major lifestyle factor that negatively affects fertility in both men and women. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg grows outside the womb, often resulting in the death of the unborn child and sometimes the mother. Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of miscarriage. Nicotine, present in most tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, can interfere with fetal development. Quitting smoking is crucial for improving fertility and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Alcohol consumption is also associated with decreased fertility. Studies suggest that women who consume higher amounts of alcohol take longer to become pregnant. Alcohol misuse can lead to changes in hepatic oestrogen receptors and increase the risk of menstrual disorders, affecting fertility. Additionally, pregnant women who consume high amounts of alcohol are at a higher risk of miscarriage, placental abruption, preterm delivery, and stillbirth.
Recreational drug use can also reduce the chances of getting pregnant. Drugs like cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy can affect both male and female fertility. In men, cannabis use can lower sperm count, decrease semen quality, and reduce sperm motility. Cocaine and heroin use can reduce testosterone levels and sex drive. In women, heavy cannabis use can cause hormone changes that affect ovulation. Therefore, avoiding or seeking help to stop recreational drug use is essential for improving fertility.
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Age and fertility
Fertility generally decreases with age, and this is true for both men and women. Women are born with all their eggs already present in their ovaries, and these eggs are released throughout a woman's adult life until menopause. As a woman ages, so do her eggs, and their quality decreases over time. Women typically find it more challenging to conceive after turning 35 because they have fewer eggs, and these eggs are of a lower quality. Older women also face higher risks of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage.
While it is less commonly discussed, male fertility also declines with age. The quality of a man's sperm tends to diminish as he gets older, and pregnancies where the father is over 45 are associated with higher miscarriage rates. Additionally, women whose partners are over 40 may take longer to become pregnant.
Due to these age-related fertility challenges, many people in Australia turn to assisted reproductive treatments (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The first IVF pregnancy in Australia was achieved in Victoria in 1973, and the first IVF baby was born in 1980. Since then, ART has become increasingly common, with 4% of all women who gave birth in Australia having received some form of ART treatment.
To maximise their chances of natural fertility, women under 35 are advised to seek medical advice if they have been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for one year. Women over 35 should consult a doctor if they have not become pregnant after six months of trying. Couples can improve their chances of conception by having sex every 2-3 days during the woman's fertile period, which can be determined by tracking her menstrual cycle.
For those pursuing fertility treatments, the emotional strain of the process should not be overlooked. It is beneficial to seek counselling services or therapy to address the mental health challenges that may arise during fertility treatment.
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Fertility services and emotional support
Another resource for Australians is Family Planning NSW, which provides valuable information and recommendations for maximising natural fertility. They advise that most healthy couples will become pregnant within one year of trying. However, they encourage individuals to consult a GP or Family Planning NSW clinic if they are under 35 and have not conceived after a year of trying, or if they are over 35 and have not conceived after six months. Family Planning NSW also emphasises the impact of certain lifestyle factors on fertility, recommending that women refrain from alcohol consumption when trying to get pregnant, as it can reduce fertility for both men and women. Additionally, they advise against the use of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and ecstasy, as these substances can decrease the chances of pregnancy.
For those seeking fertility treatments and assessments, Virtus Health, through its various branches, offers a comprehensive range of options. These include simple treatments such as ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) to more complex procedures like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and genetic testing. The organisation supports individuals and couples regardless of their sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity in family planning.
Furthermore, healthdirect Australia offers a free service where individuals can talk to a nurse or doctor and receive guidance on their next steps. This service can provide trusted health information and support individuals in navigating their fertility journey.
Overall, fertility services and emotional support in Australia encompass a wide range of resources, from counselling and therapeutic interventions to medical treatments and inclusive family planning options. These services aim to address the diverse needs of individuals and couples navigating fertility challenges and their emotional implications.
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Frequently asked questions
ART stands for Assisted Reproductive Treatment. It includes treatments such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
People can improve their fertility by not consuming alcohol or drugs, maintaining a healthy weight, and tracking their menstrual cycle.
One in six different-sex couples in Australia experience trouble getting pregnant.
Women are most fertile below the age of 35. The best time to conceive is during the "fertile window" of the menstrual cycle, which is about 14 days before the next period.
Many fertility clinics in Australia offer counseling services or therapy alongside treatment plans to help tackle the emotional strain of fertility treatment.
