Fertility & IVF
Helping you understand your options
No two fertility journeys are the same. Whether you're just starting to explore your options, have been trying to conceive for some time, or are considering fertility treatment, Dr Allen takes the time to understand your individual circumstances before recommending the most appropriate path forward.
Your first appointment
Many patients come to their first appointment feeling overwhelmed, uncertain or unsure about what to do next. Your consultation is an opportunity to slow things down.
Dr Allen will take the time to understand your medical history, previous investigations and fertility goals before discussing any recommended testing or treatment.
What to expect
Initial consultation
We'll talk through your history, concerns and fertility goals.
Investigations
If further testing is needed, we'll explain what's recommended and why.
Treatment plan
Together, you'll develop a personalised plan based on your individual circumstances.
Ongoing care
If treatment is recommended, Dr Allen will continue to oversee your care throughout your fertility journey.
Fertility care and treatment options
Investigations
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Understanding why pregnancy hasn't happened is the first step towards finding the right treatment. Dr Michael Allen offers comprehensive fertility assessments, including investigations for both female and male fertility, to help identify any factors affecting your ability to conceive.
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For women who are not ovulating regularly, medication may be recommended to stimulate ovulation and improve the chances of natural conception or assisted fertility treatment.
Fertility Treatment Options
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IVF combines eggs and sperm in a specialised laboratory before transferring an embryo to the uterus. Dr Michael Allen works closely with IVF Australia, providing continuity of care throughout your fertility treatment.
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For women who are not ovulating regularly, medication may be recommended to stimulate ovulation and improve the chances of natural conception or assisted fertility treatment.
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ICSI is a specialised IVF technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. It is commonly recommended when male factor infertility is present or fertilisation has been unsuccessful with conventional IVF.
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PGT allows embryos created through IVF to be tested for certain genetic or chromosomal conditions before transfer. This may be recommended in specific circumstances, such as recurrent miscarriage or known genetic conditions.
Additional Fertility Care
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Egg freezing allows women to preserve their fertility for the future. Dr Michael Allen can discuss whether fertility preservation is appropriate for your circumstances and guide you through the process.
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Some conditions affecting fertility, including endometriosis, fibroids or ovarian cysts, may benefit from surgical treatment. Where appropriate, Dr Michael Allen offers advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery to optimise fertility outcomes.
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For some individuals and couples, donor eggs, donor sperm or surrogacy may be the most appropriate pathway to parenthood. Dr Michael Allen provides expert guidance, support and ongoing care throughout these complex fertility journeys
Dr Allen works with IVF Australia, giving his patients access to one of Australia's leading fertility networks while maintaining continuity of specialist care.
If IVF treatment is recommended, Dr Allen will continue to oversee your treatment, supported by IVF Australia's experienced embryology, nursing and scientific teams.
Fertility & IVF FAQ’s
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The chance of conception in any given month of trying is approximately 20%. Whilst this may seem low the cumulative pregnancy rate after trying for 12 consecutive months is approximately 85%.
For women under 35, subfertility is considered when there is absence of a successful pregnancy after a year of trying to conceive. For women over 35, it's best to book in after 6 months of trying. -
Yes. Speak to your GP before you book to organise a referral and any preemptive tests (ie. bloodwork) needed.
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At the time of booking, you’ll be told about any information you need to prepare for us or any tests needed in advance. Here’s the kind of information that’s helpful if you have it on hand:
A list of any medications or drugs you and your partner take. This includes vitamins, alcohol or tobacco consumption and any recreational drug use
Information about any prior tests you’ve had
Ask your parents prior to coming in if you had any issues at birth or early childhood
Whether anyone if you or your partner’s families, male or female, have had any fertility problems or if there are any conditions that are known to run in the family
A list of all symptoms currently being experienced, even if they seem unrelated to fertility (eg. chronic headaches, anxiety, lack of sleep etc)
Personal information including major life changes or stresses.
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Fertility challenges can affect either partner, or sometimes both. For this reason, we recommend that you and your partner attend your initial consultation together.
Both partners will require a referral from their GP. In most cases, your GP will be happy to provide referrals for both of you.
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Fertility can be influenced by so many different factors and as such, we use several different methods to identify exactly why you’re having trouble so we can figure out the best treatment possible. These tests include:
Cervical cancer screening to check your cervical health as well as to look for any hidden infection that may impact upon your ability to conceive
Ultrasounds and/or x-rays of your fallopian tubes and uterus (known as a hysterosalpingogram or an HSG). This identifies any blockages in your fallopian tubes or other underlying obstructive uterine pathology
Blood tests (including an assessment/tracking cycle) to screen for chromosomic abnormalities, carrier screening (if requested), AMH (ovarian reserve testing), thyroid function testing as well as pre-pregnancy screening (anaemia and iron assessment, HBV, HCV, HIV, TPPA, rubella) and a screening panel identifying causes of early pregnancy loss
If indicated (based on history and symptoms) a hysteroscopy/laparoscopy may be recommended to check your pelvis for any abnormalities or conditions such as endometriosis that can be successfully treated in order to increase your chance of conception.
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Fertility is not just a female-centric concern. If you’re a man and have concerns about your own fertility there are several tests available to help. These include:
Semen analysis, which tests for any abnormalities in your sperm and looks for low sperm counts
Blood tests to look at hormone levels, as well as testing for any genetic abnormalities or underlying syndromes.
Discuss your fertility
Whether you're just starting to explore your fertility or considering treatment, your first appointment is an opportunity to ask questions, understand your circumstances and decide what comes next.