There are a few things you will need to do before you start your first IVF cycle or receive any other treatments.

These service items often incur additional costs and therefore are not included in the treatment cost displayed on most clinics’ websites. Find out more here.

1.    Make a Free Nurse Call

Before you make an informed decision, you should reach out to clinics and find out more about the cost, success rate and more importantly their suitability for you.

During your nurse call, you should also enquire about the referral process as it may be different among clinics.

You can request the free nurse chat by visiting each clinic’s page on our website.

2.    Get a Referral

Receiving Medicare rebate for your initial consultation requires a referral from your GP, gynaecologist or obstetrician.

There are a few things to be mindful of when obtaining a referral:

• Ensure that the referral contains both you and your partner’s names.
• Validation period of referral may be different for GP, gynaecologist and obstetrician. You can find out the exact time frame by reaching out to your clinic.
• Some clinics provide referral forms which require the physician’s signature. This can make the process easier.

3.    Schedule a Consultation with a Fertility Specialist

Most clinics allow you to schedule initial consultation with a specialist of your choice, but bulk billed places often assign you with a specialist. While you are scheduling for a session, ensure that the time is suitable for both you and your partner.

Prior to the consultation, you should prepare a list of concerns or questions that you would like to share with your specialist or him/her to answer. The list may include:

• Your or your partner’s health and fertility history
• Estimated number of IVF cycles for you or your partner to have a baby
• Which laboratory is affiliated with the clinic/specialist and its success rate
• Which hospital/surgery facility is affiliated with the clinic
• Timeline leading up to and including treatment cycle(s)
• Donor and surrogacy programs (if applicable)

4.    Preliminary Tests

To determine what fertility treatment suits your situation the best, your specialist will schedule preliminary tests before starting any treatments.

These tests may include:

• Blood tests

Blood tests typically screen for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other diseases that may affect fertility and/or embryonic development.

• Ultrasound

Ultrasound checks for any abnormality such as ovarian cysts that may affect fertility. Vaginal ultrasound is also useful as a reference for later stages during your treatment.

• Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test

AMH is a reproductive hormone that can be used to evaluate the quantity of eggs present in your ovary. However, it does not measure the quality of eggs.

• Semen analysis

Besides consistency, semen analysis can reveal the sperm’s appearance, count and motility (how fast they move). These factors play an important in male fertility.

• Genetic screening

If you wish to conduct pre-pregnancy screening for certain inheritable conditions like Huntington’s disease, you can discuss this option with your specialist.

5.    Follow-up Consultations

After test results become available, your fertility specialist will discuss the outcome and suitable treatment options with you. During these consultations, you will gain a better understanding of treatment timeline and costs of associated items.

Get started now by requesting a free nurse call.