IVF
Your IVF specialist in Sydney, Dr I-Ferne Tan
While it's one of the most common fertility treatments, IVF can feel overwhelming for many. Having the right specialist by your side makes all the difference.
By the time you turn to IVF, it’s likely that you and your partner have already faced many disappointments. Coming under the care of an experienced fertility specialist can give you the reassurance that you’re getting the right advice and care.
Understanding IVF treatment
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves combining eggs and sperm in a specialised laboratory environment to create embryos, which can then be placed into the uterus.
This is just one type of assisted reproductive technology. IVF can be useful for couples who are having trouble conceiving due to:
Male infertility
Female infertility
Unexplained infertility
Recurrent miscarriage
IVF is also an option for same-sex couples and single women looking to conceive with donor sperm.
Since embryos are created outside the female body, IVF allows for genetic testing of these embryos. This is useful for couples who are at risk of passing on a genetic disorder.
Not everyone who is struggling to conceive needs IVF. There are very few instances where IVF is the only option, so it’s important to have a comprehensive assessment and consider all the possibilities.
The IVF process explained
01
Ovarian stimulation
As the female partner, fertility medications are used to help your ovaries produce lots of mature eggs instead of the single egg typically released during a menstrual cycle. These medications come in the form of injections, which my fertility nurse will teach you to use at home.
04
Fertilisation
Your eggs and your partner’s/donor sperm are combined in a laboratory dish to facilitate fertilisation. This may be achieved spontaneously, where the sperm need to penetrate the outer layers of the egg, or via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected into an egg. This treatment decision depends on your circumstances.
07
Pregnancy test
The hardest part is the waiting. I will organise a pregnancy blood test for you 2 weeks after your embryo transfer.
02
Egg collection procedure
Once your eggs have reached maturity, they're collected using a minor surgical procedure. A trans-vaginal ultrasound guides the insertion of a thin needle into the ovaries to collect the eggs. It can be done while awake (with local anaesthetic numbing injection) or asleep (under general anaesthetic).
05
Embryo culture
The resulting embryos are monitored in a special incubator for 5 days. The Geri® time-lapse incubation system is exclusively used by the Genea fertility network, designed to mimic the environment of a woman’s uterus.This advanced technology improves your success rates compared to a conventional incubator.
03
Sperm collection
Your male partner's sperm is collected and prepared in the laboratory. If you’re undergoing IVF with donor sperm, your chosen donor’s sample will be delivered to the lab.
06
Embryo transfer procedure
A long thin tube is used to place the little embryo in the perfect spot in the uterus. Usually, only one embryo is transferred at a time.
IVF Success Rates
IVF success depends on many factors — including age, egg and sperm quality, and underlying fertility conditions. Generally, younger age and good ovarian reserve are linked with higher success rates.
Dr I-Ferne Tan’s patients consistently achieve outcomes above national averages.
Her results reflect the combination of her medical expertise, individualisation of treatment, and collaboration with Genea’s leading reproductive technologies.
The figures below show the chance of having a baby in your first complete egg retrieval cycle and after an embryo transfer, using publicly available data from www.yourivfsuccess.com.au
Dr Tan’s IVF outcomes reflect both her clinical experience and the support of leading reproductive technology, with success rates consistently above the national average
FAQs
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The success rate of IVF hangs on three factors: the fertility specialist, the fertility clinic, and the fertility factors of the couple.
In Australia, a woman under 35 has a 48% chance on average of falling pregnant after one complete round of IVF. This ranges from 17% to 66% depending on the above factors. A woman over 35 has a 26% chance of success on average. My expertise combined with Genea’s cutting-edge technology results in a success rate of over 60%.
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The cost of IVF depends on the type of fertility treatment and the fertility company. At Genea, a standard IVF cycle costs approximately $12000. If you're eligible for Medicare, you can get a significant rebate. You can find Genea’s current treatment costs here.
In addition to IVF, you may choose to undergo preimplantation genetic testing, which attracts a separate fee. If further medical interventions are required, such as intracytoplastic sperm injection in the case of male infertility, this will also add to the IVF cost.
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Some people can have reactions to the hormone medication. Bloating, weight gain, and heightened emotions are common. Nausea, pelvic cramps, or headaches can also be side effects. These reactions will start to improve after the egg collection.
The biggest risk with IVF is ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS) where overproduction of eggs and hormones can lead to severe bloating and pain, and complications such as blood clots, twisted ovaries, and problems with the kidneys, lungs, or liver.
During the egg collection procedure, there is a small but potential risk of damage to your bowel or major blood vessels which can cause internal bleeding.
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Make sure you have had an orientation and education session with a fertility nurse. They'll provide you with the required medicines, and then show you how to correctly use each one. Continue taking prenatal vitamins or folic acid in preparation for pregnancy.
Otherwise, there is nothing special. You can continue eating all your usual foods and continue your usual activities, including work and exercise. Mindfulness practices may help alleviate some of the stress associated with IVF treatment.
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Once you start treatment, it takes approximately 3 weeks. During this time, you will have blood tests and ultrasounds every few days to monitor your hormone levels and the growth of the follicles on your ovaries. The egg collection is a day surgery procedure that takes approximately 20 minutes. Embryo transfer happens 5 days later. This procedure takes approximately 5 minutes.