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The IVF Journey with Dr Michael Chapman
The IVF Journey with Dr Michael Chapman
Author: The IVF Journey with Dr Michael Chapman
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Are you having difficulty conceiving?
If so, you’re not alone.
Having children is a basic human desire and most couples build their lives together, around the idea of nurturing and fostering children who will follow in their footsteps.
To not be able to have a child is a confronting issue and going through IVF can be a difficult and lonely road with several unknowns.
In this podcast you will get invaluable insights into Dr (“Prof”) Michael Chapman’s IVF practice. You will learn valuable tips and solutions to dealing with infertility, how to maximise your success rate, the impact of age on fertility, and and lots more.
Dr Chapman co-founded IVF Australia and over the last 35 years, he’s helped over 3,000 couples realise their dreams of having a baby.
Subscribe now to ensure you never miss a single value packed episode.
If so, you’re not alone.
Having children is a basic human desire and most couples build their lives together, around the idea of nurturing and fostering children who will follow in their footsteps.
To not be able to have a child is a confronting issue and going through IVF can be a difficult and lonely road with several unknowns.
In this podcast you will get invaluable insights into Dr (“Prof”) Michael Chapman’s IVF practice. You will learn valuable tips and solutions to dealing with infertility, how to maximise your success rate, the impact of age on fertility, and and lots more.
Dr Chapman co-founded IVF Australia and over the last 35 years, he’s helped over 3,000 couples realise their dreams of having a baby.
Subscribe now to ensure you never miss a single value packed episode.
522 Episodes
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In this episode, Prof Chapman explains what poor fertilisation means in IVF and why it happens, despite everything appearing “normal.” He walks through expected fertilisation rates, how labs rule out technical issues, and why egg quality, age, sperm health, and DNA fragmentation are the most common underlying factors. Prof Chapman also outlines practical adjustments for future cycles, including the role of ICSI, timing changes, and realistic expectations after a disappointing fertilisation result.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why there is currently no proven treatment that can reliably increase egg numbers or embryo yield in an IVF cycle, despite bold claims about supplements and therapies. He unpacks the limits of current science, addresses popular compounds like NMN, and emphasizes why lifestyle factors, realistic expectations, expert care, and emotional support matter far more than chasing unproven solutions. The discussion also explores what truly separates an excellent IVF clinic from a technically good one, personalized care, honest guidance, and support through repeated setbacks.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why a healthy diet and folic acid matter and why most advertised supplements don’t improve egg or sperm quality despite bold claims online. He also discusses when donor sperm or donor eggs become a practical next step in fertility treatment, outlining the medical realities, key decision points, and how specialists support patients through what can be an emotionally complex choice.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why extensive immune testing in IVF almost always finds something “abnormal” and why that doesn’t mean treatment will help. He breaks down the science behind immune markers, the lack of proven benefit from immune therapies, and how patients can be misled by results that sound concerning but change nothing clinically.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman draws on nearly 40 years of IVF experience to unpack the growing use of so-called IVF “add-ons” or adjuvants. He explains why many treatments offered after failed cycles—such as CoQ10, DHEA, and testosterone—are not supported by strong scientific evidence, despite their popularity. Prof Chapman also clarifies real IVF success rates over multiple cycles, challenges misleading claims, and offers a grounded perspective on where hope truly comes from in fertility treatment.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains when surgery for endometriosis can improve IVF success and when it may risk reducing ovarian reserve. He unpacks the differences between mild and severe disease, why embryos are often created and frozen before surgery, and how adenomyosis, fibroids, and polyps can affect implantation and miscarriage risk. Prof Chapman also addresses common myths around IVF medications and cancer risk, offering clear, evidence-based guidance to help patients make confident treatment decisions.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how IVF protocols are adjusted for women with PCOS, why PCOS patients often respond well to IVF, and how modern stimulation and antagonist protocols have significantly reduced the risks of OHSS. He also discusses when it’s worth optimizing health before treatment, why many women with PCOS may not need IVF at all, and what makes embryo transfers slightly more complex in this group—offering reassurance and clarity for patients navigating their options.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how advances in embryo freezing—particularly vitrification—have transformed IVF outcomes, making frozen embryo transfers just as successful as fresh transfers in many cases. He walks through the pros and cons of fresh versus frozen cycles, the original and current reasons for “freeze-all” strategies, and why factors like hormone levels, uterine environment, OHSS risk, and genetic testing all play a role in deciding the best approach. A clear, reassuring conversation to help patients understand why freezing embryos is often recommended and how the decision should be personalised.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why implantation failure can happen even in “healthy” patients—starting with the reality that it’s common in nature too. He shares that embryo genetics are a major cause, why PGT can improve success per transfer, and what doctors check next in repeat failures (uterine shape issues, chronic endometritis, key blood tests, and certain medical conditions). He also touches on the limits of immune-based treatments and ends with an encouraging reminder that success rates improve over multiple transfers.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the science behind endometrial receptivity—how the uterine lining changes after ovulation, what the “window of implantation” really means, and why timing is only one piece of the puzzle. He explains how tests like the ERA work, why a large trial found no improvement in pregnancy rates despite the cost, and why results can vary from one cycle to the next. Prof Chapman also weighs in on newer microbiome-based tests, and shares practical perspective on progesterone support and the risk of over-treatment in IVF and frozen embryo transfer cycles.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the science — and the uncertainty — surrounding DHEA supplements in IVF. He explains what DHEA actually does, why androgens matter for egg development, and why older women may consider it despite mixed evidence. With practical insights, clinical experience, and a candid look at the research, he offers clear guidance on when DHEA might help, when it likely won’t, and what patients should realistically expect.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the science behind embryo selection—what truly improves outcomes, what’s more hype than help, and why some tools may need pharmaceutical-level regulation. He explains how genetic testing compares to AI-driven selection, why non-invasive methods still fall short, and the critical role of trained embryologists in guiding success. This conversation offers a clear, evidence-based view of how couples can navigate embryo selection with confidence and realistic expectations.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down what personalized medicine truly means in the world of fertility care. He explains why tailored treatment—not “one-size-fits-all” protocols—is essential for giving patients the best chance of success. From thorough history-taking and detailed diagnostic tests, to choosing the right medications, addressing conditions like endometriosis, and avoiding unnecessary IVF cycles, he highlights how genuine individualized care works in practice.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how modern genetic testing of embryos is dramatically improving IVF outcomes, even for patients in their mid-40s. He shares two remarkable recent cases of 44-year-old women who each produced a single embryo—both genetically normal—leading to unexpectedly high chances of pregnancy.
Prof Chapman also breaks down the evolving science behind embryo screening, why mutation testing in parents matters, and the promising future of non-invasive techniques using laser reflections and culture-fluid analysis.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within
the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how embryo genetic testing has evolved over 25 years—from basic chromosome counting to today’s highly accurate methods—and what that means for IVF success rates. He breaks down the true benefits, the financial considerations, the challenges posed by mosaic embryos, and why age plays such a crucial role in deciding whether testing is worthwhile.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman explores how modern medicine approaches male infertility—from identifying when genetic limitations make treatment impossible, to boosting hormone signals with medications like Clomiphene, to using direct testicular stimulation. He also explains surgical sperm retrieval for men with no sperm in the ejaculate and highlights how ICSI has transformed outcomes, allowing even very low sperm counts to achieve high fertilization rates. This clear, forward-looking walkthrough shows why most men with reduced sperm production can now expect the possibility of fatherhood.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down the key investigations behind male infertility—from assessing testicular size to detecting varicose veins and understanding why temperature plays such a crucial role in healthy sperm production. He also explains how ultrasounds, hormone tests, and genetic screening help pinpoint the root causes and guide the next steps toward effective treatment.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down how sperm are made—using a relatable “factory floor” analogy to explain the 90-day production process, the brain’s role as the “foreman,” and the key hormones that signal healthy spermatogenesis. He also highlights common disruptors such as stress, tumors, and especially gym supplements that can shut down sperm production in men under 30. A clear, practical look at how clinicians investigate male fertility from the top down.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman discusses the often-overlooked topic of male infertility — a challenge that affects many couples but is rarely addressed with the sensitivity it deserves. He explores the psychological impact on men, debunks common myths about sperm count and masculinity, and explains what sperm quality really means. From understanding sperm concentration, motility, and morphology to the chances of natural conception, Prof Chapman offers a grounded, compassionate look at what men can do — and why there’s still reason for optimism.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the real science behind artificial wombs and lab-grown eggs — and why these breakthroughs are still years away from mainstream fertility clinics. He also discusses when pre-genetic testing truly makes sense, who benefits most, and how it helps couples avoid the heartbreak of failed cycles and miscarriages.
Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.



