Claim OwnershipThe 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.
534 Episodes
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In this episode, Prof Chapman addresses a challenging case of repeated frozen embryo transfer (FET) failures and explores what truly matters before trying again. He discusses why immune therapies like steroids and Clexane may not be as effective as commonly believed, and highlights the importance of embryo quality—particularly genetic testing to rule out aneuploidy. Prof Chapman also shares emerging insights on progesterone optimization before transfer, the role of ultrasound-guided embryo placement, and why choosing a highly qualified fertility specialist (CREI-certified) can make a critical difference in outcomes.
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 cuts through common misconceptions in fertility treatment explaining why a previous natural pregnancy doesn't change the diagnostic process, what "euploid" and "aneuploid" embryos actually mean for IVF success, and why the popular belief that quality always trumps quantity when it comes to eggs is more nuanced than most patients realise.
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 recurrent miscarriage, including which baseline tests are truly worth doing, which findings actually change treatment, and which commonly suggested tests have weak evidence behind them. He explains the role of embryo chromosomal abnormalities, balanced translocation, uterine assessment, antiphospholipid syndrome, sperm DNA fragmentation, and when options like progesterone or IVF with genetic testing may be worth considering.
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 answers two important IVF questions: whether an Ovidrel trigger can cause a rise in TSH, and why the same patient can have very different ovarian responses in back-to-back IVF cycles. He explains the biology behind temporary thyroid changes during treatment, the role of rising estrogen, and why ovarian response is never exactly the same from one cycle to the next. Prof Chapman also explores the concept of follicle “waves,” how random-start IVF works, and what doctors consider when deciding the next protocol after an unexpectedly different cycle.
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 severe endometriosis can create a difficult fertility dilemma, especially when ovarian cysts need surgical removal. He shares how surgery for endometriomas, while sometimes necessary, can reduce ovarian reserve by damaging healthy ovarian tissue. Prof Chapman discusses why many fertility specialists now recommend doing IVF first, freezing embryos before surgery, and then transferring them later into a healthier uterine environment. He also covers when laparoscopy is still an important diagnostic tool, particularly after repeated failed embryo transfers, and outlines newer medical treatments that can help manage endometriosis symptoms once fertility is no longer the main focus.
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 why endometriosis is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of infertility — affecting up to 30% of infertile women, often with no symptoms at all. He explains exactly how it damages fertility, what to watch for, and why getting the right diagnosis early can make all the difference.
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 cuts through the noise to reveal what's truly moved the needle in IVF over the past decade — and it's not what most patients expect. From the quiet revolution happening in fertility lab culture mediums and incubators, to the game-changing shift in embryo freezing techniques, Prof Chapman shares the under-the-radar advances that have pushed pregnancy rates from 25% to 40%. He also tackles the growing questions around GLP-1 medications like Ozempic in fertility treatment, offering frank, age-aware guidance on when weight loss efforts help — and when waiting could cost more than it gains.
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 selecting the right fertility specialist can significantly influence your IVF journey and outcomes. Responding to questions about failed protocols, limited embryos in storage, and embryo grading, he breaks down what classifications like “3BB” really mean and how treatment strategies can be refined to improve your chances. Drawing on over four decades of experience, Prof Chapman discusses the role of clinical intuition alongside data, the importance of staying current with evolving research, and why high-volume fertility expertise matters. He also explores how emotional readiness and resilience shape treatment decisions, reinforcing the value of truly personalised IVF care.
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 answers a listener’s question about recovering from surgery before restarting IVF, and then opens up about one of the most challenging parts of his work which is the difficult conversations that follow failed embryo transfers.
He explains why even in women under 38, the success rate per transfer is only around 40%, and why that still leaves so many patients searching for answers. Prof Chapman discusses the role of embryo genetics, why testing can improve outcomes, and the reality that even with a genetically normal embryo, success is never guaranteed.
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 walks through the clinical pathway for couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility. He explains tubal testing, the temporary fertility boost after flushing the tubes, when to keep trying naturally, and when to move forward to IUI or IVF. Clear, step-by-step guidance to help you feel confident about your next move.
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 one of the most common and confronting questions patients ask: “How much is IVF really going to cost?” He explains why IVF prices vary so widely across Australia, unpacking the difference between low-cost and premium services, and what those differences mean for patient care, laboratory standards, genetic testing, staffing, and outcomes. Prof Chapman also puts IVF costs into a broader life perspective—comparing treatment expenses with the long-term costs of raising a child—while highlighting Australia’s Medicare subsidies and how they compare globally. A practical, transparent conversation designed to help patients make informed, realistic decisions about IVF and value for money.
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 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.
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