That first fertility clinic appointment can feel overwhelming, the waiting room anxiety, wondering if you've prepared enough, not knowing what questions to ask. In this essential episode, Dr. Chandrika Parmar, Director at Genea Fertility Melbourne City, walks through everything patients need to know before, during, and after their first consultation. From the must-have tests to request from your GP beforehand to the critical questions that actually matter during your appointment, Dr. Parmar s...
Meet Marcia, a stylist turned wellbeing entrepreneur, as she shares the story behind her 6-part Substack series My Story. What begins as a four-year journey through burnout, medical trauma, and unexplained infertility evolves into a path of holistic healing, transformation, and ultimately, a profound spiritual awakening. Along the way, Marcia reflects on the pivotal moments that have shaped her, blending science-backed insights with the truly unexplainable. This episode not only reveals the f...
OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) is a condition that can occur during IVF treatment, and understanding it helps you make informed decisions about your care. Dr. Sebastian Leathersich, Medical Director at Concept Fertility and CREI specialist, joins us for an informative conversation about what OHSS is, who might be more likely to experience it, and what treatment options are available. Dr. Leathersich discusses how fertility specialists monitor for OHSS, the various treatment approach...
The first phone call to a fertility clinic can be one of the most vulnerable moments in someone's journey to parenthood. In this heartwarming episode, Leana Fallen, Patient Engagement Coordinator at Fertility SA, shares the crucial role she plays in making that first interaction meaningful and supportive. Leana discusses how patient engagement goes far beyond scheduling appointments - it's about creating a foundation of trust, understanding, and care from the very first conversation. She reve...
Meet Rosie, who wanted to share her story even though she's still in the thick of it all and is a beautiful reminder that you don't need a happy ending to inspire others, sometimes sharing the messy middle is exactly what someone else needs to hear. Rosie thought she'd be a young mum but found herself starting her fertility journey at 28. After a heartbreaking chemical pregnancy and feeling left behind while friends had babies easily, Rosie discovered she had PCOS and wasn't ovulating regular...
Join us as we celebrate the incredible women choosing solo motherhood with fertility specialist Dr. Rose McDonnell from Genea Perth. These remarkable women are redefining family on their own terms, showing extraordinary courage and determination to pursue their dreams of motherhood. Dr. McDonnell shares her admiration for these patients and provides expert guidance on the medical journey, from optimal timing, donor selection, treatment protocols (IUI vs IVF), success rates by age, and the uni...
In this episode, Dr. Chandrika Parmar fearlessly tackles the fertility questions that keep patients awake at night but too embarrassed to ask out loud. As Director of Genea Fertility Melbourne City, she dives into collection room etiquette, post-procedure intimacy, and whether naming your embryos is totally normal (spoiler: it is). With her clinical expertise, refreshing candour, and drawing from her years of experience as a gynaecologist and fertility specialist, Dr. Parmar creates a judgmen...
Shannon and Jared Baker's four-year fertility journey is a testament to resilience, love, and never giving up on their dream of parenthood. Facing the dual challenge of azoospermia and endometriosis, this determined couple navigated two micro TESA surgeries, seven egg collections, and nine embryo transfers across three different clinics before welcoming their beautiful baby boy through donor conception. As OG listeners of the podcast from the very beginning of their journey, Shannon and Jared...
As we commemorate World IVF Day on July 25th, celebrating nearly five decades since the first IVF baby changed reproductive medicine forever, we're witnessing an unprecedented technological revolution that's reshaping the future of fertility treatment. Join Nicole McPherson, Director of Research & Science Education at Genea Fertility, as she explores how artificial intelligence and cutting-edge biotechnology are transforming every aspect of reproductive medicine, from AI-powered embryo se...
Some of the most wanted, most loved children in the world are conceived through the incredible gift of donor conception. In this heartwarming episode, Senior Fertility Counsellor Brooke Calo from Fertility SA powered by Genea brings over 20 years of women's health experience to guide us through the beautiful, complex world of donor conception. From the evolving legislation, to the deeply personal process of donor selection, Brooke breaks down what intended parents really need to know about th...
Meet Katie Dunn, a voice we desperately need in the fertility space. At 39, Katie made the conscious decision to step away from fertility treatment after multiple rounds of IUI and IVF across two different chapters of her life. But here's what makes Katie's story so powerful - she calls this her HAPPY ending. Katie writes about alternative happy endings on her Substack 'Afterglow,' creating the positive, uplifting stories she was desperately searching for when she was in treatment. Stories of...
Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, with many discovering its impact only when they face difficulties conceiving. In this compelling episode, Dr. Catarina Ang unpacks the complex relationship between this often-misunderstood condition and fertility challenges. At Genea Fertility Melbourne City, Dr. Ang implements innovative approaches that consider both pain management and fertility preservation, challenging outdated advice to "just get pregnant" as a treatment. She explores th...
Recurrent pregnancy loss leaves couples searching for answers and hope in the face of repeated heartbreak. In this episode, Dr. Julianne Cameron explores the complex medical, genetic, and emotional factors that contribute to this devastating fertility challenge. Drawing from both her personal journey through recurrent loss and her clinical expertise, she unpacks the latest testing protocols, treatment options, and success rates that patients need to understand. At Genea Fertility Melbourne Ci...
Meet Dom and Matt, whose journey to parenthood took an unexpected turn when a routine anaesthesia check revealed a life-threatening heart condition. After devastating pregnancy losses and the crushing news that conception wasn't safe until major heart surgery, Dom faced the ultimate choice: fix her heart to save her life and future family. Through two open-heart surgeries, months of recovery, IVF challenges, and the anxiety of a high-risk pregnancy, this couple's resilience shines. Their stor...
This Men's Health Week, we're shining a spotlight on the crucial yet often overlooked role men play in the fertility journey. In this episode, Dr. Eashan Tambimuttu brings his specialised expertise to discuss male fertility in straightforward, practical terms. At Genea Fertility Melbourne City, he cuts through myths and misconceptions, offering clear guidance on what actually impacts male fertility and how men can become active participants rather than sideline spectators in the fertility pro...
When one partner is ready to end the IVF journey while the other wants to continue, couples face one of fertility treatment's most challenging emotional crossroads. In this episode, Dr. Alice Huang addresses this delicate relationship dynamic with sensitivity and clinical wisdom, exploring how couples can navigate different grief timelines, financial considerations, and future family-building alternatives. At Genea Fertility Melbourne City, she helps patients identify when treatment fatigue d...
Meet Emily O'Donohoe, an avid listener to now a welcome guest on the show, here sharing her raw and honest journey through the complexities of secondary infertility. Emily's story is one that so many of you will relate to - from the joy of her first successful pregnancy after an ectopic, to the devastating loss of miscarriage, and now navigating the confusing world of unexplained secondary infertility. This conversation dives deep into the unique challenges of secondary infertility - the guil...
From old wives' tales to TikTok trends, fertility advice comes from everywhere, but which claims actually stand up to scientific scrutiny? In this enlightening episode, Dr. Mathias Epee brings his 20+ years of global obstetrics and gynaecology experience to debunk common fertility misconceptions and validate surprising truths. Drawing on his diverse clinical background across Australia, Europe, and Africa, Dr. Epee offers a uniquely cross-cultural perspective on reproductive health beliefs. A...
To celebrate International Nurses Day, I'm sitting down with the unsung heroes of fertility treatment, the dedicated nursing team from Concept Fertility Centre who become your lifeline throughout the journey. Join me in conversation with Michaela Hegarty (Nurse Manager - Coordination), Corry Moore (Nurse and Donor Coordinator), and Chantelle Trower (Nurse Coordinator) as they share insights from the frontlines of reproductive care. These extraordinary professionals are often the first voice y...
Our most requested guest returns for our milestone 100th episode! My husband is back (by popular demand) to celebrate this journey from uncertain beginnings to the thriving community we've built together. We're popping champagne and cracking beers as we look back at memorable moments, interview highlights, and yes—there's the inevitable candid conversation about sperm collection that Byron handles with his signature humour. In the second half, roles reverse as Byron takes the host chair to in...