Personalised treatment at our fertility clinic in Melbourne
Welcome to our fertility
clinic in Richmond, Melbourne
No joy in the world comes close to the joy of parenthood. However, it does not come easy for everyone. 1 out of 6 couples in Australia experience infertility at some point in their lives. So, if you are one of those couples, please know that you are not alone in your struggle. Numerous fertility treatment options may help you become a parent, and these may differ as infertility has many different causes.
If you are under the age of 35 years and have been trying to conceive without success for 12 months , or 6 months for the over 35-year-olds, it is time to seek advice. Our fertility clinic – City Babies- is located in the heart of Melbourne. If you are struggling with infertility, we offer the appropriate treatment to help you conceive.
Why do you need fertility treatment?
Some of the causes of infertility are;
Idiopathic or unexplained infertility
With idiopathic infertility, the cause of infertility is unknown. The cycle is normal, semen is normal and internal examinations are normal. In about 10-15% of couples, despite thorough investigation of both partners, a cause for infertility may not be found.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium), grows in other places where it shouldn’t grow, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and bowel, causing pain, inflammation and scarring. Endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant; however, it is not impossible.
Ovulation disorders and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Many women have problems with ovulation due to disruption or absence of controlling hormones. Ovulation can either happen irregularly or not at all. Ovulation Induction will help overcome this hurdle.
Sexual dysfunction
Including vaginismus in females, erectile and ejaculation problems in males. Having artificial insemination can overcome some of these physical barriers.
Sperm defects
This can be due to undescended testicles, genetic defects, hormone problems, or other health issues, such as some infections, which can also impact sperm quality. Processing the sperm enables the best performing sperm to be inserted directly into the uterus.
Tubal defects
In some women one or both fallopian tubes may be damaged or blocked. As long as there is one patent (open) tube, we can ensure we work with that functioning tube.
Treatments available at our fertility clinic
Fertility treatments depend upon the cause, your age, health and your personal preferences. We provide Ovulation Induction and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) treatment at our clinic. After careful examination and performing tests, Dr. Weston (or your fertility specialist) will discuss the best course of action for you.
The following are treatment options we offer;
Ovulation induction
Ovulation induction aims to increase the number of eggs released each month to increase the chances of pregnancy. It is beneficial in women with irregular menstrual cycles or PCOS, as they do not ovulate regularly on their own. Ovulation may be induced with either tablets or injections. It can also be performed in conjunction with IUI.
Oral medications
Oral medications for fertility treatment include Letrozole and Clomiphene.
They improve the timing and frequency of ovulation. If you are on this treatment, you will take either tablet on the second or third day of your period and continue it for five consecutive days. City Babies monitors your progress with ultrasound and blood tests, thus determining the best time to have intercourse. Tablets are successful in inducing ovulation on about 80% of women who either don’t ovulate themselves normally or ovulate irregularly.
Side effects include hot flushes, stomach discomfort, visual disturbances, and multiple pregnancies.
Injections
There are various types of fertility injections each containing different hormones.
At City Babies we use follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which acts directly on the ovaries to enhance the growth of follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs). A manufactured version of FSH (Puregon, Gonal-F) is self-injected daily (at home) as a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen. It begins around the third day of your menstrual cycle and is continued with ultrasound monitoring until 1-3 mature follicles are ready to be ovulated.
An injection of human chorionic gonadotropin HCG (Ovidrel) helps in the final maturation of the egg. It releases eggs from the ovary approximately 35-40 hours after the injection is given. Our specialised team will inform you when to have this injection and to have intercourse or to go ahead with IUI treatment.
Side effects from both injections are mild and may include bloating, sore breasts, nausea, dizziness and irritation at the injection site.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a form of artificial insemination that involves inserting sperm that has been produced by masturbation and specially prepared, directly into a female’s uterus via the vagina using a fine tube.
It takes only a few moments to do and does not require any form of anaesthetic.
IUI can be combined with ovulation induction or with a natural cycle. This procedure increases the chance of sperm fertilising an egg within your body.
It is particularly useful if there are additional problems such as poor or absent cervical mucous, and minor defects in sperm count and motility.
Natural cycle tracking
In some cases, women are unsure of when ovulation is occurring in their cycle and wish to have that monitored to ensure the timing of intercourse is right.
Getting started
All couples need to be referred to City Babies from Dr Weston or a fertility specialist that is happy to refer you to City Babies.
Legislation in Victoria States that couples undergoing IUI treatment need to have a counselling session with an authorised counsellor. This is organised with our counsellor once your treatment type has been determined and will be done via telehealth with both partners needing to be present.
An appointment with the fertility nurse is then organised to collect instructions and any medications.
Treatment usually commences after a period. If cycles are irregular or absent, a period can be induced.
What are our success rates?
We believe in providing transparent and accurate information to our patients, including discussing potential success rates based on their situations.
However, success rates can depend on several factors, such as age, overall health, underlying fertility issues, and treatment protocols.
24% if you are less than 35years old
15% if you are 35-39 years old
10% if you are 40 years and over
However, 79% of our pregnancies result in live births.
Cost of fertility treatment
We understand the financial concerns linked with infertility treatments. We pride ourselves in trying to keep costs to a minimum.
1. Counselling
Counselling charges with a counsellor, $100 (one off fee)
2. Ovulation Induction
With tablets and monitoring, $250
With injections and timed intercourse, $700
Plus $63 for injections (No Medicare rebate)
3. IUI
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (injections)+ IUI $1150 for the first 2 cycles the $850 for any subsequent cycles.
$63 for medication ($82 Medicare Rebate)
If no current Medicare card $1650 plus the cost of the injections which can be upwards of $400.
Natural Cycle with IUI $600 Plus $32 if needing HCG trigger
Dr Luke Larmour
Dr Larmour completed both his Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Melbourne, before obtaining his FRANZCOG qualification through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Luke consults from Richmond, Bundoora and Clayton and is passionate about helping couples achieve a family.
Phone: 1300096349
Email: admin@drlukelarmour.com.au
Risks and complications of
fertility treatments
Multiple pregnancies
Cycles are monitored closely with ultrasound and blood tests to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. If there are more than three follicles that may contain mature eggs, the cycle will be postponed, and appropriate precautions must be taken to avoid pregnancy. In ovulation induction cycles, the risk of twins is 8% and 1% for triplets.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation
Syndrome (OHSS)
In some women, fertility medication causes a risk of OHSS. It occurs when too many of the ovarian follicles are stimulated and triggered for ovulation. It is a potentially serious condition, which is why each cycle is monitored carefully. It is a preventable condition, and if your results suggest you are at risk, your cycle may be postpond.
City Babies – Fertility clinic at Melbourne
A child brings unparalleled joy in one’s life, and the absence of one echoes the emptiness. At our fertility clinic, we aim to help you with our experience and expertise in fertility. Dr Gareth is a nationally recognised infertility specialist driven to use his knowledge and skills. With our specialised team, we treat infertility disorders with a suitable treatment strategy.
In order to get the best outcome of fertility treatment, visit our Fertility Specialist at City Babies in Melbourne, where we run the necessary tests to guide you in the right direction.
FAQ's
Who may benefit from OUR fertility treatment?
Our fertility treatment may benefit individuals or couples who are having difficulty conceiving naturally due to various factors such as ovulation disorders (including PCOS), one patent fallopian tube, mild endometriosis, mild sperm defects, difficulties with having sexual intercourse or unexplained infertility.
What are fertility pills?
Fertility pills are medications that help regulate ovulation in women who ovulate irregularly or not at all. They are not of any benefit to women with regular menstrual cycles.
What are the success rates of fertility treatment?
Success rates can based on several factors such as age, cause of infertility, and type of treatment. It’s essential to discuss success rates with your fertility specialist, as they can provide personalised information based on your specific situation.
Does a couple's fertility always depend only on a woman?
No, couple fertility does not solely depend on a woman. Fertility involves both partners, as male factors such as sperm count, motility, and quality also play a crucial role in conception. Both partners’ reproductive health should be evaluated to determine any potential factors contributing to infertility.
Does my Private Health Insurance cover any of this treatment at City Babies?
Unfortunately not ☹