Ovulation Induction
and IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
Navigating the journey toward building a family can be a complex and emotional experience. For many individuals and couples in Melbourne and regional Victoria, the path to conception does not always follow a predictable timeline. Fertility challenges are common, yet every patient’s medical profile is unique.
Dr Jessica Holden provides comprehensive, evidence-based fertility care, offering a range of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) tailored to your specific health needs. Two of the primary pathways utilised to support conception are Ovulation Induction (OI) and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Understanding the clinical differences, the diagnostic process, and the procedural steps involved is the first step in making an informed decision about your reproductive health.
Ask your GP for a referral to Dr Jessica Holden or contact my friendly team to arrange your appointment.
Understanding Ovulation Induction (OI)
Ovulation induction is often the primary medical intervention for individuals who experience irregular menstrual cycles or anovulation (the absence of ovulation). When a person does not release a mature egg regularly, natural conception becomes statistically difficult.
Indications for Ovulation Induction
This treatment is frequently recommended for patients diagnosed with:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal condition that often disrupts the regular release of eggs.
Hormonal Imbalances: Such as irregularities in the pituitary gland or thyroid function that impact the menstrual cycle.
Unexplained Infertility: Where minor cycle irregularities may be hindering conception.
How Ovulation Induction is Managed
The process involves the use of specific medications, such as oral tablets or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injections, to encourage the ovaries to develop and release a mature egg.
Management includes:
Initial Assessment: Blood tests and pelvic ultrasounds to establish a baseline.
Medication: Commencement of prescribed fertility drugs at a specific point in the cycle.
Cycle Monitoring: Regular ultrasounds and blood tests to track follicle growth and ensure the dosage is appropriate, reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Timed Intercourse or Insemination: Once the follicle reaches an optimal size, advice is provided on the best timing for conception.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a more advanced assisted reproductive technique. It involves a multi-step process where an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body in a controlled laboratory environment. The resulting embryo is then transferred back into the uterus.
Indications for IVF
IVF may be recommended if other treatments have been unsuccessful, or if specific clinical factors are present, such as:
Tubal Factor Infertility: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes that prevent the egg and sperm from meeting naturally.
Endometriosis: Where the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus affects fertility.
Male Factor Infertility: Including low sperm count, poor motility, or structural issues.
Advanced Maternal Age: To facilitate the selection of viable embryos.
Genetic Concerns: Where pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) is required.
The IVF Process: Step-by-Step
1. Ovarian Stimulation
The patient receives injectable medications for approximately 8 to 12 days to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, rather than the single egg usually produced in a natural cycle.
2. Monitoring
During stimulation, you will attend the clinic for regular ultrasounds and blood tests. This allows Dr Holden to monitor the development of the follicles and adjust medication dosages as needed.
3. Egg Pickup (Oocyte Retrieval)
Once the follicles have reached the desired size, a "trigger" injection is administered to finalise egg maturation. The egg pickup is a minor surgical procedure performed under light sedation.
4. Fertilisation and Embryo Culture
The retrieved eggs are taken to our specialised lab. They are then fertilised with prepared sperm (either through standard insemination or Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection, known as ICSI). The laboratory team monitors the development of the embryos over the following 3 to 5 days.
5. Embryo Transfer
A single healthy embryo is selected and transferred into the uterus via a thin catheter. This is typically a simple procedure similar to a cervical screening test and does not usually require sedation.
6. Vitrification (Freezing)
Any additional high-quality embryos that are not transferred can be frozen (cryopreserved) for future use.
Our IVF Laboratory and Facilities
All specialised laboratory procedures, including egg collection, embryo transfers, and comprehensive sperm testing, are conducted at our dedicated facility:
Create Fertility 1-3 Meadow Crescent, Mount Waverley, VIC 3149
This state-of-the-art laboratory ensures that embryos are cultured in an environment that strictly mimics the conditions of the human body, providing the necessary support for cellular development.
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Fertility issues often do not present with obvious physical symptoms, other than the inability to conceive after a period of regular, unprotected intercourse. However, you should consider a consultation with Dr Holden if you experience:
Irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
Severe pelvic pain or known endometriosis.
A history of pelvic inflammatory disease.
Known or suspected male factor fertility issues.
The general clinical guideline is to seek a specialist review if you have been unable to conceive after 12 months of trying (if under age 35) or after 6 months (if over age 35).
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Before commencing any treatment, a thorough diagnostic workup is essential. This ensures that the chosen pathway is the most appropriate for your clinical situation. Investigations typically include:
Pathology: Hormone screening (AMH, FSH, LH) and screening for infectious diseases.
Semen Analysis: To assess sperm count, morphology, and motility.
Advanced Imaging: Pelvic ultrasound (Sonohysterogram) or HyCoSy to check the patency of the fallopian tubes and the health of the uterine lining.
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Fertility treatment is a physical and emotional undertaking. Following procedures like egg retrieval, patients may experience mild cramping or bloating. Dr Holden’s team provides clear aftercare instructions and is available to address any post-operative concerns.
Beyond the clinical aspects, we recognise the stress and uncertainty that can accompany fertility journeys. We encourage patients to access counselling services, which are an integral part of the care provided during IVF cycles. Clear communication and realistic expectations are the foundations of our patient-doctor relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions About IVF
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Ovulation induction uses medication to encourage your body to release an egg naturally, with the goal of achieving conception through timed intercourse. In contrast, IVF involves collecting eggs directly from the ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in a laboratory before transferring the resulting embryo back into the uterus.
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The choice of treatment depends entirely on your medical history, age, the results of diagnostic tests, and how long you have been trying to conceive. During your initial consultation, Dr Holden will review your investigations and discuss the most appropriate evidence-based options for your specific circumstances.
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As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks. In Ovulation Induction, the primary risk is multiple pregnancy (twins or more) if too many follicles develop. In IVF, risks include Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) or minor complications from the egg retrieval procedure. Dr Holden monitors every cycle closely to minimise these risks.
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A typical cycle involves several monitoring appointments over a two-week period. These usually include 3 to 4 ultrasounds and blood tests, followed by the egg retrieval procedure and the embryo transfer. Our team works to coordinate these appointments to fit within your schedule as much as possible.
If you are seeking routine gynaecological care, treatment for a specific reproductive concern, or comprehensive fertility support, Dr Jessica Holden and her professional team are here to guide you.
Appointments are available across our various locations to ensure accessibility for patients.
To book a consultation:
Phone: (03) 5642 6600
Referrals: We prefer referrals sent via HealthLink (drholden), Medical Objects, or via email to our contact address. A valid GP referral is required to claim Medicare rebates for your consultations.