Infertility Management in Point Cook
If you have been trying to conceive for a year, or six months if you are 35 or older, it is time for a fertility evaluation. Infertility management in Point Cook starts with your GP, who can arrange the first tests for both partners, explain the results and arrange specialist care when needed. Our GPs at Juniper Avenue Medical Centre can guide you through each step.
What infertility means
Doctors describe infertility as not becoming pregnant after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sex. It is common, and it is not about blame. According to healthdirect, around a third of cases relate to the woman, a third to the man, and a third to both partners or causes that cannot be found.
Infertility management in Point Cook: the first visit
Your GP will go through how long you have been trying, your cycle, past pregnancies, medical and surgical history, medicines and lifestyle for both of you. Testing both partners early avoids months of investigating only one person. Bring any previous results, and keep a record of your periods if you can.
Common causes in women and men
In women, problems with ovulation are the most frequent cause, found in around 40% of women with infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids and age also play a part. In men, causes include a low sperm count, poor sperm quality, problems with ejaculation and testicular conditions. Smoking, alcohol, past infections and some medicines can affect either partner.
Tests for both partners
Better Health Channel describes the usual investigations:
- Blood tests that check hormones linked to ovulation
- An ultrasound to look for fibroids and other changes in the uterus and ovaries
- A semen analysis for the male partner
- Laparoscopy, a keyhole procedure arranged through a specialist, when blocked tubes or endometriosis are suspected
Blood tests can be collected by Dorevitch Pathology at the clinic. See our pathology page for collection hours.
Referral to a fertility specialist
Depending on the results, your GP can refer you to a fertility specialist or gynaecologist. Treatment depends on the cause and may include surgery for problems such as fibroids or endometriosis, medicines that help ovulation, or assisted reproduction such as IVF, ICSI or insemination. Even advanced treatment does not guarantee a pregnancy, and success depends a great deal on age and the reason for infertility.
Medicare and the cost of IVF
Services Australia explains that when your doctor refers you for fertility treatment, you can claim some money back from Medicare, and there is no limit on the number of treatment rounds. Most people still pay part of the cost, which varies with the services needed, the specialist’s fees and your private health cover. Registering for the Medicare Safety Net can reduce out-of-hospital costs once you reach the threshold.
Looking after yourselves
Months of tests and waiting can be hard on a relationship and on your mood. Raise this with your GP, who can talk through support, including mental health care. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
Common questions
Do we need a referral to see a fertility specialist?
Yes, to claim Medicare rebates you need a referral. Your GP can write one after the first tests, so the specialist has your results at the first visit.
We already have a child. Can we still have trouble conceiving?
Yes. Age or new health conditions in either partner can make a later pregnancy harder, and the same time frames for seeing a doctor apply.
How is this different from fertility management?
Our fertility management page covers understanding and improving your chances before or early in trying. This page is about assessment once a pregnancy has not happened. Fees are on the fees page, and you can book online.