Fertility treatment in Australia
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Patient Information
Fertility Treatment in Australia
What is fertility treatment?
Fertility treatment refers to medical interventions designed to help individuals or couples conceive a child. These treatments address various causes of infertility, including hormonal imbalances, structural issues, or unexplained infertility.
What are the common fertility treatments available in Australia?
Australia offers a range of fertility treatments, including:
1. Ovulation Induction (OI):
– Medications are used to stimulate ovulation in women who do not ovulate regularly.
– Suitable for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
2. Artificial Insemination (AI):
– Sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization.
3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
– Eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory.
– The resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.
4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
– A single sperm is injected directly into an egg to assist fertilization.
– Often used for male infertility.
5. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET):
– Embryos created during IVF are frozen and stored for future use.
6. Fertility Surgery:
– Surgical procedures to treat conditions like endometriosis or fibroids that may
affect fertility.
7. Donor Options:
– Donor eggs, sperm, or embryos can be used when necessary.
8. Surrogacy:
– A surrogate carries a pregnancy for individuals or couples unable to do so.
What are the costs of fertility treatment in Australia?
Costs vary depending on the type of treatment and clinic. You must discuss it with individual clinics. Medicare covers some fertility treatments, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
What do Australian guidelines recommend?
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) emphasize:
– Evidence-based treatments tailored to individual needs.
– Avoiding unnecessary or unproven interventions.
– Ensuring equitable access to fertility services.
When should I seek fertility treatment?
You should consult a healthcare provider if:
– You have been trying to conceive for over 12 months (or 6 months if over 35 years old).
– You have known medical conditions affecting fertility, such as PCOS or endometriosis.
– You experience irregular periods or other symptoms of infertility.