Infertility affects both men and women, which is why QFG fully investigate both partners. In our experience 40% of cases are male related, 35% are female related and 35% are deemed unexplained infertility. In many cases both partners are contributing to their infertility.
QFG has a number of female and male doctors, all of whom have many years of experience treating infertility. We recommend that patients talk with their GP, ask their friends or phone 1800 734 483 (QFG’s new patient enquiry line).
* Fertility treatment is a specialist service – you will require a referral from your GP.
QFG offers a unique service, where our doctors personally manage each patient’s treatment. Your doctor will oversee your blood tests, perform your scans and carry out your procedures. QFG also has psychologists, infertility nurse coordinators and world class scientists supporting our doctors and guiding our patients.
There is no age limit to treatment with QFG. It is widely acknowledged that female fertility decreases with age and the miscarriage rate increases with age. Female age is therefore critical to success in conceiving both naturally and with artificial reproductive treatment. QFG encourages couples over the age of 30 who are experiencing difficulties to see a doctor sooner rather than later.
This is a decision made between yourself and your treating doctor, based on your initial investigations. Many patients commence with simple treatments such as timed intercourse, ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination.
Yes! Women who are overweight and women who are underweight experience a reduced chance of conception. Ovulation may become infrequent or even stop and periods can become irregular and/or heavy. QFG encourages our patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and good diet prior and throughout their treatment.
There is a higher incidence of multiple pregnancies with any artificial reproductive treatment. The risk of multiple births has been reduced with IVF treatment since the introduction of our 1-2 embryo transfer policy. However treatment with intrauterine insemination and ovulation induction does pose a 10-20% risk of a multiple pregnancy. Your doctor will closely monitor your treatment to minimise this risk.
QFG operates 7 days a week. Many of our doctors consult from 7am and our pathology department is open from 6.30am Monday-Friday and 7am weekends. This allows patients to have tests and scans often before work. IVF patients will require a small amount of time off work at the time of egg pick up and embryo transfer. QFG acknowledge that fertility treatment can be emotionally and physically demanding on couples. As a group we are a committed to ensuring that our services and treatments are convenient and minimally disruptive.
Yes IVF does involve a number of self administered daily injections for a short period of time. The injection is similar to a diabetic pen and is user friendly with minimal discomfort, although this does vary from person to person. Our experienced nursing staff will teach both you and your partner how to use and administer all drugs and are always available to assist you with any concerns.
Blood tests assessing hormone levels are an important tool in the successful management of fertility treatment. The number of blood tests required will be determined by your treating doctor and kept to a minimum. Our pathology staff are highly experienced and will support even the most nervous patient through each visit.
Every patient is individual and every patient responds differently to fertility drugs. At any stage of treatment, your doctor and the QFG nurses are always on hand to answer your questions or concerns.
QFG strongly encourage partners to attend the initial consultation and where possible, subsequent appointments. It is very important that both partners are involved in investigations, decision making and support each other through treatment.