We’ve got your fertility questions answered!
Fertility. It’s a topic that so many of us don’t think about until we hit that magical age (whatever it may be for you) and suddenly fertility’s the centre of your universe. And then, it’s game on.
The team at Genea (formerly Fertility SA) has extensive experience and stellar results, making it one of Australia’s leading fertility and IVF clinics. Since their creation in 1986, they’ve remained at the forefront of fertility, dedicated to realising the parenthood dreams of many.
Given Adelady is made up of an all-girl team and pregnancy and babies are discussed most days, we jumped at the chance to ask Fertility Specialist Dr Michelle Wellman a bunch of questions. Over to the expert…
What are some of the fertility issues that Genea can help with?
Genea is more than just IVF. We can help couples with reproductive health assessments, ovulation disorders, fertility preservation (also known as egg freezing), donor eggs and sperm, and surrogacy. Collectively the fertility specialists at Genea in Adelaide have many decades of combined fertility experience.
What testing is involved to understand your fertility and identify any issues?
Fertility testing usually involves blood tests to measure hormones and an ultrasound, and if there is a male partner, a semen analysis can be conducted.
What’s one thing you wish every woman knew about fertility?
Fertility is time-sensitive for every woman. As age increases, fertility declines and the chances of conception decrease significantly, especially after 35. Despite technological advances like IVF, age needs to be top of mind when planning a family.
How long should you try to conceive naturally before getting professional help from somewhere like Genea?
In general, healthcare providers often suggest that couples under the age of 35 try to conceive for about 12 months before seeking fertility assistance. For couples over the age of 35, the recommendation is usually around six months. If a couple has known fertility challenges, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, male factor infertility or other reproductive health issues, healthcare providers may recommend earlier intervention.
Can you describe how science and technology play a role in your work and why they’re so important?
Thanks to recent scientific progress, medications that stimulate egg production have been created. Technology has taught us how to retrieve eggs, establish a controlled lab setting for egg and sperm interaction, and cultivate embryos in an incubated environment. Genea also has exclusive use in Australia to the Geri® incubator, which is where your embryos are stored. It has individual chambers for each patient, plus your own time lapse camera so the scientists can continuously monitor your embryo’s development remotely instead of opening the incubator to take them in and out.
What makes you feel most proud to be part of Genea?
Genea is at the forefront of fertility success rates, research and development. Our focus on scientific innovation means we’re always striving towards ways to improve fertility treatments, as well as provide excellence in patient care in South Australia. Genea was also the first app of its kind that allows couples to view and share photos and video of their embryo as it develops in the Geri® incubator.
Why is Fertility SA now Genea?
Fertility SA joined the Genea Fertility network in 2023, leveraging the leading technology and combined expertise from Genea with our local fertility specialists from Fertility SA. We are extremely proud of our results, having helped bring more than 2,000 South Australian babies into the world, and we look forward to continuing to help our patients achieve their family dreams.
Knowledge is power, so we hope anyone reading this is feeling mighty powerful in whatever stage of their fertility journey they are at.
Your experience and results may vary. Always consult your medical professional for advice on what’s best for you.
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