Fertility and IVF – What do I need to know?

If you are having trouble conceiving, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Infertility affects around 1 in 6 Australian couples¹, and there are a range of reasons that can contribute to difficulty getting pregnant. For women, fertility can be affected by an ovulation disorder, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome or a problem with the fallopian tubes. For men it can be a problem with sperm production, or sperm motility (how well the sperm travels to the egg). For a percentage of couples there is no clear medical explanation as to why they can’t conceive.

Whatever the reason, infertility can be emotionally and physically demanding. So, what are some of the things you can do to improve your fertility? And what are some of the options available if you’re still unable to conceive, are in a same sex relationship or are trying for a baby on your own?

We talked to Professor Michael Davies, an epidemiologist located within the Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide in South Australia, to find out.

Improving your chances of fertility

Professor Davies says that if you’ve been trying to have a baby for a year or more, or 6 months or more if you are over 35, then speaking to your GP about what your options are is an important first step.

There are some known ways to improve your fertility which include:

• Quitting smoking
• Eating a nutritious diet and take regular exercise
• Avoiding heavy drinking
• Age – Although motherhood can be delayed for many reasons out of one’s control, this can also be an important factor so prompt attention and advice is important.

“There are many fertility treatments available starting with simple health checks and diagnostic procedures,” Professor Davies says.

When you need some assistance

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one type of assisted reproductive treatment (ART). It involves the injection of hormones into a woman’s body to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. When the eggs are mature, they are retrieved surgically and then, in a laboratory, combined with sperm from the male partner or donor, in a culture dish for fertilisation to occur. The dish is placed in an incubator where they can develop. Three to five days later, if embryos have formed, then an embryo transfer is performed, placing an embryo into the woman’s uterus – this is called a ‘cycle’.

Some people have to undergo several cycles. In addition to the physical impact, the emotional and psychological strain can also be very demanding throughout this process, particularly if IVF fails to result in pregnancy. In Australia, counselling services are available in all IVF clinics, and couples are encouraged to use these during the course of their care.

How much does IVF cost?

Costs for IVF can be significant, and they vary across procedures and clinics. Some IVF costs are claimable through Medicare, but there are usually significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Procedures that may be partly covered by Medicare include:

• egg collection
• transferring of embryos
• preparing frozen embryos.

The Australian Government Medical Cost Finder provides a detailed breakdown on the common amounts paid for IVF services that occur out of hospital after Government Medicare payment or in a private hospital with private health insurance in Australia.

It’s important to speak with your doctor up front about the costs you can expect as well as with your health insurer to know exactly what you are covered for. Infertility can often be considered a pre-existing condition, which may affect health insurance waiting periods. Our Member Care team can help you understand what’s included on your cover and any associated waiting periods, help you to save on your out of pocket costs where possible, and help you navigate through the hospital journey.

How having Private Health Insurance can help

Health Partners Gold hospital covers include some benefits towards IVF for services conducted as an in-patient in hospital. You’ll be classified as an in-patient when you’ve been formally admitted to a hospital for an overnight stay or day surgery, or admitted to a registered day clinic by a doctor.

Refer to your Individual Cover Details for more information or contact our Member Care team via phone on 1300 113 113 or by email at ask@healthpartners.com.au.

IVF prescription medications

IVF prescription medication can be expensive. If you visit a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) licensed pharmacy, then you may be able to obtain the government subsidy - potentially saving you a couple of thousand dollars. Health Partners Extras members can claim benefits on some IVF prescription medication (limits apply) at participating pharmacies in South Australia (subject to stock availability).

Matt Boulter, Managing Pharmacist at TerryWhite Chemmart Marion Road Compounding, says that at his pharmacy many of the pharmacists are familiar with the commonly prescribed IVF medications and how to use them.

"I have a lot of personal experience with IVF as my wife and I went through more than ten cycles," Matt says. "So, I am very familiar with the products, but also the emotional stress that is common during this process. At TerryWhite Chemmart Marion Road Compounding we are able to provide extra advice and support with administering the medications, like handling the needles, syringes and storage which may not always be explained by the IVF clinic."

As IVF medication is expensive to keep in stock, not all pharmacies will keep it on-hand. This means it might need to be ordered from the manufacturer, so it’s a good idea to fill your prescription early rather than waiting until the day you need it.

Where can I go for support?

Your GP is a great first point of call when considering whether IVF treatment might be right for you. You can also find more information and support at the resources below:

• Your Fertility provides information on how to improve your chance of having a baby.
• Jean Hailes for Women's Health is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving women's health across Australia through every life stage.
• VARTA (Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority) provides independent information and support for individuals, couples and health professionals regarding fertility, infertility and assisted reproductive treatment.
• Healthy Male is a national organisation which provides information for men's health. They are supported by the Australian Government Department of Health.

¹ https://www.varta.org.au/understanding-fertility/suspecting-infertility