Fertility Treatments
Dr Jenny Cook | Sydney Gynaecologist & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon
Your Path to Pregnancy
When a woman or a couple come to see me about difficulty conceiving, I take the time to get to know them and their story. I understand that it can take time to realise you need help, and that this often happens when friends or sisters seem to be falling pregnant so easily. Everyone’s journey is different, and I approach each patient with empathy and care.
Most importantly, the treatment decisions are made collaboratively. I will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and together we will choose the treatment that best suits your needs.
Fertility Treatment Options
Ovulation Tracking
At our clinic, fertility nurses run early morning sessions where you can have quick, targeted assessments. This includes:
- A blood test to check your hormone levels
- A pelvic ultrasound to monitor the development of the egg inside the follicle in your ovaries
- Assessment of the uterine lining (endometrium) to ensure it is ready for embryo implantation
You may be asked to attend up to three times during the first half of your cycle to pinpoint ovulation. After ovulation, we will do:
- A blood test to check progesterone levels (about one week later)
- A pregnancy test two weeks after ovulation
Ovulation Induction (OI)
Medications are given to stimulate or support ovulation. These may include:
- Tablets: letrozole, metformin, clomid
- Injections: Gonal-F, Puregon
The process is carefully monitored with blood tests and ultrasounds, similar to ovulation tracking. Sometimes an ovulation trigger injection is required to release the egg. Intercourse is timed within 24 hours of ovulation.
The second half of the cycle is supported with the hormone progesterone. A pregnancy test is done two weeks after ovulation. The vast majority of pregnancies occur within the first three attempts at ovulation induction.
Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI)
This treatment can be done:
- With or without hormonal stimulation of the ovaries (pregnancy rates are higher with stimulation)
- Using fresh or frozen sperm
- In situations where a woman’s partner may be away during ovulation
- With donor sperm, when required
Ovulation tracking is used to identify the exact time of ovulation and ensure insemination is performed at the optimal moment.
