IVF FAQs: An Australian Fertility Doctor Answers Your Questions

Your Most Googled IVF Questions, Answered

Written by Dr Tom Manley of Create Fertility | Reviewed June 2026

This article is general information, not medical advice. IVF and fertility treatment decisions should be made with a fertility specialist who knows your individual situation.

At moode, IVF isn't just a topic, it's a whole conversation. And if you're trying to conceive (or just planning ahead), it might be quietly lurking in your search history.

The whole thing can feel like a full-time job in emotional logistics: clinical terms, hormone charts, and a lot of "wait, what does that actually mean?" So we called in a pro to break it down. Dr Tom Manley, fertility specialist, advanced laparoscopic surgeon, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Create Fertility, answers the questions we're all lowkey Googling at midnight. Because fact-finding shouldn't be your primary mission right now.

When is it time to consider IVF?

"IVF, short for in vitro fertilisation, is a procedure where an egg and sperm are joined outside the body, then the embryo is transferred into the uterus," explains Dr Tom. "It increases the chances of getting pregnant when natural conception is proving difficult."

You might consider IVF if:

You've been trying to conceive for over 12 months (or 6 months if you're over 35)

You've been diagnosed with a condition like severe endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes or low sperm count

You've tried other fertility treatments (like ovulation induction or IUI) without success

You or your partner have unexplained fertility issues

If any of that feels familiar, it might be time to book in with a fertility specialist. They'll walk you through your options based on your individual story and goals. (If you're earlier in the process, our guides to ovulation induction and IUI cover the less invasive treatments often tried first.)

What questions should you ask a fertility specialist?

Don't leave your first IVF consult without asking these.

"Every patient's journey is different," says Dr Tom. "But these questions are a great place to start."

What are my next steps to start a family?

Do you specialise in conditions like PCOS, endometriosis or male-factor infertility?

What are my treatment options, and what happens if they don't work?

What can I do to increase my chances of getting pregnant?

"Your chosen fertility specialist should be understanding of your unique circumstances, and happy to provide tailored support. They won't rush you, and will help you feel confident, not confused." That, says Dr Tom, is how you know you've found the one.

Should I consider pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT)?

When, why and how PGT might help during IVF.

"Pre-implantation genetic testing, or PGT, is a way of testing embryos during IVF for genetic conditions," says Dr Tom. "It helps us identify the healthiest embryos before implantation, and those unaffected by a specific condition or disorder. Through PGT, these embryos are selected for transfer."

You might be recommended PGT if:

You've experienced recurrent pregnancy loss

You or your partner are known carriers of genetic conditions

You've had several failed IVF cycles

Genetic carrier screening (a blood or saliva test) is often the first step. If you're curious about PGT, bring it up with your specialist early on so you can plan ahead. The more prepared your team is, the smoother the process.

moode answers your questions about IVF

What is IVF and how does it work?

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is a procedure where an egg and sperm are joined outside the body, in a lab, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus. It's used to improve the chance of pregnancy when natural conception is proving difficult, whether due to a diagnosed condition or unexplained infertility.

When should you consider IVF?

Common triggers include trying to conceive for over 12 months (or 6 months if you're over 35), a diagnosis such as severe endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes or low sperm count, unsuccessful prior treatments like ovulation induction or IUI, or unexplained fertility issues. A fertility specialist can advise based on your situation.

What should I ask at my first fertility appointment?

Good starting questions include: what are my next steps, do you specialise in my condition (such as PCOS, endometriosis or male-factor infertility), what are my treatment options and what happens if they don't work, and what can I do to improve my chances. A good specialist won't rush you.

What is pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT)?

PGT is the testing of embryos during IVF for genetic conditions, allowing the healthiest embryos, and those unaffected by a specific disorder, to be selected for transfer. It's often considered after recurrent pregnancy loss, several failed IVF cycles, or where parents are known carriers of genetic conditions.

Is IVF the same as IUI or ovulation induction?

No. Ovulation induction and IUI are less invasive treatments often tried first. IVF is more involved: eggs are collected, fertilised in a lab, and transferred as embryos. Your specialist will advise which pathway suits your circumstances.

Meet Dr Tom Manley

Fertility Specialist & Surgeon at Create Fertility

Dr Tom Manley is one of Australia's leading fertility experts, a fertility specialist, advanced laparoscopic surgeon, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Create Fertility. He completed his Masters in Reproductive Medicine at UNSW and works across Cabrini Hospital and Waverley Private, and is passionate about walking alongside patients from first appointment through to birth. You can find him at createfertility.com.au.

A note from moode

Wherever you are on the fertility journey, IVF included, supporting your body nutritionally is one thing within your control. Good folate status (ideally through an active form like calcium folinate), choline, iodine and a B complex all support preconception health. The Prenatal by moode is designed for this preconception window. Always read the label and follow directions for use, and check with your specialist about supplement timing during fertility treatment, since it can matter around medication.