1. Couple presents with a history of infertility
    1. Consider early referral to ISIS Fertility if female is over 35 years or if the couple have had no success after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
  2. History and examination
    1. Discuss and advise the couple regarding:
      1. Frequency of intercourse (2–3 times per week)
      2. Lifestyle factors — alcohol, smoking, weight loss, diet (including Folate) and exercise
      3. Occupational history
  3. Refer to Dr Nicole Sides/Prof. Gab Kovacs at ISIS Fertility if the couple has been unsuccessfully attempting to conceive for > 12 months
    1. Earlier referral is advised if any of the following are present:
      1. Male partner:
        1. History of urogenital disease, infection, injury, surgery, or current symptoms of discharge, testicular swelling/pain
        2. Undescended or retractile testes
        3. Previous abnormal sperm count
        4. Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy
      2. Previous vasectomy
      3. Female partner
        1. Age > 35 years
        2. Irregular and /or painful menstruation
        3. History of PID, pelvic surgery, tubal damage
        4. Recurrent miscarriage (>2)
        5. History of endometriosis
        6. Polycystic ovary syndrome.
  4. Discuss assisted reproductive treatment options including:
    1. Access to ISIS Fertility patient information sources
  5. Contact Dr Nicole Sides at ISIS Fertility to arrange a referral and consultation
    1. Dr Sides’ Office Suite 1, Level 2, 173 Strickland Crescent, DEAKIN ACT 2600 Phone 02 6282 5577 Fax 02 6282 5622
    2. Clinic location: Suite 1, 9 Sydney Avenue, BARTON ACT 2600, phone 02 6175 9000 Fax 02 6175 9001.
  6. To assist our management of the infertile couple, the following information, if available is greatly appreciated with the referral.
    1. Blood group and antibody results
    2. Rubella and Varicella status
    3. Recent Pap Smear and Breast examination results
    4. Semen analysis result
    5. Thyroid Stimulation Hormone
    6. Chlamydia
    7. Hepatitis B and C and HIV serology results

Prevalence of infertility

One in six, or 15 percent of Australian couples encounter infertility. The causes of infertility in Australia are shared fairly equally between men and women with approximately 10 percent of cases being unexplained.

Age is an important factor affecting fertility

The number of couples in their late 30s and 40s attempting pregnancy is increasing. It is common to delays starting a family for a number of reasons: relationships, career and educational demands, desire for financial stability, waiting for a stable relationship. However it is important to understand that fertility in women declines with age, particularly in the late 30s and 40s. As women become older the chance of becoming pregnant decreases and the change of miscarriage increases from 20 percent to 50 percent (by age 40). There is also an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Treatment such as IVF cannot reverse the effects of age on fertility.

Personal care and close monitoring ensures excellent and safe outcomes.

ISIS Fertility treatment care programmes ensure that patients are seen regularly by Fertility Care Nurses and their Clinician throughout their treatment cycle. They are involved in their care throughout the process by knowing their results, discussing their ultrasound during the examination, meeting the lab scientist and discussing quality of eggs and sperm and having embryo reports from the scientists every second day. We believe this approach to patient care provides the best clinical and psychological outcomes for the patient.

Male related fertility option

ISIS Fertility offers a comprehensive range of fertility treatment options to assist couples with male related fertility problems. IVF using testicular aspirated sperm provides an alternative to vasectomy reversal. Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) increases the change of fertilisation where low sperm quality is present. ISIS Fertility can also provide genetic testing for male related genetic problems.

Prompt referral to an ISIS Fertility Specialist gives patient the best chance to conceive

Early referral to a Fertility Specialist provides couples with the best opportunity to have underlying causes of infertility treated and allows prompt access to Assisted Reproductive Technologies when the time is right for them to attempt conception.

© ISIS Fertility 2010
Canberra Australia

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