Frequently Asked Questions

About Create Fertility

What is Create Fertility and what makes it different?

Create Fertility is a doctor-owned, doctor-led IVF and fertility clinic in Melbourne, Australia, with locations in Mount Waverley, East Melbourne and Berwick. Unlike corporate fertility chains where patients often see different doctors at each visit, Create Fertility is built around personalised, continuity-of-care – your specialist is with you from your first consultation through to treatment and beyond.

Our philosophy goes beyond IVF. We explore all available options to help you conceive, including ovulation induction, IUI, advanced laparoscopic fertility surgery, ovarian PRP, sperm and egg freezing, and genetic testing – not just a one-size-fits-all IVF pathway.

Who are the specialists at Create Fertility?

Create Fertility is led by Dr Scott Pearce (Clinical Director), a fertility and IVF specialist with over 20 years of experience. Our team includes:

  •     Dr Scott Pearce – Clinical Director, IVF specialist, 20+ years experience
  •     Dr Russell Dalton – Reproductive medicine specialist, 25+ years experience
  •     Dr Sugandha Kumar – Fertility and O&G specialist
  •     Dr Serag Youssif – Fertility specialist
  •     Dr Jessica Holden – Fertility and O&G specialist
  •     Dr Tom Manley – Fertility and laparoscopic specialist
  •     Dr Mei Cheah – Advanced laparoscopic and fertility surgeon

Our team consults in 8 languages, ensuring patients from diverse backgrounds can access care in their preferred language.

Where are your clinics located?

We have three clinics across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs:

  •     Mount Waverley: 359 Blackburn Road, Mount Waverley VIC 3149
  •     East Melbourne: 226 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne
  •     Berwick: Suite 3, 72 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick

Call us on (03) 9873 6789 or email info@createfertility.com.au to book an appointment at the location most convenient for you.

Is Create Fertility related to Create Health?

Yes. Create Fertility and Create Health are sister brands operating from the same clinic locations and sharing a number of specialists. Create Health focuses on women’s health, obstetrics and gynaecology, while Create Fertility specialises in fertility assessment and treatment including IVF. If you are seeing a specialist at Create Health for a gynaecological condition that is also affecting your fertility, your care can be seamlessly coordinated across both services.

Do you consult in languages other than English?

Yes – our team consults in 8 languages. Please call us on (03) 9873 6789 to enquire about the availability of consultations in your preferred language.

Getting Started - Your First Appointment

When should I seek help for difficulty conceiving?

Knowing when to see a fertility specialist can make a real difference. If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, the right time to seek a fertility assessment depends on your age and circumstances:

  •  Under 35 with regular cycles and no known fertility-related conditions: seek help after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse
  •  35 or older: seek help after 6 months
  •  Any age with irregular or absent periods, known PMOS, endometriosis, a history of pelvic surgery, or a previous ectopic pregnancy: seek an assessment earlier – don’t wait 12 months
  •  Trying for a second or subsequent child: seek help after 6 months

If you are unsure, err on the side of booking earlier rather than later. An initial consultation is informative even if no treatment is ultimately needed.

What happens at a first fertility consultation?

Your first appointment is a thorough and unhurried conversation. Your specialist will review your medical and reproductive history, discuss how long you have been trying to conceive, and ask about your menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies, and any relevant medical conditions for both partners.

From there, your specialist will recommend initial investigations – which may include blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, and a semen analysis – and outline a personalised plan. You are always welcome to bring your partner and to bring a list of questions. Nothing will be rushed.

What are the options for single women who want to have a baby?

Single women who want to have a baby have a number of pathways available at Create Fertility. We provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment and will help you understand which option best fits your circumstances and goals. Options include:

  •     Fertility testing to assess ovarian reserve and overall reproductive health
  •     Egg freezing to preserve fertility for future use
  •     IUI (intrauterine insemination) using donor sperm
  •     IVF using donor sperm
  •     Ovarian PRP or other treatments where clinically appropriate

A GP referral is required to access Medicare rebates. Please call us on (03) 9873 6789 to discuss your situation.

Fertility Investigations

What fertility tests are recommended for women?

A fertility test for women typically covers a combination of blood tests and imaging. A standard workup includes:

  •     AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) – an indicator of ovarian reserve (egg supply)
  •     Day 2–3 FSH and LH – hormones that help assess ovarian function
  •     Progesterone – to confirm ovulation
  •     Thyroid function tests
  •     Prolactin
  •     Pelvic ultrasound – to assess the uterus, ovaries and antral follicle count
  •     Assessment of the fallopian tubes (hysterosalpingogram or HyCoSy) if indicated

Your specialist will interpret all results in context and discuss what they mean for your fertility and treatment options.

What fertility tests are recommended for men?

Male factor infertility accounts for approximately half of all fertility challenges. A semen analysis is the cornerstone of male fertility assessment. It measures:

  •     Sperm count (concentration)
  •     Sperm motility (movement)
  •     Sperm morphology (shape)
  •     Semen volume and pH

If the initial semen analysis is abnormal, further investigations may be recommended including hormonal blood tests and a urology referral. It is important that both partners are assessed early – a male factor issue identified promptly can significantly change the treatment pathway.

Common Fertility Conditions

How does PMOS (formerly PCOS) affect fertility and what can be done?

PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, formerly PCOS) is one of the most common causes of irregular ovulation and is a leading cause of female infertility. Women with PMOS often have irregular or absent periods, meaning ovulation does not occur predictably – making it harder to time conception.

The good news is that most women with PMOS do conceive, often with relatively straightforward treatment. Management may include:

  •     Lifestyle changes – weight management, diet and exercise can significantly improve ovulation in women with PMOS
  •     Ovulation induction – medications to stimulate regular ovulation
  •     IUI – insemination combined with ovulation induction
  •     IVF – if simpler treatments are unsuccessful

Women with PMOS should not wait 12 months before seeking help – an early assessment is recommended.

How does endometriosis affect fertility?

Endometriosis is present in approximately 30–50% of women with infertility. It can affect fertility in several ways:

  •     Distortion of pelvic anatomy, affecting the fallopian tubes and ovaries
  •     Inflammation and adhesions that impair egg pick-up and sperm transport
  •     Reduced ovarian reserve, particularly where ovarian endometriomas are present
  •     Impaired implantation of embryos

The relationship between endometriosis and fertility is complex and individual. Some women with endometriosis conceive naturally; others require surgical treatment, IVF, or both. Our team – including Dr Haider Najjar (Create Health) and our Create Fertility specialists – has expertise in managing endometriosis-associated infertility across both surgical and reproductive medicine disciplines.

Male Fertility

What causes male infertility?

Male factor infertility is a contributing cause in approximately half of all couples experiencing difficulty conceiving. Common causes include:

  •     Low sperm count (oligospermia) or absent sperm (azoospermia)
  •     Poor sperm motility or morphology
  •     Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, high FSH)
  •     Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
  •     Genetic conditions (e.g. Y chromosome microdeletions, Klinefelter syndrome)
  •     Lifestyle factors – smoking, alcohol, heat exposure, certain medications
  •     Previous infections (e.g. mumps orchitis, chlamydia)

 

A semen analysis is the essential first step. Many causes of male infertility are treatable or can be worked around with assisted reproduction.

What if the semen analysis comes back abnormal?

An abnormal semen analysis is not a diagnosis of infertility – it is the starting point for further investigation. Depending on the result, next steps may include:

  •     Repeat semen analysis (as results can vary between samples)
  •     Hormonal blood tests (FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin)
  •     Referral to a urologist or andrologist
  •     Lifestyle review and modification
  •     Sperm DNA fragmentation testing in some cases

Many men with abnormal semen parameters go on to conceive – either naturally, with IUI, or with IVF/ICSI. Your specialist will discuss the results with both partners and recommend the most appropriate next step.

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Factors That Shape Your Fertility Webinar & Q&A

Planning for a baby, or already trying? Learn what can influence your fertility.

Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025

Time: 7:00 PM AEDT

Location: Live via Microsoft Teams

Cost: Free

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