How to Choose a Fertility Specialist in Australia
Your GP has suggested seeing a fertility specialist. But how do you know which one to choose?
Maybe your GP has given you a referral. Maybe a friend has recommended their IVF doctor. Or maybe you've been searching Google, reading reviews and trying to work out where to start.
There are so many fertility specialists and IVF clinics to choose from.
And the doctor who was perfect for your friend might not be the right fit for you.
As an embryologist and independent fertility educator, I help people understand their fertility treatment options and make decisions with more confidence.
One of the things I help people with is choosing a fertility specialist.
Because there's a lot to think about before that first appointment.
So, let's talk about what really matters.
What is a fertility specialist?
A fertility specialist is a doctor who helps people who are having trouble getting pregnant. In Australia, fertility specialists are usually obstetricians and gynaecologists who have completed extra training in fertility care. Some have also completed advanced training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (CREI). They can help find out why pregnancy isn't happening and talk you through your options.
These might include fertility tests, medicines, surgery, ovulation induction, IUI or IVF.
But not every fertility specialist works in the same way... and that's why choosing the right one matters.
How do I choose the best fertility specialist for me?
The best fertility specialist for you is someone with the right skills for your needs, who listens to you, explains your options and helps you feel part of your care.
Of course, you want a doctor who knows what they're doing.... but you probably also want someone you feel comfortable talking to... someone who takes your questions seriously... someone who helps you understand what's happening, rather than leaving you feeling confused.
Because fertility treatment can involve some very big decisions. And you deserve to understand the choices you're making.
Here are six things I suggest thinking about.
1. Do you feel comfortable with your fertility specialist?
This is one of the most important things to consider.
Some doctors are warm and chatty. Others are more direct and to the point.
Some explain every little detail. Others give you the main facts and expect you to ask if you want more information.
You might prefer a doctor who takes the lead and tells you what they recommend... or you might want to talk through every option before making a decision.
Neither preference is wrong.
But I think you should always feel safe asking questions about your own treatment. You don't need to know all the medical words... you don't need to understand IVF before your first appointment - that's what your fertility team is there to help you with.
but if you leave appointments feeling confused, rushed or afraid to speak up, it may be worth thinking about whether that doctor is the right fit for you.
2. Does your fertility specialist have experience with your needs?
Not everyone needs the same type of fertility care.
For example, you might be dealing with:
Endometriosis
PMOS or problems with ovulation
Low sperm count or other sperm issues
Recurrent pregnancy loss
A need for donor eggs, donor sperm or other donor treatment
Fertility preservation before medical treatment
Some fertility specialists have a special interest or extra skills in certain areas.
If you have a complex medical history, it can help to find a doctor who has experience with your particular needs.
You can ask:
"Have you treated many people with a similar history to mine?"
And:
"Would another specialist need to be involved in my care?"
You don't need to work out all of this on your own.
3. Which IVF clinic does your fertility specialist work with?
This is something many people don't realise when they first start looking for a fertility doctor.
Choosing a fertility specialist and choosing an IVF clinic are two different decisions. But they are closely linked.
Your fertility specialist will be aligned with one specific IVF clinic... and if you need IVF, the clinic's laboratory will play a very important role in your treatment.
This is where your eggs, sperm and embryos are handled by embryologists.
Different clinics may offer different services, treatment options and ways of working.
They may also have different costs, appointment times and locations.
So before choosing a specialist, it's worth asking which clinic they work with and whether that clinic will suit your needs.
You can also look at the clinic's success rate information, but be careful when comparing numbers. Success rates can be affected by the age and medical history of the patients being treated, and by how the results are reported (read more about success rates here)
A clinic with the highest number on a website isn't always the best choice for you.
4. How far are you willing to travel for fertility treatment?
It's easy to forget about the practical side of IVF when you're first choosing a doctor.
But fertility treatment can mean lots of appointments.
You may need blood tests, scans, procedures and follow-up visits.
Some appointments may need to happen at short notice.
So think about how far you're happy to travel.
Would you prefer a clinic close to home? Are you happy to travel to another city? Can some appointments or monitoring be done closer to where you live?
If you live in regional Australia, this can be especially important.
You might have access to a fertility specialist who visits your area, while the IVF laboratory is based somewhere else.
It's worth understanding how that would work before you start.
5. Does your fertility specialist explain the evidence behind treatment options?
There are lots of different treatments and tests offered in fertility care.
And there is still a great deal we don't know about fertility.
You might hear about a new test, a different medicine or an IVF treatment that promises to improve your chances - but not every treatment has strong scientific evidence behind it.
Some treatments are well supported by research. Others are still being studied... and some have little good evidence that they improve the chance of having a baby.
I think it's important that your doctor can explain the difference.
You can ask:
Why are you recommending this treatment for me?
What does the research tell us?
What are the risks and costs?
What are my other options?
What might happen if we don't do this?
A good fertility specialist should be able to explain their advice in a way you can understand - and you should always feel comfortable asking why.
6. Do you feel ready for the treatment being suggested?
This is a big one.
Sometimes people are referred to a fertility specialist expecting to have a few tests.
Then, before they know it, they're talking about starting IVF.
For some people, that's exactly what they want - they've been trying for a long time and they're ready to get started.
For others, it can feel very fast.
You might want to understand why IVF is being recommended. You might want to know if there are other options.
Or you might need time to think about the cost, the treatment and what it could mean for your life.
It's important to understand that there are times when waiting could affect your chances of success. Your age, medical history and fertility test results all matter.
But you should still have the chance to understand your options and make an informed decision.
You don't have to agree to a treatment just because it's been suggested. And you shouldn't have to make a decision you don't understand.
What questions should I ask at my first fertility specialist appointment?
If you're meeting a fertility specialist for the first time, here are some questions you might like to take with you:
What do you think might be affecting my fertility?
Do I need any more tests?
What treatment options do I have?
Why would you recommend one option over another?
What are my chances of success, based on my own situation?
Which IVF clinic would I use if I need treatment?
What will treatment cost?
Who can I contact if I have questions after my appointment?
You don't need to ask every question at once... and it's perfectly fine to write things down or ask your doctor to explain something again.
Your GP has referred you to a fertility specialist. What happens next?
This is a stage of fertility care that I think deserves much more attention.
Your GP may have explained why it's time to see a fertility specialist, but you might still have so many questions.
Who should you see?
What should you ask?
Does seeing a fertility specialist mean you'll need IVF?
What happens at the first appointment?
And how do you know whether the treatment being suggested is right for you?
Being referred to a fertility specialist doesn't automatically mean you'll need IVF.
There may be more tests to do, other treatment options to consider or things your specialist wants to investigate first.
But it's much easier to be part of those decisions when you understand what's happening. And that's where independent fertility education can make such a difference.
Feeling overwhelmed about starting fertility treatment? I can help.
If your GP has suggested it's time to see a fertility specialist, or you're starting to hear that IVF might be next, you don't have to work it all out alone.
My Getting Started Bundle is designed for this exact stage of your fertility journey.
It's for people who want to understand their options, choose a fertility specialist and feel prepared for what might happen next.
For $497, you'll get:
One hour with me, one-to-one, to talk through your situation, concerns and questions.
Help choosing a fertility specialist, based on your needs, preferences and what matters to you.
A 30-minute follow-up consultation, so we can check in and talk through your next steps.
My four-week Preparation for Conception course, to help you understand fertility and prepare for pregnancy.
Access to my six-week DetoxWTF program, with practical information about reducing exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, (this is something that can be REALLY overwhelming once you start down the rabbit hole and this course is designed to make it step-by-step, systematic, simple and do-able... and is the place where I see the biggest transformations in my clients)
Together, we'll work towards helping you:
Know WHO to see.
Know WHAT to ask.
Feel CONFIDENT walking into your appointment.
Feel EMPOWERED to understand your options and take part in decisions about your care.
I'm an embryologist and independent fertility educator. I don't work for an IVF clinic, and my role isn't to convince you to have IVF.
It's to help you understand your options and feel more confident about the decisions ahead.
Because you deserve to understand what's happening before you find yourself in the middle of fertility treatment.
Already had IVF and thinking about changing specialists?
If you've already been through IVF treatment and you're wondering whether a different fertility specialist might help, there's something I'd suggest doing first.
Before choosing a new doctor, it's worth understanding what's happened in your treatment so far.
What worked? What didn't? What do your results tell us? And are there questions that haven't been answered?
That's exactly what my Between Cycle Review is designed to help with.
We can look at your previous treatment, talk through your results and consider what questions or options might be worth exploring next.
And if changing specialists makes sense, we can talk about that too.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a fertility specialist
Do I need a referral to see a fertility specialist in Australia?
You can contact a fertility specialist's rooms to ask about an appointment, but you will generally need a referral from your GP or another doctor to claim a Medicare rebate for eligible specialist consultations.
Does seeing a fertility specialist mean I have to do IVF?
No. Seeing a fertility specialist doesn't automatically mean you'll need IVF.
Your specialist may recommend more tests or discuss other treatment options based on your age, medical history and fertility needs.
What is the difference between a fertility specialist and an IVF clinic?
A fertility specialist is a doctor who assesses your fertility and recommends treatment.
An IVF clinic provides fertility services, including the laboratory where eggs, sperm and embryos are handled during IVF.
Should I choose my fertility specialist or IVF clinic first?
Either approach can work.
Some people choose a doctor first, while others start by looking at clinics.
It's important to consider both, because your doctor and the clinic's team will each play a role in your care.
How do I find the best fertility specialist in Australia?
There isn't one fertility specialist who's the best choice for everyone.
Look for a doctor with experience relevant to your needs, who explains your options clearly and works with a clinic that suits your circumstances.
You can also seek independent guidance to help narrow down your choices.
Can I get a second opinion before starting IVF?
Yes. You can seek a second opinion before starting IVF or at any stage of your fertility care.
This can help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment options and next steps.
Can someone help me choose a fertility specialist?
Yes. My Getting Started Bundle includes personalised guidance to help you choose a fertility specialist, prepare for your first appointment and understand what might happen next.
It costs $497 and includes two one-to-one consultations with me, along with educational resources to support you as you begin fertility care.
About the Author: Lucy Lines is an independent embryologist and fertility educator with more than 25 years of experience in the fertility field. Read full bio here.
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