Hi Reader,
One of the hardest things about infertility?
You always feel behind.
Like the deadline was yesterday… and your ovaries missed the memo.
We’ve been taught to believe our egg count will drop off a cliff the day we turn 35 and suddenly, IVF feels urgent.
I see so many women caught in this panic, rushing into treatment before they’ve even been given the full picture.
But here’s what I want you to know:
MYTH:
“I’ve done all the tests, and they’re all normal.”
TRUTH:
Most couples haven’t had anywhere near enough testing to get a clear reproductive picture.
When I review results, 90% of the time the “normal” tests are either incomplete or well outside of the ideal ranges for fertility.
And because no one explains what’s missing, couples are left thinking there’s nothing else they can do, which simply isn’t true.
Real preconception care means more than a handful of basic bloods.
It means:
- Comprehensive reproductive hormone panels
- Detailed nutrient testing for both partners
- Thyroid function beyond just TSH
- A proper semen analysis that looks at more than count
- Metabolic and inflammatory markers that actually impact fertility
Right now, the standard in Australia is far too limited.
Most couples are told to:
- Take Elevit
- Get a basic STI screen
- Maybe check iron and TSH
That’s it.
This is where so many people are being let down.
Real support means your concerns are taken seriously from the start, and you’re given all the options, so when you ask, “Is there anything else I can do?” the answer is yes, and you’re shown every path available to you.
And it’s not just about tests.
Men need to be included from day one.
Your lifestyle, nutrition, stress, sleep, and relationship all matter too and they should be part of the conversation from your very first appointment.
I can’t tell you how many couples I’ve worked with who came to me burnt out, exhausted, and ready to give up, only to discover that with the right preconception care, they didn’t need IVF at all.
If you’re feeling pressured to start IVF because you think you’re running out of time or your AMH is low, I want you to know this:
You can take three months to focus on preconception care without losing precious time.
Your AMH won’t change in that time.
But the benefits?
It could save you years.
You deserve better care, better options, and real support from day one.
