Increased demand for IVF among Sydney couples

Sydney IVF is considering expanding its infertility information program to the North West, following its success in the CBD and Rozelle.

The program, which was launched 12 months ago, offers couples free, one-on-one appointments with a fertility nurse to discuss any queries regarding fertility.

Sydney IVF general manager, Kylie de Boer, said demand in Sydney’s North West was high as couples needs were not being met.

“They can read general information but a lot of people have questions that are specific to them,” she said.

“Hopefully we can fill a void that’s clearly there at the moment. People can go away and make a choice individually rather than feeling like they have to get on the treadmill of treatment.”

The pilot program began at Rozelle Total Health last year after suggestion from Sydney IVF nurses.

Six months ago, the sessions expanded to the CBD at The Jocelyn Centre for Natural Fertility Management.

Sydney IVF fertility nurse, Val Crawford, was one of two nurses involved in the initial program.

Two other nurses have since joined the staff, each conducting 45 minute appointments on Thursday afternoons from 4pm.

Ms Crawford said the sessions allowed patients to receive answers more quickly than if they were to ask their doctor.

“You walk out of a doctor’s room, then you have to digest information and it’s not until you’ve digested that information that you think ‘what about this or that’,” she said.

“Doctors often have waiting lists and these people want information immediately. They don’t want to have to wait…it’s really important to get the answers.”

Couples could discuss anything related to infertility, such as ovulation tracking, planning timed intercourse, IVF treatment, choosing a doctor, statistics and treatment costs.

Although Ms Crawford has worked at Sydney IVF for seven years, she said nurses did not always have the answer.

“We are prepared to follow up even though they may not be a patient of Sydney IVF…and answer any other questions that we’ve had to go back and source some information on.”

Chief executive of infertility support group Access Australia, Sandra Dill, said private appointments were ‘very important’ for easing patient anxiety.

“It gives potential patients the opportunity to ask questions about any treatment they might choose to have at a particular clinic,” she said.

This month’s sessions will be held at The Jocelyn Centre for Natural Fertility Management on November 4 and at Rozelle Total Health on November 18.

No appointments will be held in December as Ms de Boer said Christmas was a time to ‘spend with family and [a time when] people like to relax’ and not worry about infertility.

Further sessions are planned for January next year but dates are to be confirmed.

By Olivia Leeming