IVF.
Expert, tailored reproductive solutions.
What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?
IVF is a highly effective fertility treatment that involves fertilising an egg with sperm in a specialised laboratory. The fertilised egg is cultured in a controlled environment, and grown to an embryo before being transferred into the uterus. IVF may be the best pathway for some individuals and couples facing fertility challenges.
Dr Kath Whitton works alongside an expert team to provide personalised care and cutting-edge IVF treatments. Whether you are just starting your fertility journey or exploring advanced options, Dr Kath will guide you every step of the way.
The IVF process.
Dr Kath Whitton combines medical expertise with compassionate care to ensure you feel supported every step of the way. In partnership with IVFAustralia, Dr Kath works closely with experienced embryologists, nurses and counsellors to provide the highest standard of fertility care, ensuring you have access to cutting-edge treatments and technology.
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Your IVF journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Kath. During this appointment, she will review your medical and fertility history, discuss your family-building goals, and arrange the necessary diagnostic tests. These may include blood tests, ultrasounds, and, if applicable, a semen analysis. Together, you’ll create a plan tailored to your unique circumstances.
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After reviewing your test results, Dr Kath will outline your personalised treatment plan. You’ll also meet with a fertility nurse, who will guide you through the process, teach you how to self-administer medications and provide information about what to expect during your cycle.
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Hormonal medications are used to stimulate your ovaries to grow multiple eggs. You’ll self-administer daily injections and visit the clinic for regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds to ensure your body is responding well.
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Once your follicles are ready, you’ll undergo a minor day surgery procedure under sedation to collect your eggs. They are collected through the vagina and the procedure takes around 20 minutes. This is the only day during your cycle that you will need to take off. If a partner is providing a sperm sample, it will be collected on the same day to fertilise the eggs.
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Eggs and sperm are combined in a controlled laboratory environment. In some cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used for fertilisation. Fertilised eggs are monitored for embryo development, typically reaching the blastocyst stage by Day 5-6. If genetic testing is to be done (PGT), this is the stage at which the biopsy is taken.
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Dr Kath may transfer the best-quality embryo into your uterus if it is safe to do so and if this is your preference. An embryo transfer is a relatively quick and simple procedure taking around 10-15 minutes. Any remaining healthy embryos can be frozen for future use.
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Two weeks after your embryo transfer, a blood test will be scheduled to assess for pregnancy and hormones levels. Dr Kath and her team can support you through this waiting period and beyond.
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IVF may be recommended for:
Couples who have not had success with other fertility treatments
Individuals with unexplained infertility
Increased female age or diminished ovarian reserve
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
Male factor infertility, such as low sperm count or motility
Women with endometriosis or PCOS
Individuals requiring fertility preservation due to medical or personal reasons
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Several patient factors can influence the success of IVF, including:
Female age (egg quality and quantity decline with age)
Ovarian reserve (assessed through tests like AMH levels and antral follicle count)
Sperm health (count, motility, morphology, and fragmentation)
Underlying female conditions (e.g., endometriosis, PCOS)
Lifestyle factors (smoking, diet, weight, and stress)
The quality of the embryo being transferred
IVF success can also be influenced by the laboratory that handles the eggs and sperm, and grows the embryos. Dr Kath is proud to work with IVFAustralia, leaders in IVF and at the forefront of research and technology.
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Although everybody’s pain thresholds differ, most women report minimal discomfort during IVF. Hormonal injections may cause bloating or cramping, and the egg retrieval procedure is performed under sedation to ensure a pain-free experience.
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The cost of IVF depends on your treatment plan and eligibility for Medicare rebates.
Dr Kath partners with IVF Australia. Through their clinic in NSW, one cycle costs $11, 855 (correct as of 1 January 2025).
Estimated out-of-pocket cost for a first cycle in a calendar year is approximately $6,265 (after rebates). Estimated out-of-pocket costs for a subsequent cycle in a calendar year is $5,568. -
This depends on the reasons for the unsuccessful cycle and your individual circumstances. If frozen embryos are available, a transfer can be planned in a subsequent menstrual cycle if you are ready.
Dr. Kath will work with you to develop a revised plan, which may include protocol adjustments or additional diagnostic testing.
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Frozen embryos from a previous IVF cycle can be thawed and transferred into the uterus in a subsequent cycle. This is a common option for patients who have extra embryos available after their initial IVF treatment.
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Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a technique used to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. Benefits include:
Higher implantation rates
Reduced risk of miscarriage
Increased chances of a healthy pregnancy
Screening is not necessary and recommended for everyone, and Dr Kath will be able to guide you on whether PGT-A will be beneficial in your situation.
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OHSS is a rare but manageable side effect of ovarian stimulation. It can cause symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and fluid retention. In severe cases, patients may require hospitalisation.
Dr. Kath is committed to reducing the risk of OHSS, and modifies treatment accordingly. She carefully monitors all patients during treatment to minimise this risk.
IVF Frequently Asked Questions.
How much does IVF cost?
Fertility treatment costs can vary depending on your individual circumstances and treatment plan. Here is an overview of costs involved when choosing Dr Kath through IVFAustralia, along with information on Medicare rebates to support your journey.
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The cost of IVF depends on your treatment plan and eligibility for Medicare rebates.
Dr Kath partners with IVFAustralia - see their full breakdown of costs here. -
Yes, many fertility treatments are eligible for Medicare rebates. Additionally, the Medicare Safety Net provides further rebates once you reach the annual threshold for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Once you reach the Medicare Safety Net threshold in a calendar year, Medicare will pay an additional rebate on selected items. Learn more about Medicare and IVF here.
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Once you commence fertility treatment with Dr Kath Whitton, your fees will include:
Preparation and management of your cycle by Dr Kath and her team at IVFAustralia
Medication and treatment orientation with experienced fertility nurses
Cycle monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds
All scientific services are conducted in specialised IVFAustralia laboratories
Access to fertility counsellors for emotional and psychological support
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No, IVF treatments in NSW are not free. However, the NSW government offers fertility treatment rebates, and some fertility treatments may be covered by private health insurance policies.
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Fertility medications (ordered through a pharmacy and delivered to the clinic)
Specialist day hospital admission fees (required for procedures like egg retrieval and embryo transfer).
Specialist Day Hospital Costs
If you do not have private health insurance, Specialist Day Hospital fees for procedures like egg retrieval and embryo transfer are approximately $2,755. Anaesthetic fees are billed separately.
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IVFAustralia provides a range of payment options to suit your individual needs for your fertility treatment journey.
You can learn more here by visiting IVFAustralia.
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Dr Kath’s team will provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your specific treatment plan.
Visit the IVFAustralia site to see a breakdown of costs for Donor sperm
and Egg freezing.
Why choose me to manage your IVF care?
As a certified specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI) I have the training and experience to support you through even the most complex reproductive health challenges. But beyond my expertise, what matters most to me is providing patient-centred care. I truly believe in working closely with each individual or couple to understand your unique needs and help you find the best path toward your family-building goals.
Whether you're facing infertility, considering fertility preservation, or managing conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, I’m here to offer compassionate, personalised care every step of the way. I want you to feel confident and supported as we work together toward the future you envision
