Dr. Ying Li is a highly-accomplished fertility specialist, who adopts a compassionate and personalised approach.
What are Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)?
Infertility has diverse causes, leading to various Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) based on test results. Here are the recommended treatments:
IVF
IVF enables the laboratory combination of sperm and eggs for a genetically related baby. Commonly used when fallopian tubes are blocked or infertility lacks a medical explanation, the process involves ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation in a laboratory dish, incubation, and embryo transfer to the uterus. If unsuccessful, subsequent cycles may be attempted.
Donor Egg IVF
Suitable for women with impaired ovaries or those carrying a hereditary genetic disease, Donor Egg IVF involves using eggs from a healthy donor fertilised with the male partner’s sperm before transferring to the female partner’s uterus. Excess embryos are frozen for potential future use in case of unsuccessful cycles or if the couple decides to have another child.
Consulting Rooms
- Level 3, 321 Kent St
Sydney NSW 2000 - 137 St Johns Rd,
Glebe, NSW 2037 - Suite 707, 31 Dora St
Hurstville NSW 2220
Phone and Fax
T: 1300 323 297
F: 02 8212 8944
How does IVF work?
Each month, multiple follicles, referred to as recruits, develop in a woman’s ovaries. Depending on age, one to 30 of these follicles will start developing in each menstrual cycle. Despite age differences, only one dominant follicle will ovulate, regulated by the naturally produced hormone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).
In an IVF cycle, FSH injections stimulate the development of mature eggs from multiple follicles. These eggs are then collected through a procedure called oocyte pick-up (OPU) or egg retrieval, guided by vaginal ultrasound.
Following collection, the eggs are fertilised with sperm from the male partner in the lab. Over the next five or six days, the developing embryos are monitored, and one is subsequently transferred to the uterus. Any surplus embryos can be frozen and stored for future use.
What are the steps in an IVF cycle?
The steps in an IVF cycle are as follows:
- Ovarian stimulation using FSH injections
- Prevention of premature ovulation by interrupting communication between the brain and ovaries
- Ovulation triggered by an hCG injection, replacing the LH surge
- Collection and combination of eggs and sperm
- Embryo culture in the laboratory
- Embryo transfer
- Endometrial support in the luteal phase with hCG or progesterone
Typically spanning up to three weeks, an IVF cycle involves various stages, from initial injections to egg collection. While not all individuals seeking fertility assistance require IVF (around 50%), Dr. Ying will collaboratively determine if it’s the suitable treatment, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
What causes infertility?
There are many possible causes, and only 40% are female-related, with 40% male and 20% unexplained. You might not know the case, or you might already, or it just might be taking you longer to fall pregnant than you expected. Whichever of these situations best describes you, we can help you take the next steps. After your initial appointment with Dr Ying Li, we’ll refer you for tests to explore and hopefully pinpoint the reason(s).
What are some possible male causes?
Causes of infertility vary, with 40% attributed to female factors, 40% to male factors, and 20% remaining unexplained. Regardless of your specific situation, we can guide you through the next steps. Following your initial consultation with Dr. Ying Li, diagnostic tests will be recommended to identify potential reasons for infertility.
Male causes can include damage to the vas deferens, often resulting from factors such as sexually transmitted diseases, infections, or vasectomy. In instances where a man struggles to ejaculate normally during sex or the vaginal mucus can’t support sperm, artificial insemination may be suggested. This involves placing semen into the woman’s uterus or vaginal canal using a catheter.
Assisted Reproductive Technology treatments available with Dr Ying Li
PGD / PGS
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnoses / Screening
Ovulation Induction
Combined with Ovulation Tracking
IUI
Intrauterine Insemination