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Personal stories and perspectives

Ricci-Jane's PCOS story

Ricci-Jane and her partner were told they wouldn't have a baby without IVF. Ricci-Jane had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and her stressful new job and poor eating habits had taken their toll. She talks about her journey to get 'baby-fit' to try conceiving without IVF. 

Karlee's story

Seven years. Thirteen IVF attempts. Two miscarriages. Karlee and her husband Mark went through a great deal to have a baby. So what did they change before their lucky 13th attempt? Karlee shares her story.......

Your take on fertility: there's more to it than just sex

We asked university students what they knew about their fertility. How does your knowledge compare? If you plan on having children one day, it's never too early to understand the factors that can affect your chance of becoming pregnant.

Renee's story

Renee describes the healthy changes she and her husband Andrew made to increase their chance of pregnancy and give their daughters the best start to life.

From the experts

Parenting begins before conception

How does your health affect a pregnancy and the beyond?

Professor Sarah Robertson, from Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, explains how our environment and lifestyle decisions before and during pregnancy can have a lasting effect on the health of a future child.

Fatherhood begins before conception

Professor Rob McLachlan, from Healthy Male, explains how smoking damages sperm and why men who quit smoking will improve their sperm quality and the health of a future child.

Clear the air for your baby

Dr. Raelia Lew, fertility specialist and gynaecologist explains why smoking harms eggs and sperm and how couples can improve their chance of pregnancy.

Getting the timing right

If you're trying for a baby, timing is everything. Dr Karin Hammarberg explains how to work out when you're ovulating and the right time to have sex to improve your chance of pregnancy.

Quit for fertility

Dr. Sarah White, from Quit Victoria shares her advice with future parents on how they can quit to improve their chance of becoming pregnant giving their baby the best start.

Talking about fertility

General Practitioner, Dr Magdalena Simonis from the National Standing Committee Quality Care at RACGP describes how she encourages young men and women to change their lifestyle to reach a healthier weight to improve their fertility and chance of pregnancy. 

How can plastics reduce your chances of pregnancy?

Dr Mark Green explains how different plastics contain chemicals that can affect the quality of sperm and eggs. 

Some bathroom products can affect fertility

What do you look for in personal care products like shampoo and body wash to avoid those containing chemicals that affect sperm and egg quality?

Common chemicals in the house and garden - which ones are best to avoid?

Steering clear of some common garden and household chemicals if you're planning to have a baby. 

Important facts for future dads

The health of both parents, even before the baby is conceived, makes a difference to the health of the baby. Dr Karin Hammarberg shares some important facts for men who want to be dads.

Important conversations about fertility

Practice nurse Samantha Read specialises in sexual and reproductive health. She highlights the importance of starting conversations about weight and fertility early and discussing related issues openly with patients.

Working out your fertile window

Kerry Hampton, a registered nurse and fertility specialist, discusses the importance of fertility awareness, and how to determine your fertile window to improve your chances of conceiving.

Talking about fertility

Associate Professor Kate Stern, fertility specialist at the Royal Women's Hospital and the Clinical Director at Melbourne IVF discusses lifestyle factors that affect fertility and explains Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Women, age and fertility

Dr Melanie McDowall, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, explains why age is an important factor for women when it comes to fertility. 

Men, age and fertility

Laureate Professor John Aitken, University of Newcastle, explains the impact of age affects men's ability to father a healthy child. 

Improving your fertility

Professor Rob Norman, from the Robinson Research Institute, talks about the key factors that affect fertility.

Preparing for conception

Fertility counsellor Cailin Jordan shares how men and women can give themselves the best chance of conceiving. This video is also relevant for those who are using IVF to try to conceive.

Men, sperm and healthy babies

Professor Rob McLachlan from Healthy Male explains what men can do keep their sperm healthy.

Expert advice for men and women

Professor Sarah Robertson, from Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, explains how men and women's health, before conceiving, can affect the chance of pregnancy and the health of the baby.

Multilingual resources

Five tips on becoming pregnant in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Dari, Hakka Chin, Punjabi and Vietnamese 

خمس نصائح لتصبحي

This video features five great tips to becoming pregnant in Arabic.

پنج نکته در مورد چگونگی حامله ش

This video features five great tips to becoming pregnant in Dari.

Nau pawi khohnak ding caah theih dingmi 5

This video features five great tips to becoming pregnant in Hakka Chin.

關於懷孕的5個提示

This video features five great tips to becoming pregnant in Chinese (Mandarin).

ਕਿਵੇਂ ਗਰਭਵਤੀ ਬਣਨਾ ਹੈ - ਪੰਜ ਸੁਝਾਅ

This video features five great tips to becoming pregnant in Punjabi.

5 lời khuyên làm thế nào để sớm thụ thai

This video features five great tips to becoming pregnant in Vietnamese.