Part 1 of our 2-part series on lifestyle factors and fertility features Dr. Alexandra Harvey, Senior Research Scientist at Melbourne IVF. With 25 years of experience in embryology and fertility research, Dr. Harvey breaks down the science behind modifiable factors that can impact your fertility journey.

In Part 1 we cover:

• Age as the biggest factor in IVF success - why maternal age matters and how paternal age also plays a role
• Temperature effects on sperm quality - from underwear choices to sauna use
• Diet and nutrition myths vs. evidence - why extreme diets aren't helpful and what the Mediterranean diet research actually shows
• The supplement dilemma - when more isn't necessarily better and the importance of balance
• Environmental toxins hiding in everyday items - from Teflon pans to thermal receipts

Coming up in Part 2: We'll dive deeper into smoking, alcohol, stress, and other lifestyle factors that can impact your fertility journey.

Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast

Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here.

This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Alexandra Harvey

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are joined by Dr. Tzippora Ben-Harim, head of Gynaecology at Women's Health Melbourne, about urinary incontinence after childbirth. Urinary incontinence is common, affecting 1 in 3 to 1 in 4 women postpartum and occurs in two main forms: stress incontinence (leaking with coughing/sneezing) and urge incontinence (not making it to the toilet in time). The condition results from pressure on the pelvic floor during pregnancy, trauma from vaginal delivery, and postpartum oestrogen deficiency, particularly in breastfeeding women.

We discuss all types of treatment:

• Conservative management including vaginal oestrogen therapy and pelvic floor physiotherapy satisfies most women's needs
• Pessaries can provide temporary relief for those requiring additional support
• Surgical options are typically reserved until family planning is complete due to risk of recurrence
• Lifestyle modifications include reducing caffeine intake and maintaining proper hydration
• Preventive measures include prenatal pelvic floor exercises and optimising general health before pregnancy

Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast

Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here.

This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Tzippi Ben-Harim

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research suggests that digestive health may play a role in reproductive health, alongside established factors like ovulation tracking and prenatal nutrition. We are joined by gastroenterologist Dr. Lindy Jackson to uncover the surprising connection between gut health and fertility.

Discover how the trillions of bacteria living in your bowel can influence your hormone levels, why stress might be sabotaging both your digestion and your chances of conception and how inflammatory bowel conditions can directly impact egg and sperm quality, and what those trendy microbiome tests actually mean for your reproductive health.

Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast

Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here.

This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Lindy Jackson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.