Starting IVF can feel overwhelming, but understanding each stage can make the experience far less daunting. In this episode, we walk through the IVF process from your first consultation right through to that all important pregnancy test.

Dr Raelia Lew breaks down what really happens at every step, why certain tests and treatments are needed, and how the team at Women’s Health Melbourne and Melbourne IVF work together to give patients the highest possible chance of success.

From investigations, stimulation and egg collection to embryo development, transfer and early pregnancy monitoring, this episode is designed to be your roadmap.

If you are beginning IVF, considering treatment, or simply want to understand how it all works, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance and expert insight from a CREI specialist who has supported thousands of patients through their 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Knocked Up, Jordi Morrison and Dr Raelia Lew unpack one of the newest breakthroughs in reproductive science: the creation of human egg cells from skin cells. Dr Raelia explains how stem cells work, what makes egg cells unique, and why this research is both exciting and still far from clinical use. Together they explore the science behind the process, the ethical and safety hurdles that must be overcome, and what it could mean for people who can no longer produce eggs naturally. While the potential is extraordinary, Dr Raelia reminds listeners that proven options like egg freezing remain the safest and most effective way to preserve fertility today.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part 2 of our fertility and perimenopause series, Dr Raelia Lew takes us through the treatment pathways available for women in their 40s who are trying to conceive. We discuss embryo banking, PGT testing, IVF, donor eggs, and how age affects egg quality and success rates.

Dr Raelia explains why proactive planning can make a difference, the role of sperm health, and what to consider when deciding between treatments. This episode is an honest and informative conversation about the realities of fertility in your 40s, and the options that can still lead to parenthood.If you’re worried time is running out, this episode offers honest, evidence-based insight to help you make informed choices about your next steps.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part one of understanding our fertility and peri/menopause, we unpack why fertility becomes more challenging as we approach perimenopause. Dr Raelia explains how shifting hormones, irregular cycles, and declining egg quality combine to make conception more difficult in our 40s. From understanding AMH and ovarian reserve to recognising the impact of age on egg health and miscarriage risk, this conversation explores what’s really happening to fertility in the decade before menopause and the options available for those still hoping to conceive.

In part two we explore our options for conceiving in perimenopause and menopause.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you hear “PCOS”, it’s easy to think only of the negatives. But the story is far more complex. From why women with PCOS can actually have higher egg counts, to the fertility myths that cause unnecessary fear, this episode breaks down the good, the bad and the truly misunderstood.

We also look at the practical side — how lifestyle, medical support and even new treatments can help women take back control of their symptoms and long-term health. If you’ve ever wondered whether PCOS means infertility, or how to future-proof your fertility and wellbeing, this conversation is for you

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.

Part 2 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 2 we cover:

• Weight and inflammation – why body composition and hidden inflammation can make a big difference to fertility outcomes

• Smoking’s silent sabotage – how it damages egg and sperm quality and reduces IVF success rates

• Alcohol and conception – what the evidence says about “moderate” drinking and fertility health

• Stress and reproduction – the mind–body connection and why managing stress matters for conception

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.

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.