Have you been told to start IVF? Here is everything you need to know. 

But let's pause – what is IVF, really?

IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology in which mature eggs are collected from a woman’s ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, creating embryos that are then transferred into the woman’s uterus with the aim of achieving a successful pregnancy.

This process involves several steps, including ovarian stimulation with fertility medications, egg retrieval, fertilization of the eggs (either by mixing with sperm or by injecting a single sperm into each egg), culturing the embryos for several days, and finally transferring one or more embryos into the uterus. Each of these steps has its own complexities and hurdles.

Let's jump into the facts:

• In 2023, there were 114,909 IVF cycles performed in Australia. Of these cycles, 20,846 babies were born as a result of IVF treatment.

• In 2025, it’s estimated that over 120,000 IVF cycles will be performed, with projections of more than 22,000 babies born via IVF this year.

• Today, approximately 1 in every 17 babies born in Australia is born via IVF.

• In a typical classroom, 15-18% of children may have been conceived with the aid of IVF.

• Only about 1 in 3 couples (33%) undergoing IVF will take home a baby after a cycle, based on national averages.

• The overall IVF live birth rate remains around 33%.

• Alysha Habgood Naturopath Clinic maintains a live birth rate of 68.8%, significantly above the national average.

The statistics don’t lie.. IVF is not always an effective measure of conceiving.

So, what’s missing?

There’s a secret ingredient: the foundations for healthy conception – before, during and after your IVF cycle. That’s exactly where Fertility Naturopaths do best!

We’re experts at helping you build and maintain these foundations, whether you’re considering IVF, already in the process, or wanting a natural path. We work alongside IVF doctors and other health practitioners.

Our focus as Fertility Naturopaths is to.. 

• Optimise egg and sperm quality
• Balance hormone levels
• Replenish nutrient deficiencies
• Create an optimal diet for fertility
• Optimise gut health 
• Promote detoxification pathways
• Reduce toxin exposure 
• Regulate cortisol levels
• Optimise vaginal microbiome
• Support uterine lining and implantation
• Boost ovulation 
• Support energy levels and libido
• Promote feminine embodiment

These pillars are proven to transform IVF outcomes.. They’re the difference between “taking your chances” and setting yourself up for true success.

What happens if I start IVF prematurely?

If IVF is undertaken too soon, before a comprehensive assessment or sufficient time trying to conceive naturally, you may miss the opportunity to address reversible, underlying issues affecting fertility. 

Conditions such as hormone imbalances, ovulation issues, or suboptimal diet and lifestyle factors, can often be improved with Naturopathic care. Jumping straight to IVF can bypass these important steps, making it less likely that your body has the optimal foundation for conception – naturally or with ART. 

Not to mention undertaking unnecessary medical interventions often introduces added stress, disrupts hormonal rhythms, and sometimes overlooks underlying causes that might otherwise resolve. 

Already started IVF?

We offer targeted support during every phase:

• Egg collection prep and recovery

• Pre- and post-embryo transfer protocol

• Strategic pausing pre-collection to avoid interference

• Full support post-collection and transfer (including adapting to any prescriptions)

• Comprehensive care sustained through to pregnancy confirmation and the first trimester

Here’s the truth: IVF success is much higher when preconception health care is prioritised.

What gets you pregnant, keeps you pregnant – and we’re right beside you every step of the way.
Partner with one of our Fertility Naturopath’s here at Alysha Habgood Naturopath to transform your fertility journey into a truly supported, empowered, and health-optimised experience.