First things first, as is often the case, a referral is needed from your general practitioner to a fertility specialist.

You then make an appointment with a fertility specialist at Rainbow Fertility.

During your first appointment, your specialist will gather all relevant information about you, your circumstances, and medical history etc. You will also receive an insight into the various fertility options pertinent to you and the processes that will follow. The subject of accessing donor sperm (known or clinic-recruited) will also be discussed.

You will be able to claim some of your consultation costs through Medicare.

You, and any partner involved in conception, will be required to have a series of blood tests as part of the routine screening process before starting treatment.

All women considering using donated sperm, and their partner, must attend two counselling sessions. Counselling is important for several reasons including allowing for the open discussion of fertility treatment on a personal level, enabling any issues to be raised and allowing for the emotional responsibilities of becoming a parent to be discussed.

At Rainbow Fertility (and most clinics) there is then a “cooling off” period of 14 days, between the two counselling sessions, to allow for the person/couple to digest the information they have discussed, before proceeding.

The next step is for you to participate in an information session with a fertility coordinator. At this point, a discussion will occur about your individual treatment plan as created by your fertility specialist, medications and the daily requirements of your treatment cycle. Consent forms are also provided for signing once you have a full understanding of the processes required.

Before actual treatment commences a final review will take place, whereby your specialist and fertility coordinator will review counselling reports, blood tests and consent forms to ensure everything is complete and ready to proceed.

I advise and encourage my patients to ensure they are following a healthy lifestyle before, during and after treatment to maximise their chances of success. This includes, for example, watching important aspects like diet and exercise, and limiting or quitting habits like smoking and alcohol.

Fertility treatment will typically begin in line with your specialist’s recommendations.