My approach to IVF is different to most other specialists. I’ll explain how and why.

I focus on providing patients with a more streamlined and supportive experience, offering either a quicker path to a successful pregnancy or alternatively, a faster, clearer resolution if treatment proves unsuccessful due to factors like poor-quality eggs or embryos. This approach empowers patients with clarity and allows for informed decisions about their fertility journey.

IVF success rates are best shown as live birth rates, allowing apple versus apple comparisons between clinics.

Minerva Fertility, my own IVF laboratory, started treating patients in February 2024, therefore the live birth rates are not yet available.

I prioritise genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A) in patients who achieve high-grade embryos. This approach significantly improves the chances of a successful pregnancy per embryo transfer, reduces stress, and is especially cost-effective for older patients.

I am thrilled with the clinical pregnancy rates we’ve achieved so far. A clinical pregnancy is confirmed when a fetal heartbeat is detected on ultrasound - a point after which pregnancy loss is rare.

For context, here is how our results compare to national data from ANZARD:

  • PGT-A tested embryos created at Minerva Fertility (2024 onwards): 85.7% (n=21)

  • PGT-A tested embryos imported from other laboratories: 62.5%

  • ANZARD national average: 49.1%

This highlights the success of embryos created in-house at Minerva Fertility. I will continue to update these figures as our data grows and live birth outcomes are available.

Frozen Embryo Transfers After PGT-A Testing

Fresh Embryo Transfers

My preference is only to transfer fresh embryos in patients with low grade embryos. These embryos cannot be biopsied or genetically tested and often have a low likelihood of surviving cryopreservation. As a result, patients undergoing fresh embryo transfers at my clinic are typically those with a poorer prognosis.

Despite this, our clinical pregnancy rate per transfer in these cases is 25%, which is encouraging given the challenges faced.

In contrast, most other clinics routinely transfer untested fresh embryos for patients of all ages and embryo grades, both high and low quality. This standard practice significantly skews comparisons, as these clinics include a broader mix of patients and embryos.

Therefore the graph is comparing apples and oranges.

For more information or to discuss cost of treatment, please email us at reception@antonylighten.com or call us on +61 2 8883 3200