If you've been trying to conceive for a while, you've probably found yourself down a research rabbit hole at some point, reading forum threads at midnight and trying to decode acronyms you barely know. IVF, IUI, FSH, ICSI. The information is out there, but it doesn't always feel like it was written for you.
Understanding the difference between your options, and knowing the right questions to ask, can make a conversation with a fertility specialist feel far less overwhelming.
In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Denise Nesbitt, obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist at Hunter IVF, to unpack the key differences between IUI and IVF, including when each is recommended and what to actually expect from both processes. They explore sperm health, egg freezing, success rates, and what's really happening during the two-week wait.
This episode is Part 4 of the Trying to Conceive series on The Science of Motherhood.
You'll Hear About:
- How doctors decide between IUI and IVF
- What actually happens during each fertility cycle
- Why sperm health matters more than most people realise
- What success rates mean and what influences them
- How to emotionally prepare for the two-week wait
Starting this journey is brave. Having the right information means you can walk into that appointment knowing the right questions to ask, and feeling far less alone in the process.
If you know someone who's navigating fertility treatment, share this episode with them. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.
Resources & Links
Connect with Renee
Follow Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_
🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services
🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies
🔗 Learn more about Dr Denise Nesbitt and book an appointment at Hunter IVF
🔗 Your IVF Success — calculate your personalised IVF success rate using Australian data
🔗 Egg Freezing Australia — calculator to help you understand how many eggs you may need
This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.
Disclaimer The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.
