Switch to First Step Fertility

Yes, we have made the process extremely easy, you only need to follow three simple steps:

1. Make an appointment

2. Obtain a GP referral prior (will need this for your second appointment)

3. We will ensure a smooth transition, with meticulous care to First Step Fertility.

We understand that this could be an emotional time, which is why with First Step Fertility, you can rest assured that our experienced and expert team will look after your precious cargo every step of the way.

We aim to provide you with world-class expertise, so we can bring your dream of parenthood within financial reach.

Our bulk billed and streamlined model lets you take control of your fertility and enjoy great savings.

At First Step Fertility, we have many advantages that set us apart:

• The majority of our services are bulk billed providing you with significant savings.
• Our IVF treatment involves a Fully Stimulated Cycle to maximise the number of embryos from your cycle. This may not be the case with a mild stimulated cycle (low drug dosage) offered at other clinics.
• There is no financial means testing, ensuring you enjoy any Medicare rebates you are entitled to, regardless of your annual income.
• You will be seen by qualified IVF specialists who work on a rotational basis and will jointly be looked after by experienced fertility nurse coordinators during your treatment.
• You are not charged any registration fees to start the treatment process.

Whatever form your treatment takes, you’ll be in the safe hands of expert clinicians, scientists and nurses who will ensure your experience with us is as smooth as possible.

At every stage of the process, you’ll be kept totally informed about what you can expect, without the fear of hidden fees.

The core of our philosophy is based upon our understanding that successful fertility outcomes are the result of personalised planning, expert fertility specialists, and a dedicated and caring support network at every stage of your fertility journey.

If you would like to know more about our clinic locations, click here.

Yes, you can rest assured that our experienced and expert scientists, nursing and admin teams will ensure that the transportation and storage of vitrified embryos or sperm between fertility clinics is performed safely, securely and lawfully.

To help alleviate any concerns you might have around the transportation and storage of vitrified embryos or gametes between fertility units, we have compiled a list of the frequently asked questions.

The transportation of frozen embryos and sperm between clinic is extremely safe and secure. This is common practice and is done by placing the embryos and/or sperm into a “dry shipper’’ – a specialised cryogenic vessel that keeps embryos in a “deep freeze’’ while being transported between clinics. When the shipper reaches First Step Fertility, the embryos and/or sperm are placed into secure larger tanks for ongoing storage.

You can be assured that their welfare will be in the very capable hands of a specialised medical transport company whilst they are in transit to First Step Fertility.

First Step Fertility uses a specialised service that is door to door and has extensive experience transporting and handling “dry shippers”. We have successfully shipped embryos and sperm around the world, with evidence that the contents were never compromised.

The risk to the frozen embryo or sperm is negligible. The embryo or sperm remain frozen during the entire transportation process in a specialised tank that can go around the world maintaining the environment needed to sustain the frozen material. These tanks are prepared and monitored prior to/during shipping and at receipt at the clinic.

Moreover, at First Step Fertility all storage tanks are monitored regularly and confirmed for integrity and temperature maintenance before and after each and every use.

The frozen embryos or sperm are clearly labelled and witnessed at the time of freezing. The labels used for this process are specialised and do not come off in liquid nitrogen storage.

At First Step Fertility, we take quality and safety seriously. All our clinics are fully accredited against the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee (RTAC) Standards, a mandatory set of standards established by the Fertility Society of Australia for all clinics offering Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

A published scientific study (Reed, reporting in The Clinical Embryologist, Volume 10, Issue 4) showed that vitrified embryos held in a storage tank for three days had no difference in survival when thawed. This study also showed that the duration of storage had no effect on thawing outcome, survival and continued embryonic development.

At First Step Fertility, we understand that each fertility journey is different and therefore, your treatment will vary depending on your personal circumstances. Following your consultation with one of our specialists, you will have a tailored fertility plan and a clear understanding of the next steps involved in your treatment plan.

If you would like further information about the Bulk Billed IVF process at First Step Fertility, please visit our IVF Treatment Process page and our Bulk Billed IVF web page.

First Step Fertility fully supports and facilitates the transportation of vitrified embryos. We are happy to assist you in moving your embryos to First Step Fertility. If you have any questions, please contact our friendly staff to speak to one of our experienced scientists.

At First Step Fertility we are committed to providing patients with exceptional fertility care and as such we believe that patient feedback is a critical element in monitoring our performance and improving the service we provide.

First Step Fertility has always had outstanding satisfaction rates from patients and we continue to exceed our targets. In 2020, 97% of all feedback received from patient satisfaction survey respondents was positive.

We are confident about our ability to provide world-class expertise to all our patients and we look forward to helping you achieve your dream of having a baby.

With a budget-friendly approach that sets us apart, we are proud to offer you world-class expertise and the best value in our field that brings your dream of parenthood within financial reach.

Contact us today and switch to First Step Fertility.

Phone: 1800 111 373

Email: info@firststepfertility.com.au