In this episode, Prof Chapman tackles a question many patients wonder about but rarely ask: should depression and anxiety screening be standard before starting IVF? His answer is a firm no, and he explains why, drawing on the history of mandatory counselling in Victoria that was eventually abandoned because 95% of patients simply didn’t need it. But that doesn’t mean the emotional side gets brushed aside. Prof Chapman walks through the psychological build up of a cycle, from the hope of a strong egg collection to the gut punch of a negative test, and why supporting patients through that drop i
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the reality behind delayed parenthood, a trend driven by both partners as often as by women alone. He explains how the odds of conceiving within a year fall from around 90% at 35 to roughly 60% by 40, and why declining egg quality and numbers sit at the heart of that shift. He walks through egg freezing as a hedge against the ticking clock, noting that 30 to 35 is the ideal window, and shares the sobering statistics on how many eggs are needed at different ages to give a good chance of a baby later. He also steps back to the bigger picture, looking at fall
In this episode, Prof Chapman cuts through the tests and treatments marketed to women after recurrent miscarriage and asks a simple question: where’s the evidence? He unpacks the $1,500 endometrial receptivity test shown to have no benefit, the pivot to microbiome testing, and immune treatments sold without solid proof — while separating what’s genuinely useful from what he calls “bad medicine.” The reframe that matters most: even after four losses, the odds of carrying a baby next time, doing nothing, are still well over 60 to 70%. Explore the ‘Prof. Michael Chapman – The IVF Journey’ Faceboo
In this episode, Prof Chapman takes a hard look at the growing menu of tests and treatments marketed to women after recurrent miscarriage — and asks a simple question: where’s the evidence? He unpacks the $1,500 endometrial receptivity test that took eight years and a gold-standard trial to show no benefit, the same company’s pivot to uterine microbiome testing, and the murky world of immunological treatments like steroids, intralipid and immunoglobulins. Along the way he separates the genuinely useful (spotting and treating chronic endometritis, working on smoking and weight) from what he cal
In this episode, Prof Chapman tackles one of the most heartbreaking questions in fertility, why miscarriages keep happening. Responding to a listener who has faced four losses across natural and IVF conceptions, he walks through the biggest culprit, genetic abnormalities in the embryo, and explains why age and egg quality sit at the centre of it all. He unpacks the other hidden causes worth investigating, from chromosome translocations carried by healthy parents to fibroids, scar tissue, and abnormalities in the shape of the womb. Along the way he covers the surprising fertility effects of COV
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks what specialists actually mean when they talk about egg quality. He explains that quality comes down to an egg’s competency to fertilise and produce an embryo with the right number of chromosomes, and why that process becomes less reliable as women age. He describes the tiny energy-producing structures called mitochondria, the batteries inside every egg, and how their decline disrupts the delicate work of lining up chromosomes at the right moment. He also walks through the spindle, the internal structure his own team studies using polarised light at Life F
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains one of fertility’s biggest puzzles: why a woman’s biological clock runs down so much faster than the rest of her body. Drawing on decades of experience and more than three and a half thousand babies, he walks through the remarkable journey of your eggs, from the millions laid down before you were even born, to the half a million you had at birth, to the slow decline that ends in menopause. He unpacks why older women get fewer eggs from IVF, what the AMH test can and can’t tell you, and the crucial difference between egg quantity and egg quality. A clear,
In this episode, Prof Chapman and fertility nurse Natalie tackle one of the most-asked questions on the YouTube channel: the recent renaming of PCOS to PMOS. Prof Chapman explains how the change came out of a roomful of specialists, each with their own stake in the name, and why he sees it as a positive move, not least because so many patients hear “cysts on the ovary” and immediately worry about cancer. He unpacks what the new name signals about the hormonal and metabolic sides of the condition, while making clear that the condition itself hasn’t changed at all. And above everything else, he
In this episode, Prof Chapman is joined by fertility nurse Natalie to answer one of the most common questions from listeners: what should you do when you’re in your 40s and cycle after cycle isn’t working? Natalie explains why going back to basics matters — reviewing your initial workup, checking whether tests like AMH and antral follicle counts need repeating, and looking at inflammatory markers that may be overlooked. She walks through what a thorough second opinion involves, from treatment protocols and medication dosages to egg numbers, insemination methods and blastocyst outcomes, and why
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a listener question about the future of IVF, covering what innovations are genuinely exciting and whether treatment will become more accessible and affordable. He reflects on how success rates have climbed from 10% to around 40% per embryo transfer over three decades, and gives his honest take on the current “flavours of the month”: AI in embryo selection, non-invasive genetic testing, and research into environmental toxins. With a fertility nurse adding the patient perspective on accessibility and public sector options, this is a candid look at where fert
In this episode, Prof Chapman sits down with fertility nurse Natalie to talk about the moments IVF patients often face alone — the late-night bleeding scare, the anxious wait after a positive test, the questions that come up between appointments. They discuss why a positive pregnancy test isn’t the finish line, the reassurance of regular early-pregnancy monitoring through to 10 weeks, and how fertility care is shifting towards truly patient-centred support, where feeling informed, heard and supported matters just as much as clinical outcomes. Explore the ‘Prof. Michael Chapman – The IVF Journe
In this episode, Prof Chapman is joined by a fertility nurse to unpack what should happen after a failed IVF cycle — and why so many patients are left without answers. They explore the emotional fallout of a negative pregnancy test, the delays patients face in getting support from busy clinics, and the value of having someone who can genuinely listen between appointments. Prof Chapman also shares his frustration with clinics that simply repeat the same protocol after a failed cycle, explaining why a detailed review of drug dosages, egg numbers, and fertilisation outcomes is essential before pl
In this episode, Prof Chapman is joined by a fertility support nurse to explore the gaps in patient care during IVF treatment. They discuss the most common concerns women face — from needle phobia and administering that first injection, to post-egg-collection bleeding and knowing when symptoms warrant escalation. Prof Chapman offers a frank comparison of Australia’s premium versus low-cost IVF clinics, and why patients often absorb only a fraction of what they’re told in consultations — leaving many too embarrassed to ring their clinic with “silly” questions that deserve real answers. Explore
Prof. Chapman introduces Natalie from Australia IVF Concierge, highlighting the emotional and practical support gap patients face at home during fertility treatment. Focus: the psychological burden of IVF (60% first-cycle failure rate), medication management, injection anxiety, and waiting uncertainty. Natalie explains how nurse-led home visits provide reassurance, education, and holistic support beyond clinic appointments—positioning aftercare as essential to the patient journey. Explore the ‘Prof. Michael Chapman – The IVF Journey’ Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge in
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains ovarian tissue cryopreservation, including who it is genuinely suitable for, why it remains largely an experimental fertility preservation technique, and its role for women facing urgent cancer treatment. He also answers a detailed question from a patient who has received a strong positive beta hCG result following embryo transfer. Prof Chapman discusses whether repeat blood tests are necessary, what healthy hCG progression should look like, the importance of early viability scans, and how pregnancy milestones at 7, 10, and 12 weeks help predict the likel
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how he approaches patients who have already spent tens of thousands of dollars on unsuccessful IVF treatment and are seeking a second opinion. He discusses the importance of reviewing previous cycles in detail, identifying anything that may have been missed, and tailoring a new treatment strategy to improve outcomes. Prof Chapman also highlights the often-overlooked role of the male partner in IVF success, including practical advice on sperm health, abstinence timing, and how partners can provide meaningful support throughout the fertility journey. Explor
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a listener’s question about the success rates of IUI and IVF for a 37-year-old woman, explaining when IUI may be worth trying, why success rates drop after a few cycles, and how IVF can offer significantly higher cumulative pregnancy rates. He also shares practical advice on choosing the right fertility clinic, including what to look for in specialists, laboratory standards, clinic size, patient care, and nursing support—beyond simply comparing published success rates. This episode provides valuable guidance for anyone weighing their fertility treatment op
In this episode, Prof Chapman explores how ethical concerns around IVF have evolved over the past four decades. He reflects on the early fears surrounding IVF, including concerns about interfering with nature and the long-term health of IVF-conceived children, and explains how decades of research have helped address many of those worries. Prof Chapman also shares his views on topics such as gender selection, genetic testing, and the likelihood of so-called “designer babies.” While he believes current fertility technologies are largely ethically sound, he highlights one growing concern: the inc
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a listener’s question about whether frozen embryos should be thawed, genetically tested, and refrozen for PGT. He explains the small risk of embryo loss associated with the process, how PGT can significantly improve the chances of selecting a genetically normal embryo, and why the decision often depends on age, embryo numbers, and individual fertility goals. Prof Chapman also discusses the differences between testing day-one and day-five embryos, the impact of maternal age on embryo genetics, and how PGT can reduce the emotional, financial, and physical bu
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why human fertility is far less predictable than most people expect — and why even healthy couples may need up to 12 months to conceive naturally. He breaks down the real monthly chances of pregnancy, why IVF isn’t always the first answer, and the importance of patience when trying for a baby. Prof Chapman also shares a serious warning about anabolic steroids and gym supplements, revealing how they can dramatically reduce sperm production and sometimes cause long-term fertility problems in men. This episode is packed with practical advice for couples star
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how fertility specialists help couples decide between continuing to try naturally, moving to IUI, or starting IVF — without losing valuable time. He breaks down how age, fertility history, success rates, costs, and previous pelvic surgeries all influence treatment decisions. The discussion also covers IVF after endometriosis surgery, ectopic pregnancy, fibroids, and why fertility care must always be individualized. Explore the ‘Prof. Michael Chapman – The IVF Journey’ Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within t
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains the critical role mitochondrial health and energy metabolism play in egg competence and embryo development. He breaks down why egg quality declines with age, how chromosome errors happen, and the science behind popular fertility supplements like CoQ10, NADH, and DHEA. Prof Chapman also discusses emerging treatments such as PRP ovarian rejuvenation, why many therapies still lack strong clinical evidence, and what current research may hold for the future of fertility treatment. Explore the ‘Prof. Michael Chapman – The IVF Journey’ Facebook Page, your reliab
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how he approaches patients seeking a second opinion after a disappointing IVF experience at another clinic. He discusses the emotional toll of failed fertility treatment, the importance of reviewing previous cycles in detail, and why individualized treatment strategies can sometimes make a difference. Prof Chapman also shares the realities of IVF success rates at different ages, offering honest, compassionate guidance to help patients understand their true chances moving forward.
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a common and important question from patients with low ovarian response: is it worth doing two IVF stimulation cycles close together to improve results? He explains why current evidence doesn’t strongly support repeated or back-to-back stimulation as a way to boost egg numbers, and highlights the role of natural biological variation from cycle to cycle—especially for women in their late 30s and early 40s. Prof Chapman also explores alternative approaches like low-dose stimulation, the limitations of anecdotal success stories, and the practical consideratio
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how AMH levels and antral follicle counts are used to assess ovarian reserve—and why they don’t tell the full story about egg quality or natural conception chances. He clarifies common misconceptions, especially for women trying to conceive in their 30s and 40s, and shares when it may be time to consider IVF. Prof Chapman also discusses the growing role of AI tools like ChatGPT in fertility research, highlighting their usefulness for general knowledge—but emphasizing why personalized medical advice should always come from an experienced specialist. Explor
