Episodes
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In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with the incredibly brave Lisa Choney, who opens up about her journey through unimaginable challenges and triumphs. After battling an eating disorder herself, Lisa faced another unexpected hurdle — her husband's diagnosis of azoospermia, or male infertility. With their dreams of having a biological child hanging in the balance, they embarked on an emotional path through ICSI, three egg retrievals, a TESA procedure, a TESE surgery, multiple specialists, and four transfers. Their resilience was rewarded with the arrival of their miracle daughter. Lisa's story is not just one of perseverance through infertility but also a reflection on body image, self-worth, and the values she'll instill in her daughter. This episode is a testament to hope, love, and the power of never giving up.
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In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that affects many women but isn’t often talked about—vaginismus. This debilitating condition can cause intense discomfort, making intimacy and everyday life challenging. Joining us is Dr. Chandrika Parmar, a renowned gynaecologist, fertility specialist and Director of Genea Fertility Melbourne City. Dr. Parmar’s compassionate, patient-centred approach has helped countless women navigate their reproductive health, and today she brings her expertise to this important conversation. Together, we explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for vaginismus, offering hope and support to those affected.
This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility
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Missing episodes?
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In this heartfelt episode, we dive into Chelaine’s journey through the highs and lows of infertility as a FIFO couple navigating the complex world of fertility treatments. For the past two years, Chelaine and her husband have been balancing life with a "two weeks away, one week home" roster while managing full-time work, countless doctor visits, miscarriage and emotional challenges. In this episode, Chelaine sheds light on the resilience and courage needed to face ongoing testing, treatment changes, and the pursuit of parenthood. If you or someone you know is navigating infertility, this episode offers companionship, insights, and a reminder that you are not alone.
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In this episode, we explore the crucial topic of fertility preservation for those facing the challenge of cancer. Joined by Dr. Genia Rozen, a highly regarded fertility specialist and gynaecologist at Genea Fertility Melbourne City, we discuss the options available to individuals and couples who wish to safeguard their fertility during cancer treatment. Dr. Rozen, who co-leads the Fertility Preservation Service at the Royal Women's Hospital and holds a PhD focused on fertility after cancer, brings both clinical expertise and compassionate care to this conversation. Whether you’re in the midst of a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about fertility preservation, this episode is filled with invaluable insights, hope, and guidance.
This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility
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This week on What to Expect When You’re Injecting, Cassie sits down with her close friend and confidante, Syan Vallance, for a raw and open conversation about life’s twists and turns. After supporting Cassie through her own fertility journey, Syan found herself at a crossroads—navigating the end of her marriage, questioning her faith, and facing the big question of motherhood.
In this honest chat, Syan shares her story of courage and resilience, discussing her decision to freeze her eggs, not because motherhood is her immediate goal, but to keep the door open for whatever the future holds. Together, they explore the complexities of divorce, the role of religion in life’s decisions, and what it means to take charge of your fertility on your own terms.
Join us for an inspiring episode filled with laughter, tears, champagne and everything in between, as Syan shows us the beauty of embracing new beginnings with grace and strength. Whether you’re considering fertility preservation or just looking for a story of self-discovery, this is one you don’t want to miss.
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In this episode, we’re walking a fine line—literally! Lining issues can be a significant barrier to fertility, but with the right care and understanding, there’s hope. Joining us is Dr. Alice Huang, a leading gynaecologist and fertility specialist at Genea Fertility Melbourne City, to break down everything you need to know about uterine lining and its role in conception. From understanding the complexities of a "thin line" to exploring treatments that can help thicken that crucial layer, Dr. Huang shares her wealth of knowledge in a way that’s informative and supportive. Tune in for a deep dive into what can often feel like a delicate balancing act on the road to parenthood!
This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility
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In this heartfelt episode, we chat with Samantha Payne, CEO and Co-Founder of the Pink Elephants Support Network, to discuss "Leave for Loss"—a critical conversation on the support (or lack thereof) for women and families experiencing miscarriage. With one in four pregnancies ending in loss before 20 weeks, Samantha is leading the charge to break the silence surrounding pregnancy loss and ensure workplaces offer the support families need during these devastating times. Samantha shares her journey advocating for bereavement leave for miscarriage and sheds light on the upcoming Pink Elephants Workplace Support Report, aiming to challenge stigmas and foster compassionate workplaces. Tune in for an insightful discussion about empathy, support, and driving social change.
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Ever had a question about fertility that you wanted to ask? Well, this is your chance! In this fun and engaging episode, we sit down with Dr. Alexandra Cottam, a passionate fertility specialist at Genea Fertility Perth, to tackle all your weird, wacky, and wonderful questions. From the bizarre to the brilliant, no topic is off-limits as Dr. Cottam brings her expert insight and a sense of humor to the table.With her extensive background in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (and a genuine love for coffee and culture in Perth), Dr. Cottam is not only here to inform but to make you feel at ease with all those curious questions you’ve been dying to ask. Whether it’s myths about fertility, navigating the IVF journey, or even the wildest old wives' tales you’ve heard, we’re covering it all! Tune in for a light-hearted yet informative chat where no question is too strange, and answers are delivered with both expertise and empathy.
This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility -
In this heartwarming episode, we welcome a very special guest—Red Wiggle Caterina Mete—who recently celebrated the arrival of her beautiful twin daughters, Dolly and Gigi, after a challenging but successful IVF journey, with the help of an anonymous sperm donor. Caterina opens up about the ups and downs of her fertility experience, sharing the emotional highs and struggles she faced along the way. As a beloved member of The Wiggles for over two decades, Caterina also reflects on the unwavering support of her Wiggles family throughout her pregnancy, while she balanced her roles as head of wardrobe, dance captain, and choreographer. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, alternative paths to parenthood, and the joy of welcoming her twin bundles of love into the world.
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Secondary infertility can come as a shock for families who have already welcomed a child into their lives. It’s a journey filled with unexpected heartache, confusion, and often silence. Many families endure this struggle quietly, even though it’s a reality for so many. In this episode, I’m joined by Associate Professor Alex Polyakov, an experienced Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Medical Director at Genea Fertility Melbourne City. With a holistic approach to fertility, surgical, and obstetric care, Alex is uniquely positioned to offer insight into the complex world of secondary infertility. We explore the heartache and confusion, while also discussing what steps can be taken on this path.
This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility.
Resources and Links:
https://www.genea.com.au/Specialist/003Od000003bq9HIAQ/alex-polyakov
@geneamelbournecity
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In this episode, we welcome a powerhouse guest, Kim Lancer—an incredible leader who’s graced stages around the world and inspired countless leaders to harness their confidence as the founder of Tall Poppies Leadership. But for the first time, Kim steps off the stage and out of the conference room and into a deeply personal conversation about her fertility journey—a part of her story she's never shared publicly until now. While building a successful career, Kim also faced the challenges of fertility behind the scenes. This episode uncovers the strength, vulnerability, and resilience it takes to lead both professionally and personally. Join us as Kim opens up about her fertility struggles and triumphs, sharing the wisdom she’s gained from navigating both leadership and life’s most intimate challenges. You won’t want to miss this empowering conversation that’s all about confidence, courage, and standing tall in every aspect of life.
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Laura Clark, a student midwife whose journey from caring for expectant mothers to navigating her own path to motherhood is nothing short of extraordinary. Laura opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of juggling IVF treatments and the heartache of miscarriage, all while dedicating herself to the birthing suite, supporting other mums through their most vulnerable moments. Her resilience, strength, and unwavering hope shine through as she shares her deeply personal story.
Join us as we explore the unique challenges Laura faced, the strength she found in the midst of it all, and the powerful lessons she learned along the way. This is an episode that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced the highs and lows of the fertility journey. -
In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Kirri Falconer from Genea Fertility in Perth! Dr. Falconer is not only an experienced GP but also a strong and passionate patient advocate with a knack for having a compassionate listening ear.Join us as we dive into the often-overlooked topic of sperm health. Dr. Kirri shares her expert insights, practical tips, and answers your burning questions—all while keeping the conversation light and engaging. We even manage to share a few laughs along the way!
This episode is proudly supported by Genea Fertility. -
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Adeel Munshi and Dr. Fatima Vindhani, the powerhouse couple behind The Modern Dr. Combining their lived experience with infertility and their deep passion for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they have created a thriving business helping couples across Perth. Dr. Adeel Munshi, a Registered Acupuncturist and multi-modal practitioner, specialises in women’s health, fertility, mental health, and more. After a challenging fertility journey with his wife, Dr. Adeel discovered the profound benefits of TCM and acupuncture. Their success with these therapies led him to pursue a BSc degree in Acupuncture from the Northern College of Acupuncture in York. Now, he dedicates his practice to treating the root causes of ailments and not just the symptoms, aiming to bring holistic healing to his patients. Dr. Fatima Vindhani, trained in the United Kingdom, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a General Practitioner, Cosmetic Doctor, and Integrative Practitioner. Dr. Fatima enhances the holistic approach of The Modern Dr, providing comprehensive care to their clients. Together, Dr. Adeel and Dr. Fatima share their inspiring journey from personal struggles with infertility to establishing a successful practice that empowers and supports others on similar paths. Tune in to hear how they transformed their pain into purpose and learn about the unique integrative treatments they offer at The Modern Dr. Don't miss this heartfelt and informative episode that celebrates resilience, holistic health, and the power of never giving up.
This episode is proudly supported by
https://www.themoderndr.com.au/
@themoderndr.perth
@dradeelmunshi -
In our upcoming episode, we delve into the courageous journey of Candice Day—a woman whose path to motherhood took unexpected turns but was marked by unwavering determination and resilience. Candice initially never saw herself as a mother until she met her soulmate. However, with life's demands—house purchases, pets, and building her business—the road to parenthood was far from easy. Candice's journey through IVF was filled with challenges, yet she embraced each hurdle with a "never give up" attitude borrowed from her entrepreneurial spirit. Her mantra became clear: "I will not stop until I have that baby in my arms." Join us as Candice shares her story of perseverance and strength, highlighting the parallels between her business ethos and personal life. From navigating IVF treatments to becoming a warrior mum, Candice's story is a testament to resilience and the unwavering determination to never give up, no matter the obstacles. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the triumph of hope and the power of persistence.
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On this episode, we sit down with Elisabeth as she shares her remarkable journey. Elisabeth's path wasn't easy—starting IVF in her 40s with low AMH levels posed significant challenges. After facing disappointing outcomes with conventional treatments, she and her husband explored alternative paths. What makes Elisabeth's story truly unique is their decision to pursue the egg donation process, internationally. From Perth, Australia, they embarked on a complex journey to obtain donor eggs from the other side of the world. Elisabeth recounts the emotional and logistical hurdles they encountered, from researching international clinics to navigating legal and logistical aspects of cross-border fertility treatments. Join us as Elisabeth's story sheds light on the complexities and triumphs of donor egg IVF across continents. This episode is a testament to the strength and courage of individuals navigating the challenges of fertility treatments.
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In this powerful and emotional episode of "What to Expect When You're Injecting," special guests Jessie and Trish, share their journey through infertility, pregnancy loss, and unforeseen hurdles. At 43, Trish defied odds by conceiving after three years of trying, while Jessie, at 28, faced early menopause at 24. Despite counselling and lengthy waits for donor options, they decided to take matters into their own hands, literally. But their journey was marked by nine chemical pregnancies and a devastating miscarriage before the news their rainbow baby was on the way. Their path took a turn when scans revealed Spina Bifida in their unborn son. They pursued options tirelessly, finding hope in fetal surgery at Mater Mothers Hospital. Join us as we delve into the raw emotions, from heartache to resilience, that defined Jessie and Trish's journey to parenthood. This episode is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.
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In this heartfelt episode, join the incredibly resilient Kelly Males as she opens up about her journey through multiple egg collections, navigating heartbreak, and finding the inner grit and strength to keep going. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Kelly's unwavering determination and courage shine through as she shares her experiences with vulnerability and authenticity. Listeners will be moved by her resilience and inspired by her unwavering hope. As Kelly reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the road ahead may still be uncertain, but she remains steadfast in her belief that every step forward brings her closer to the little miracle she and her partner are so eagerly awaiting.
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Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions of women world wide and although there is no way to fully cure endometriosis, there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. One of these ways is through diet. On this episode, we delve deep into the pantry and fridge discovering the role diet plays on endometriosis and fertility with fertility & women's health dietician, Nick Nation.
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It's been a journey spanning more than five years, across nine IVF cycles, with a marathon still ahead of her- but that hasn't stopped Candice Whiteford sharing the struggle and the strength she's gained from the process. Constantly in awe of the warriors who show up everyday, we hope this episode reminds everyone in the TTC community that they are part of a crappy club but are bravest and strongest members ever.
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