Sydney IVF Vs IVF Australia - your stories?

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for reading my post.

My husband and I are 27.
I have PCOS.

We have been to see Sydney IVF (City) and were told to do Ovulation Induction followed by IVF.
We found the Dr to be quiet good.
But when we had our nurses appt we found the nurses very rude.
As soon as we walked in noone even greeted us they just said 'You need to pay before you can see nurses'.
Then when were were in with the nurse we had one Question which was very simple. (Why is IUI and OI the same price after medicare rebate? Is IUI better chance for the same cost?)
and she told us that our 1 Question was way too difficult to answer and we should go back to the Dr and PAY for another $300 consultation!!!
We also felt like they were brushing us off due to our age.

After a recomendation from a friend we then went to IVF Australia. Here we found he Dr to be a lot more thorough as he sent us for ultrasounds, blood tests etc. He recommended we do IUI and then IVF.

We have been told by numerous gynaecologists, GPSs, specialists etc that Sydney IVF is the best and dont go anywhere else.

So we now have to decide where to go.

We are wanthing to hear anyone good and bad stories as either Sydney IVF or IVF Australia ??????

Thanks so much for your help!

Hi Cassie,

I haven't posted on this form for ages but just saw your post and wanted to reply :)

When we found out that we would probably need IVF to conceive, I started looking at websites and specialists. After thoroughly reading through several sites, Sydney IVF was at the top of my list. There was 1 specialist there (Dr Derek Lok) that I wanted so badly to see as he specialises in Male Factor and thats what our problem is, he sounded so good. He operates from 3 city clinics but even the closest clinic to us was a whopping 9hr drive away! So I reluctantly chose a regional SIVF clinic which in hindsight was a massive mistake.

Anyway, the regional clinic (in Lismore NSW) was basically a gyno's office and he had an IVF programme that ran every 3 months which was when the scientists came up. This Dr put me through the ringer with 1001 tests and after I checked out fine he wanted to put me on clomid for 6 months 'because we're only young' (me 25, DH 26 at the time) and if that didn't work then we'd do IUI, then IVF then ICSI even though DH had a motility rate of 1%!!!

I thought this was outrageous and after lots of thinking I decided to email Dr Lok (who I originally wanted to see) to see if he'd give me his thoughts on our then Dr's plan. In a careful way he basically said it was pointless and that from what we've told him we would definitely need IVF, probably ICSI and that because we were young and hadn't fallen pg in 18months that it meant that there was a problem and that we needed help, rather than brushing us off due to our age.

So I had a phone appt with him, then we were off to Sydney for DH's test.

To cut a huge long story short (lots of complications inbetween) we are now in teh 2WW of our first IVF/ICSI cycle and we cannot speak highly enough of Dr Lok regardless of the results. From the first time we met him, during EPU, ET etc he has put us at ease straight away, made us feel comfortable, I am happy to leave everything up to him, I feel safe and trust his decisions. (We saw him at the Liverpool clinic). The nurses were also really good, very friendly, happy to answer any questions etc. I have felt a bit neglected being in a regional area, but I cleared all of that up with them in Sydney last week.

Honestly, ring SIVF. On their website I think they have a number to call that is specifically for feedback/complaints. I have found them to be fantastic (haven't been to the city clinic though, well, I have once but only for DH's 2nd sperm test) very thorough and careful, helpful and supportive.

Feel free to ask any questions and best of luck to you.

Hi Cassie, Hi FJL.

My husband and I are also with Dr.Lok and I can't agree more with what FJL has said above.

I am a Sydney-sider and I work in the city. For the initial testing my husband went to IVF Australia and once we got the results (100% binding anti-sperm anti-bodies) we were referred to Dr. Lok at Sydney IVF. We see him in the city.

I have never once felt rushed when we have met with him and he has been very helpful in explaining things and answering questions vai email if I had any.

The nurses at Sydney IVF have been great as well (very calming and reassuring). I am in my first ICSI cycle and it's all been quite overwhelming with the injections etc. Hopefully EPU sometime this week.

I am very happy with Dr. Lok and very happy to let him do what he does best - help people get pregnant.

Anyway - I haven't been anywhere else to give any different comparison, but I'm happy. I don't feel lilke I'm missing anything, if you know what I mean.

Good luck.
Nic

HI Cassie,

I've been going to IVF Australia for over a year now, for 6 rounds of clomid, and just had my 3rd IUI today. The nurses there are absolutely wonderful. They are so empathetic and you definitely do not feel like a 'number'.

The doctors there are really great too. I would highly recommend them

I went with IVF Australia and I highly recommend them, Dr Gavin Sacks was our FS and I have been to their clinics in the City, Maroubra, Kogarah and Westmead - Staff were always friendly, empathetic, helpful and professional at every clinic. And Dr Sacks just rocks the universe LOL!

Personallly, I think the prices charged by SIVF are outrageous...

Hi Cassie,

I firstly went to IVF Aust, I don't have issues with the nurses there but I do have a problem with my FS. I don't find him empathy enought and it seems that everytime in our precious 1 hour consultation (which cost me a lot), he is more interested in his Japan skiing experience than my ovary.

So I changed to SIVF. We have done 2 stim cycles now with Dr. Mark Livingstone and he is wonderful. I also think the nurses there are brilliant, very thorough, professional and caring.

I also heard that SIVF has higher standard/or tighter guildlines than most clinics technically as well, for example, their standard transfer is 5-day blastcyst to ensure the quality of the embyros while other clinics can do 2 or 3 day embyros. Their guildline for sperm analysis is also the toughest for motility, morphology and counts. My husband's morphology tested at IVF Aust was 46% normal and it dropped a lot when we re-tested in SIVF.

That's just my personal story/opinion, not neccesarily to say the SIVF is better than IVF Aust (I heard lots of great things about Dr.S from IVF Aust). So I guess it is about what you feel comfortable with, whether you have chemistry with the particular person you are seeing.

Good luck!

We initially went to IVF Australia but did not get anywhere regarding treatment or progress. Basically, we where told to 'get a sexy book at bedtime and try harder'. We had to specifically request blood tests and a hysterosalpingogram. The FS we saw wanted to do everything his way, and only his way was the only way. We started getting worried of upsetting him as he would go off a bit during consultations. He also said he would deliver our baby as well as he had 2 jobs. We where told by our GP that our IVF Australia FS had a strong personality and it was just his way of doing things...

We got fed up and went to SIVF. We have had (and continued) to have a wonderful experience at SIVF with our current FS and the staff there. Everyone is very professional, service top notch, treatment can be agreed on and arranged quickly. No messing around. We highly recommended SIVF to our friends (who have also switched) and to anyone else who is considering... Definitely the best!

Hi Cassie,

I am currently 16 weeks pregnant after 2 IUI's and 1 IVF/ICSI cycle with Dr Rob Lahoud at IVF Australia at Castle Hill.

I cannot remember a nicer group of healthcare professionals as the ones I dealt with through IVF Australia. I was sent for all the necessary tests before any decisions were made and was highly involved in the decision making process when it came to my treatment options, down to being given the option of what brand of injections I would prefer (although I didn't know squat about any of them!!!)

The costs for an IVF cycle are very reasonable at IVF Aust, $3600 at present (additional medications may be extra). An IUI cycle is approx $1000.

All in all my personal experience with IVF Australia was fantastic! Good luck with your IVF journey and here's to it being a very short one at that.

Belinda

Hi Cassie,

We are with IVFA and love them. They are convenient to work for a start. The nurses are great and despite it being one of their bigger clinics I definitely do not feel like a number. I am not sure why SIVF is more expensive as IVFA also only do blastocyst transfers as well. Cost wise it is much friendlier. I believe the IVFA clinic hours are more limited (EPU on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for example) but for blood tests and scans and things you can do that any day and you never have to wait too long. Perhaps that availability is the thing that makes SIVF so much more expensive? I believe they both use the same SIVF developed catheters, embryo growing fluid (can't recall the REAL name) and other technology.

We paid the upfront fee ($4500 as we did an antagonist but will get 80% of that back from medicare) and have not had to pay for anything else including replacing certain medication because I stuffed up the injections :) ) Oh we did have to pay the excess to our health fund for the EPU and will have to pay the "freezing" fee for our remaining 14 blasties.

I guess it is a matter of horses for courses. For my DH and I the convenience, cost and service coupled with the fact that we really like our FS at IVFA means it as an easy decision.

Cheers
lily

Hi,

I am seeing Dr LOK at liverpool SIVF. He is so kind and tries to explain everything he can in simple terms he even goes to the effort of drawing things to help explain what he is talking about.

I am 24 and hubby 28 and have been married for two years. We have been ttc for 1 year and have had two miscarriages both at 5 1/2 weeks.

Dr LOK has been the only person that has taken us serious due to our age. On My first appointment I took an ultrasound from 1 of my miscarriages and he said, "You have a septum in your uterus" after looking at the scans for a few seconds. You dont understand how angry I was. When i had my miscarriages I went to hospital and had ultrasounds done and no-one mentioned it just said, "Miscarriages are normal, your young, you have plenty of time."

Anyway I had some more scans done which confirmed the septum. I had an appointment with Dr LOK on the Monday and he booked me in for the surgery that Thursday. My DH and I couldn't believe it. Anyway the surgery went well and the septum was removed.

I thought that was it but Dr LOK wanted to make sure everything else was okay and sent my DH and I for blood test and my DH semen test. My blood tests came back normal but to our surprise my hubby's semen test wasn't so good. From what I understand what Dr LOK explained my DH semen does not contain the information required in his sperm to create a successful pregnancy which may have been a reason also for our miscarriages.

So my DH has to take vitamin's C & E and some folic acid and repeat the test in 3 weeks to see if there is an improvement. So that is the stage that we are currently at.:pray:

Sorry for the long post

Tamara

Hi Everyone!

WoW Thanks so much for all your help!
Very appreciated!

Just waiting on some test results for sperm antibodies to come back in the next few months and then we will decide Sydney IVf or IVF Aust from there!

So far all sperm tests/laproscopys etc have come back normal.
Ultrasound shows PCOS.

We are going to start treatment in Jan to make the most of the safety net as we are not over it yet.

Thanks again for all the help, and keep me updates on any successes!
Good Luck!

xoxo
Cassie2928

great thread idea, Cassie! thanks.
Has anyone been with or heard of Dr. Mark Livingstone or Dr. Mcdonald from SydIVF?
cheers
beav

Hi

i am 28 my hubby 30 we are with IVF aust Dr Rob La Houd could not find a nicer guy
since we live 7 hours from sydney in country NSW he organised all our test before we went for our first visit to save us going back for unnecessary appt and saving us money. I have PCOS and endometrosis - he gave us all the options from clomid to IUI ivf and ICSI explained all options and help us make our decision not judgemental and happy to answer questions and dosen't make you feel stupid when you ask.

The nurses are great so helpful and you can call them anytime if they are with a patient you just have to leave a message and they will phone you straight back.

I went down to sydney for work and even though i was not starting my cycle then i was able to pick up all my medication to save me a trip i do most of my test where i live and go down to the clinic when i am ready for the harvest

I looked around before we went there and it is considerably cheaper than the others

good luck with your decision - i guess you just have to go with your gut from reading the post they both have their pros and cons

Hi,I went with IVF Australia Dr Graeme Hughes. He has been doing it for over 20 years and really knows his stuff. He is also very positive.
I was with them for over a year and generally think they are good. I feel that most of my problems would be to do with how I was feeling at the time, not how they made me feel. Sometimes I did feel like a number but then I think it was because I was becoming bitter about the whole thing so would have felt tlike that everywhere I suppose?

Good luck anyway

Hi,

I just wanted to add my comments about IVFA. I am also with Dr Robert La Hood and can confirm he was such a nice Dr to deal with. He explained everything in simple terms, gave me all my options, suggested a recommended course and asked me my decision. I felt in control of the process the whole way. However once I started my cycle (I am on my first IUI) I have dealt only with the nurses and they are lovely ladies that are alsways welcoming and friendly.

So far i am very happy with IVFA. However, that being said, I am aware that SIVF are a lot more expensive. I think it might have something to do with a better success rate - correct me if Im wrong though.

HI Everyone!

I saw Dr Bowman at Sydney IVF
and
I saw Dr Lahoud at IVF Australia

I found Dr Lahoud very easy to talk to and willing to
answer any Questions....
Has anyone had successful pregnancy with either of those Drs?

Cassie.

hi everyone about talking to the dr's is everyone in the same boat once you start you mostly deal with the nurses is common over all ivf centres or just IVF Aust

my gp who sent me to dr La Houd has previously sent another lady there and she conceived twins one the first go, i start my injections hopefully on wed so who know will let you know how it goes

good luck to all making a decision between the two clinics

Hi Cassie,
Was just reading this thread & thought I would give some feedback regarding SIVF. My DH & I have been doing IVF for 2yrs, we were firstly with Westmead Fertility Centre, but with all the failed cycles & the "waiting around" and "feeling like a number" with them, we got fed up & switched to SIVF, yes VERY expensive, almost triple the price of WFC, but in saying that, we are so happy with them. We actually had our first BFP with them, but unfortunatley, I m/c this month. We actually go to the clinic at Baulkam Hills (Norwest) and cannot fault them, my Doc (Dr.Jackie Greig, Castle Hill) & my nurse gave me their mbl numbers if I had any concerns, they are very caring, personable & are there to help.

I guess what I am saying is that IVF is an extremely personal, hard journey for both you and your partner/husband & sometimes we need that support and some "hand holding" from our clinics, so go with who ever you feel comfortable with. If you are not happy, than dont' stay, move onto the next clinic, my biggest regret is not leaving WFC earlier to go to SIVF, dont feel "locked in" to the one clinic.
Good luck with it all on this journey, I hope you find the right clinic :p
Shell xo

Hi Everyone,
Thought I'd add my comments regarding my experience between IVF Aust & Syd IVF.

I had 5 ICSI cycles & 1 frozen cycle with IVF Aust due to male infertility (May 07 - June 08). I also unfortunately had 2 miscarriages during 2 of these ICSI cycles and was extremely disappointed with the care I received by our FS at IVF Aust.
On 2+ occassions we requested a DNA fragmentation test to be done (as we had good egg numbers, fantastic fert rates, but 99% of embryos didnt get to blast stage - we had over 40 eggs collected but we only got 2 early blastocycts out of 5 fresh cycles & only ever got 1 frozen), but our FS said this wasnt necessary and husband should keep taking Menevit.
After 2nd miscarriage (scan at 6wks) showed no heart beat, we were told by our FS to "go away & came back in a few days if you start to bleed". At no stage they did suggest to run any more tests or suggest I do their miscarriage program.

I immediately rang Syd IVF and made an appointment to see Dr Helen Peric (Chatswood). The difference of care from Helen and Syd IVF is amazing, its like comparing a Hyundai (IVF Aust) & BMW (Syd IVF).

I completed their miscarriage management program & they found 2 things, my husbands DNA frag was high (39%) - even though IVF Aust said this test wasnt required!Thats why we did PICSI. I also had "high levels of Natural Killer Cells" which can cause miscarriages. Have been taking Clexane to treat this.

We have just completed out 1st cycle doing PICSI (like ICSI but a new & better solution for male infert). We got 10 eggs & 10 fertilised. We ended up getting 1 Blast, 3 expanded Blast & 1 hatched blast - The best result ever. We also got 4 in the freezer. Waiting for preg bld test result today....fingers crossed.

So I would definitely suggest Syd IVF and Helen Peric, they provide advanced & super friendly care.

Please dont waste your time at a clinic, like we did, if you dont feel comfortable with the care you are receiving, particularly if your FS doesnt seem to listen to your requests for additional tests.

IVF is such an emotional roller coaster, but hang in there, hopefully one day soon many of you will be blessed "with a little miracle"

Hi Roxygirl, thanks for sharing your story, its always helpful to hear various stories from different people.

I had some average/not so good experience with IVFA but luckily switched to SIVF after I decide to go full swing with IVF, I only did a clomid cycle with IVFA and wasn't impressed ....

I had one missed m/c in my 1st FET cycle due to Trisomy 22 (which they explained is the 2nd common cause of m/c) and wondering did IVFA bother to test what's the cause for your 2 m/cs?

My DH's sperm DNA is on the high end as well (30%) and he is doing the 2nd test hopefully the result is improving and we are due to hear from our FS how we are going with this upcoming cycle, whether its IVF, ICSI or PICSI. Just want to ask you since you did PICSI, was it because DH's DNA result that they suggested PICSI for you or there are other factors contributed to this approach?

Hi CuddlePie,

Unfortunately IVF Aust didnt do any tests for my 2 miscarriages under their care, even though they run a miscarriage program.

But Syd IVF did & found the natural killer cells issue, which they said was probably the cause for 2 previous miscarriages. At least we know & are now trying something different - Clexane.

We are doing PICSI due to husbands high DNA frag. It has definitely given us our best result ever: - 50% (5) of eggs retreived (10) were Blast.
So would def recommend talking to your FS about it.

Syd IVF has been doing PICSI for a while, but I have also heard in past 2wks from 2 people who are going through IVF Aust that when they asked their FS (the same one I used) about PICSI they were told they dont offer it. But perhaps this was only my ex FS, not sure about other FS at IVF Aust

Good luck with your latest round - I'm sure good things are just around the corner

SIVF is the only place offering PICSI as far as I know, so I am quite pleased that I can access that if I need to...

Good luck with your upcoming pg test, hope this is the one for you!:D

Hi- just wanted to add we are with Sydney IVF, at a regional clinic. Our nurse is our main point of contact and she is wonderful and has really gone above and beyond for me a few times. Our FS is in Newcastle ...we don't like him much, but I only see him for EPU and ET so that's OK. The organisation itself seem good overall.

Hi,

Just wanted to bump up this thread to see if anyone can add to it, I am currently with Dr Alison gee from SIVF - I am not unhappy with her but have decided to change FS if this cycle doesn't work. Was wondering if anyone has made a positive experience with another FS from SIVF - I am doing PGD because of a genetic conditions.

Sara

Hi Everyone!

Its cassie2928 but i have changed address and forgot my password so I opened a new account....oppps:rolleyes:

i cant believe all the feedback! Thanks so much everyone for all your help!

I have decided to go with Dr Lahoud at IVF Australia!

I am currently just at beginning of first cycle of IUI
very excited!

I am finding everyone there lovely and they always call with blood test results ontime and we always get the appt time we like before work, so far so good!

Anybody have any IUI stories????

xx Cassie

Hi Everyone!
Thanks so much for all your help!

We ended up going IVF AUSTRALIA.

Well our first cycle of IUI went very well because...
we are pregnant!!!

Thanks again for all ur help and great stories!

and Good Luck xoxox

PS: I definately recommend IVF AUSTRALIA,
I find everyone there is great, friendly, and helpfu!

Cassie

Hi Cassie

Im very happy for yoU!!!!!


What a wonderful result.

My husband and I are going through IVF Australia. At the westmead clinic. If our attempt at home insemination through a known donor does not work. We are currently on the waiting list for sperm. It is an 12 month or more wait. Which frustrates us and thats the reason why we have also putting our fingers in each pot.

Redlady

Well done Cassie, congrats!

Hi Everyone

I would to hear from every one had same my experience with IVF cycle. I done 2 cycles (1 ivf, 1 icsi) both failed first one with follicles but no eggs, second with eggs but can not fertilised by sperms. i am very disapointed and fell down. I am with next generation fertility, I am planing to go for cycle 3 but very worry. any suggestion? all the best for every one

HI... I am new to this forum.

I am 39 yo and DH is 48yo.

Reason for us to do IVF is DH ahd vasectomy 11 years ago, reversed but unsuccessful. He had 3 kids from 1st marriage.

I had fell pregnant before but didn't continue due to carreer matter.

Anyway, I had my 1st IVF at SIVF with Dr. Bowman last September 2009, FSH 14, short protocol with gonal F, 2 eggs, 2 fertilized, 2 transferred but AF came on day 9th.

2nd attempt, 29 March 2010. FSH 13, short protocol, Puregon. 2 Follicles, 17mm and 19mm but to our dissapointment, I ovulated before eggs collection:(

I don't want to wait any longer, had my blood test and Dr. ok to go ahead on the next cycle. Everything normal so I am ok to go. This time Dr. put me on long protocol with lucrin.

So.. what is my chance here ? on the 2 cycles I only made 2 follicles.

This is our 3rd time, so I wil just surrender, what will be will be.

Need encouragement:)

I want to share my experience with everyone that is going through this tough journey called IVF. My husband and I have been trying to fall pregnant naturally. Our Gp did our normal test that you do and we found out that my husband has low sperm and I dont ovulate
I was ref to IVF australia and I will tell you that it was the worst experience that I have ever encountered in my life. You are treated like a number and there is def no compassion or empathy at all. During my treatment i had alot of pain and as it was my first time so i didnt know what to expect and so i called the number given to me after hours to call. The nurse that answered the phone was like annoyed that i called and said to me just take PANADOL. NO explanation on any of my symptoms or any form of understanding.
When i went to Maroubra day surgery to have my egg collection it was such a cold experience that I wish no one to go through this. As soon as you woke up you see the number of eggs on your hand then they make sure that you go in the recovery room and couldn't wait for you to leave the surgery with a survey to fill out. YOU HAVE TO BE JOKING i think it would be more appropiate to post it in the mail not just hand it to you and make sure that you have the appropiate information to consider when you come of surgery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what has devasted me the most and has totally made me def leave this clinic is when i started bleeding I was in so much pain that i called St George Clinic where IVF australia to see if i could rush in and get looked out. This happened on a Saturday the head nurse in charge said i see you have an appointment on monday you will have to come in then and get your blood test. This was so upsetting for me that she was not understanding AT ALL. i asked to get my doctors number and she wouldnt contact him at all or give me a number i can call him on.
Please if you are considering to go to IVF australia you are making a big mistake as my friends warned me of them and i didnt listen as i was ref by my gyno and i thought they know best. Well i should of listened to my friends.
Please consider SIVF as I find them great, understanding, efficent and very compassionate. I met alot of women that went to IVF australia that left and now are in SIVF and find that they are more successful. Yes you do pay a bit more but you get the service and the success rate is there.
I also was told to do acupuncture with the ivf treatment as the percentage is high.
My girlfriends around me that have done this treatment has been succesful and now all have two kids each. I have just finished the total cycle of IVF australia and now doing acupuncture and will keep you posted with the update. But i really want to express this to those couples that need to go through this tough journey you need the support and the guidance through this time and you will not get this with IVF australia.
IF you wish to ask me any quesitons please dont hesitate to contact me
:p

Hi All,

I came across this post when I was trying to get some info about IVFA. I tried to fall pregnant naturally but it do not work as most woman face. I found out that I had PCOS and my husband with low sperm count. I underwent 2 back to back cycles of ivf at IVFA which failed. I went back to my doctor who then suggested I give Westmead Fertility Hospital a go and I transfered 2 embroyos which 1 implanted successfully. 2005 I had a lovely boy and was a proud mum. My son now is 5.5 and I have been thinking of the attempt of having another child through ivf. This time its harder since I'm an Australian citizen but residing in USA. On a very short time framed journey to Australia in March 2010 I attempted a cycle of ivf at IVFA, with 18 eggs retreived and 1 embroyo transfered and 2 frozen. Once again with a failed attempt. I'm considering a journey back to Sydney this June 2011 to attempt to do a frozen embroyo transfer. I'm 34 and dont want to wait much longer with more my chances reducing as I get older.
After reading some of the blogs on this website about IVFA it's making me think if I'm doing a good decision. I was told the success rates are at 50% for under 35. I guess will have to wait and see the outcome. Fingers crossed and toes crossed it's a good one! I do agree that IVFA need to learn alot from SydneyIVF such as it's close client relationship but I guess at the end of the day it all depends on the doctor doing the procedure/treatment and how well they do it.

Just my thoughts...