Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Medicare makes a distinction between social infertility and medical infertility. A single women without proven infertility is considered to be socially infertile. There are no Medicare rebates for social infertility. Same sex couples are also considered socially infertile. Women without a male partner seeking fertility treatment would normally start with artificial insemination (intrauterine insemination or IUI) using donor sperm. They have to bare the full cost of treatment which is approximately $1000 – $1500 for each cycle. After 3 failed IUI cycles, a case can be made to class the woman as medically infertile.

Once this occurs, any further IUI or IVF treatment would receive a Medicare rebate. It is best for single women, especially those over 35 years, to talk to their GP or a fertility specialist about their options including options for fertility preservation. Egg freezing is becoming more common for those who have not yet found a life partner and do not wanting use donor sperm. Stored eggs can be used up to the age of 50 years.

Ideally couples should plan for pregnancy. It is best to see your GP for pre-pregnancy counselling and assessment. This is particularly important if you have a pre-existing condition such as thyroid disease, diabetes, clotting disorder and epilepsy to name a few. These conditions need to be well managed and medications need to be changed to medications that are “baby-friendly”. Babies should ideally be conceived when you are in as best health as possible.

For those women who are otherwise normal, it is also important to go through this process as your GP will look at your nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplements (including folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, iron and iodine), screening tests (pap smear, breast exam) and check immunisations.

If you find you are already pregnant before any of this is done, don’t fret. Statistics show that less than 30% of women in Australia see their GP for pre-pregnancy counselling. The vast majority of women and their babies do well. Just book in to see your GP as soon as possible.

It is best to find a good GP in your area. Remember that your local GP will not only look after you but also your baby and any future babies. Ask your friends and neighbours about their experiences with the local GPs. Try to avoid bulk billing clinics and note that good GPs often have longer waiting lists for an appointment.