Knocked Up: The Podcast About Getting Pregnant

Unlike traditional patient-centred care, embryo-centred care focuses on optimising every step of the IVF process to prioritise what gives the embryo the best chance of success. Dr. Lew explains that IVF is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and each patient requires a highly individualised plan, including careful timing of egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and even whether to transfer embryos fresh or frozen. Dr. Raelia explains how embryo-centred care influences lab decisions, the role of scientific expertise in scheduling, and why sometimes delaying pregnancy to bank embryos can lead to better long-term family outcomes. The approach often requires balancing patient desires with what’s biologically best for both the patient and the embryo, ultimately aiming to improve live birth rates and overall success in fertility treatment. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on In

We welcome back Prof David Gardner to the Knocked Up Podcast to talk to us about the latest developments in fertility treatment and what to expect in the future.  Listen to our previous episode with Prof David Gardner on The science behind the best success rates with Professor David Gardner Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Insta

Understanding Male Fertility: What You Need to KnowDid you know male factors contribute to infertility in over 50% of couples struggling to conceive? In this episode, Dr. Raelia breaks down what a semen analysis really tells us — and why one test is never the whole story. From sperm count and motility to the often-overlooked DNA fragmentation test, we explore how male fertility is assessed, what can impact it (hello, fevers and stress!), and which treatments might help. We also unpack the surprising impact of testosterone therapy, age-related risks, and when IVF with ICSI might be the best option. Whether you're starting your fertility journey or supporting someone who is, this episode offers essential insights into male reproductive health. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topi

We speak with Dr Lironne Wein about the BRCA gene and its implications for breast and ovarian cancer risk.  Topics covered:  BRCA Gene Basics Cancer Risk Statistics Screening and Prevention Genetic Testing Fertility Considerations Menopause After Surgery Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts:

With elective egg freezing being so new, how we interpret the data in the context of today's population doesn't quite give the accurate story. Dr Raelia Lew explains.  We recommend listening to the 'Beyond Expectations' podcast episode "Kate Lancaster on What They Don't Tell You About Egg Freezing"  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com

Today we are joined by guest experts Dr. Vanessa Ross and Dr. Samantha Mooney to discuss the new research they are conducting on endometriosis and fertility. With endometriosis affecting about 1 in 7 women generally, and more like 1 in 3 infertile women. We discuss the dilemma of whether to recommend surgery or IVF for patients with moderate to severe endometriosis who are trying to conceive.  We also learn more about their new Endometriosis Longitudinal Fertility Study (ELFs), which aims to gather data on fertility outcomes for women with endometriosis to provide better clinical guidance. Dr Vanessa and Dr Samantha explain the project's goals methodology and described what participation looks like for women who want to contribute to our understanding of endometriosis. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is

This week Australia's Medicare has broadened the definition of infertility, aligning with recommendations from the Gorton Review and the 2018 MBS review. So, we ask Dr Raelia Lew, what does this mean for us? We quickly mention a few organisations by their abbreviations:ANZREI - Australia and New Zealand Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fertility and Sterility - Fertility and Sterility is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal published by Elsevier on behalf of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.FSANZ - Fertility Society of Australia and New ZealandRANZCOG - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthme

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Lima Wetherall, an AGES Specialist Gynaecologist and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon. Dr. Wetherall brings her expertise to a comprehensive discussion about endometriosis, exploring critical topics including surgical treatments, diagnostic challenges, and the latest innovations in women's reproductive health. We discuss the complexities of endometriosis, addressing everything from surgical techniques and patient expectations to fertility preservation and multidisciplinary care.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to yo

Pregnancy after fertility treatments can differ from spontaneous conception. Patients typically discover pregnancy earlier through blood tests, receive more intensive monitoring in the first trimester, and face slightly elevated risks for complications like multiple pregnancies, preterm birth, and placenta previa before transitioning to regular obstetric care around 8-12 weeks. The psychological journey presents unique challenges as patients navigate anxiety, fear of loss, and identity shifts after prolonged fertility struggles.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode

We speak to Dr Daniel Lantsberg, featured in the channel 9 show "Big Miracles" with his patient, Anna. Dr. Daniel Lantsberg is a Fertility Specialist at Melbourne IVF. After graduating with honors from Israel's Ben Gurion University in 2008, he completed extensive training at world-class Israeli hospitals before relocating to Australia for an additional three-year subspecialty fellowship at the Royal Women's Hospital and Melbourne IVF. With special interests in elective egg freezing, age-related and unexplained infertility, male infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids, Dr. Lantsberg maintains private practice in East Melbourne while holding public appointments at the Royal Women's Hospital where he trains junior doctors.  Anna is a 39-year-old woman  pursuing life as a Single Mother by Choice (SMBC). Her journey highlights the unique medical and emotional considerations involved, from selecting fertility treatments appropriate for solo parents to navigating Victoria's specific regulations reg

With Big Miracles back on TV for 2025, we speak with one of the Doctors featured in the series, Dr Kokum Jayasinghe. Dr Kokum combines extensive medical expertise in fertility and IVF with deep personal understanding from her own fertility journey, and alongside her clinical practice, she is dedicated to training the next generation of reproductive medicine specialists. Big Miracles offers an unprecedented look into fertility treatment journeys, and we discover how patients were selected, how their privacy was managed, and how the filming process affected their experience compared to typical fertility treatments. We discuss unexplained infertility - from its diagnosis and prevalence to its emotional impact - and learn about how medical understanding has evolved, when couples should seek help, and what misconceptions exist about this condition. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Rael

At the start of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month we learn more about this 'silent killer' with Dr Tzippi Ben-Harim, Specialist Gynaecologist from the WHM team.   What is ovarian cancer – where does it grow, how does it develop?  Why do we often hear ovarian cancer described as a 'silent killer'?  What makes ovarian cancer particularly challenging compared to other cancers?  Are there any key risk factors that we should be aware of?  I’ve heard there’s a myth that the contraceptive pill increases ovarian cancer risk, is there any truth to this? Where does this myth come from?    If a woman has a family history of ovarian cancer, what steps should she take to protect their health? Is there a role for genetic testing? If yes, could these results impact treatment decisions?  Are there any early symptoms that women often dismiss?  Why don't we have a reliable screening test like the smear for cervical cancer?  From a ferti

Dr Raelia Lew talks us through the testing that we may undergo before starting fertility treatment.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi MorrisonProduced by Jordi MorrisonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year!  As we start a new year, it's a nice time to hit reset and set some intentions for the coming year. We welcome back Wendy Fedele, Master's degree qualified accredited practicing Dietitian and Nutritionist who is part of the WHM team of experts, to discuss how we can be proactive about our wellbeing (and fertility goals) in 2025.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and

Dr Rebecca Mackenzie-Proctor join us on Knocked Up to discuss the importance of the thyroid gland, its function and how things have recently changed when comes to your fertility.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi MorrisonGuest: Dr Rebecca Mackenzie-ProctorProduced by Jordi M

What does PPOS mean? What is it?, and how does it compare to conventional IVF? Is the timeline different? Who is it suitable for? Are the results the same? What is the success rate? How does the treatment differ? Side effects of the medication? What are the benefits? Are there disadvantages? Are there any recommended lifestyle modifications? What are the options if a patient doesn’t respond as expected?  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologi

Deciding to freeze your eggs can be a big decision, we ask Dr Raelia Lew how we should be informed.  What tests do you recommend your patients undergo before freezing your eggs?   What factors could affect a patient’s eligibility for egg freezing?   How long does the entire process take?   Will I need to take time off work whilst freezing eggs?   What are the potential side effects of the medications and procedure?   Are there any long-term health risks?   What are the success rates with egg freezing and subsequent thawing?   How many eggs do you recommend freezing to achieve a live birth?   What is the survival rate of eggs during the thawing process?   How long can my eggs remain frozen?  What happens if I want to use my eggs in the future?  Further resouces:  The Egg Freezing ProcessIf I freeze my eggs when I’m 30, will they retain their genetic quality or will this deteriorate over time?What is random start for egg freezeHow successful is egg freeze technology?Jennifer Aniston wants women to think about

Part of answering your questions.  If you don't hear your question answered in this episode, it will be in part 1.  What are the options for getting pregnant with cystic adeno? Treatment options for short luteal phase   What pre-conception supplements do you have to take?  How to work on mindset before procedure?   How would someone know when it’s time to stop?   What do I do if I feel my specialist doesn’t have the same sense of urgency that I feel  What is the average drop in AMH from late 20’s to early 30’s? What would be DOR?  Does vaping effect fertility?   Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work

Such great questions! Thank you listeners :) If you don't hear your question answered in this episode, it will be in part 2, coming our in two weeks.  Please explain the difference between egg freezing and and embryo freezing, which is best and why?   Can you please explain the ICSI process  How important is embryology grading in a euploid bastocyst?  When a patient has multiple frozen embryos, how do you select the best one to implant?  Why would a day 2 transfer be recommended if a day 5 blastocyst is more likely to implant  How do you recommend prepping for implantation? Tips for success?  How many embryos do you typically implant in one go?  Is the process of frozen embryo transfer different from fresh? Are pregnancy rates the same?  Can a frozen embryo transfer cycle be successful without progesterone support  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraeliale

You know us as the hosts of Knocked Up, some of you may know Raelia as your Doctor. We are also the founders of Ellechemy, an intimate wellness company – we make very clever lubricants.   Ellechemy’s collection of medically-backed, customisable intimate skincare and pleasure products that provide effective solutions for complex concerns.  One of our products, Protectility, was designed to aid natural conception, by allowing for more comfortable, and pleasurable, sex.   On Knocked Up we talk so often about Assisted Reproductive Technology incl IVF, sometimes we forget the basics when it comes to getting pregnant. Thinking about having sex to get pregnant, what do we need to know?   Dr Raelia Lew talks us through: Anatomy: The vulva, vagina and cervix The sperm; how it has to travel and survive Ovulation: When do we ovulate? Are there signs that we might notice that would indicate that we’re ovulating? How do we know if we’re ovulating regularly? When are you most likely to conceive Is more sex better?  Find