Dr Andrew Zuschmann IVF Interview

Dr Andrew Zuschmann IVF Interview

Dr Andrew Zuschmann brings fertility expertise to Sydney patients. Born and raised in The Sutherland Shire area, Andrew has a history of commitment to women's health. He combines the latest techniques and innovation with a reputation for sensitive patient care. Andrew is the only fertility specialist to provide egg collection, transfer and monitoring all in The Shire area.
For more information visit www.demeterfertility.com

Question: How common is it to have fertility issues?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: About one in six couples face difficulties conceiving. In women, common causes include issues with the womb, ovulation problems, poor egg quality, ovarian cysts or blocked and damaged fallopian tubes. In men, it could be tube blockage, low sperm count or a sperm allergy.


Question: What do I do if I'm experiencing delayed fertility?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: If you are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive naturally for at least 12 months, or you are over 35 and have been trying for 6 months then you should get a referral from your GP to see a fertility specialist. During your first consultation you'll learn more about why you've not conceived so far. Usually, there will be a few tests conducted to learn the cause of infertility and then we work through what your best treatment options are.


Question: What treatment options are available?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: Many couples will conceive with simple measures, and won't need Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR). IVF is the most well-known and commonly used form of MAR because of its success rate. IVF stands for invitro fertilization, where eggs are collected from the ovary and fertilized in a laboratory. The embryo is then implanted back into the uterus, and unused embryos can be frozen for subsequent cycles. ICSI is intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in which sperm is injected directly into the egg via a laboratory, often used where there are low sperm count or sperm motility issues. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple treatment that introduces sperm into the uterus on the day of ovulation via catheter.


Question: How many IVF cycles does it take to get pregnant?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: The number of cycles varies from case to case, but most women achieve a pregnancy within 3 to 6 cycles.

Question: What is the Mild Ovarian Stimulation (MOS) technique?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: Traditional fertility treatments used to harvest eggs for IVF involve high doses of hormones that release more eggs, but can result in hyperstimulation, which has severe symptoms. You also need a break between cycles and need to take medication for around 40 days.

Mild Ovarian Stimulation requires less hormones, which has fewer side effects on your body and results in more babies per embryos transferred. Most patients don't require blood tests, and often only require a single ultrasound to check progress, making it a much more effective, and less stressful technique.


Question: What costs are involved with IVF?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: It's important to consider an IVF cycle as part of a course of treatment, with pregnancy the ultimate goal. The price per cycle varies between different IVF providers, and a fresh IVF cycle is more expensive than a frozen cycle because there's much more input needed from the lab. Patients can be anywhere between $2000 and $5000 out of pocket for a standard fresh IVF cycle.


Question: What advice do you have for couples who have just begun looking into IVF as an option to infertility?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: Everyone responds differently to IVF treatments. Some couples are very matter of fact about their treatment whilst others become highly emotional and stressed during treatment. It's important for people undergoing IVF treatment to know that support is readily available through their treating doctors, nurses, and fertility counsellors.

Some couples have gone through very long fertility journeys that have a massive impact on their relationship, but most find it an important time to support one another and work through things together.


Question: What is the most common age of the women who use IVF?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: The average age of women undergoing IVF in Australia is around 36, with about a quarter of women undergoing IVF aged over 40.

Question: Are there any disadvantages of IVF as an option to infertility?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: For many couples Medically Assisted Reproduction is their best or only chance of pregnancy


Question: What are some of the common causes of infertility?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: About one in six couples face difficulties conceiving. In women, common causes include issues with the womb, ovulation problems, poor egg quality, ovarian cysts or blocked and damaged fallopian tubes. In men, it could be tube blockage, low sperm count or a sperm allergy.


Question: How can young men avoid a low sperm count?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: For men to maximise their sperm function it's important to stay healthy and minimise exposure to toxins.


Question: Can you talk about the techniques used to expand options for women who want to preserve their fertility?

Dr Andrew Zuschmann: Options are available for women wishing to consider to preserve their fertility, but it's an emerging area. Women in this situation should talk to their doctor.


Question: Is the success rate of IVF increasing due to the increased research and technology?
Dr Andrew Zuschmann: Yes, Mild Ovarian Stimulation requires less hormones, which has fewer side effects on your body and results in more babies per embryos transferred. Most patients don't require blood tests, and often only require a single ultrasound to check progress, making it a much more effective and less stressful technique.


Interview by Brooke Hunter