Seeking advice - IVF clinics in Perth

[KBL2703]

Hi Ladies

I am new to this site! I have been a long-term poster on babycenter and hope that I can find the same support from Aussie gals!

A little background....
DH and I fell pregnant whilst I was on the pill in 2001 without trying, we didn't even realise that we were pregnant. We miscarried our baby at 8 weeks on DH's birthday.

We officially started TTC in January 2002. We thought it would happen quickly...it didn't. During the heartache of not being able to conceive both of my brothers became fathers. Don't get me wrong, I love my nephews and I am happy for both couples, it just seems that everyone else are blessed with the miracle of life and we haven't been.:banghead:

After several specialists, 5 failed Clomid cycles, natural fertility and finally an appointment through Concept we found that our only chance of conceiving our miracle was through IVF/ICSI due to DH's poor SA result. Not only was the news devastating, it was the manner that it was delivered. The news was dumped on me with a phonecall from my specialist whilst I was having a bad day at work. I then had to go home and tell DH that it was due to his results...that was a very difficult conversation. :gloomy: That was June 2005.

Since then I have been an ostrich, I have had my head in the sand hoping that my miracle would just happen again as it did in the past. Of course, this hasn't happened. I have been trying to convince myself that I am okay with not becoming a mother, that I can ignore the yearning. :confused: It has been a confusing time.

I still have the yearning to be pregnant and to be a mother. The heartache doesn't go away (as I am sure most of you already know). DH and I have decided to at least give IVF a go...there is no harm in trying right?!? The only issue is that I don't want to go through Concept. I just didn't feel comfortable with the specialist that I had and I think when doing something as emotional and stressful as IVF I would rather be comfortable with my specialist.

Does anyone have any advice regarding the IVF clinics in Perth? Who have you seen and who did you like? What has been your success rate?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and look forward to meeting you all!

Best wishes

Kathy

[leannelizzy]

Hi Kathy :wave:

I am currently going through IVF/ICSI through Dr Love at Fertility Specialists of WA (www.fertwa.com.au). Dr Love delivered Lachlan in 2004 and I got a referral back to him when we realised things weren't right with TTC#2. In the end, we have the combination of low hormones and a blocked left tube with me and hubby's results weren't the best either.

All the staff at Fert WA are extremely supportive and caring. I couldn't imagine Dr Love giving me any results over the phone - he just isn't that sort of guy.

I don't have any info on other clinics but check out Fert WA's website and the websites of other WA clinics on Bubhub.

Good luck.

[jacquit]

Hi Kathy, I can certaninly understnad your pain. I thought a miracle would happen too and it hasn't yet since I've been waiting my sisters have had a son each and are expecting their second (one sister her third). Plus loads of friends (including my bridesmaid who got married after me!) are having babies only after trying for as little as 3 months. My husband too has a weak SC and it has been hard for him to cope with that. Anyway, can't help you with the WA clinic as I am a kiwi in Auckland. But, thinking of you you and encouraging you to keep strong and stick with it. We all are all amazingly strong women here to undertake IVF/ICSI. All the best with finding the right clinic.
Jacquit

[thirdtry]

Hi Kathy,

I too, had a bad experience at Concept and I wouldn't mind betting my specialist is the same as yours! As a result, we did a bit of research and finally made the move to Hollywood. So far, I am very impressed with the amount of information they have provided (without even being asked), the fact they will listen to you, call you back when asked and provide answers without leaving you hanging. Also, we are treated like human beings instead of just a number.

Of all the girls I've spoken to in Perth, Hollywood and Fertility North seem to come up the most. I'm sure Fertility WA will be a goody too, although it has only just been opened. Dr Love was working under Dr Turner at Hollywood and as I understand it, has learned what he could from there, in order to open his own business and so he should. If we didn't get the answers we were seeking from Hollywood, we were going to give Dr Love a go next, but we have decided we are happy now.

As for the advice concept gave you about being "due to DH's poor SA result", we had the exact experience. However, we found things to be VERY different at Hollywood and guess what.... 2 weeks after a failed SA result at Concept, we got what Hollywood considers to be a terrific result!! So, don't give up. We've learned things can be EXTREMELY different from one clinic to the next. I wish I'd made the change sooner. So stick to your guns, don't give up and ask all the questions you need of those specialists, until you are happy you are in the right hands.

Good luck.

[KBL2703]

leannelizzy - Thank you for your quick response. I had never heard of Fertility Specialists of WA. I will be sure to look them up and seek some information. I was very disappointed with my previous specialist’s lack of humanity and I hope that I will find comfort and peace with another specialist. Thank you once again. Congratulations on your beautiful son. I wish you the very best in being blessed again. :hugs:

jacquit - Thank you for your warm wishes and support. It is amazing to find so many wonderful women on these boards that have gone through very similar stories. I always felt like I was alone….not anymore! You are obviously a beautiful soul, with a very caring nurturing outlook - I wish you the very best in your journey to become a mother. :hugs:

thirdtry - Thank you for your advice. It is amazing that your story and mine a very similar. I often thought I was just being oversensitive. I just couldn’t understand my specialist’s approach. I am sure the specialist is the same one. We felt so violated, it has taken me this long to even think about finding another specialist. I was originally referred to Hollywood three and a half years ago and never went because I was recommended to try a fertility specialist in Bentley and after 5 failed Clomid attempts I thought I needed a break. I wish I had gone to Hollywood first and perhaps now I would have my dream! I hope the switch for you proves successful and you are blessed with a miracle very soon! :hugs:

Best of wishes and the best of luck

Kathy

[Mel-Jane]

We owe our little miracle to Dr Aitken and the nurses and staff at Hollywood fertility centre. It is interesting to hear that Dr Love and Dr Aitken (along with Steve Junk, who was head embryologist at Hollywood previously) have started another clinic - we were with Hollywood before it relocated to its current rooms, and it has grown tremendously - maybe that is one reason that the guys have left and started their own business. Mike also spent a period of time away from the IVF side of things to concentrate on his OB side of things.

I cant say enough in the positive sense about how caring and considerate Dr Aitken and Dr Love are. We went through 2 full IVF cycles, a number of FET and a m/c before we finally got there - Mike and John were there all the way for us, always only a call away and always acting in our best interests, with never a hint of hospital politics or conflicting goals.

Additionally, Dr Yeap (who is also at the new center) is a wonderful little lady and very professional.

It is a very simple thing for most to say 'Stick at it, you will get there in the end'. Most people dont understand the implications of a simple statement like that for people in our situation. I sincerely hope however, that you do 'stick at it'. Always remember to vote with your feet - you are most certainly not locked into any one doctor or practice, so if you arent feeling properly looked after..... you know what to do.

Mel and Doug.

[Auntyof11]

Hi Kathy
My DH and I have been with Hollywood Fertility Clinic since 2003. We see Dr Turner who is amazing. We have been through 5 cycles and 1 eptopic. We are currently doing our 6th cycle (HRT-FET). I find the staff and nurses amazing. They are very supportive. As we live 3hrs away from Perth we have had to do somethings different which can be an extra stress for us but the nurses just always seem to calm you down or pick you up - incrediable.

Good Luck

[KBL2703]

Hi ladies

I have taken the plunge and have our initial appointment to see Dr Loftus at Pivet Medical Centre on 4 December at 8am. I am excited and nervous all at the same time.

I could have got an earlier appointment but due to work commitments to the end of November thought I would make the appointment for later.

I wish all the other ladies the best of luck!

Kathy

[jacquit]

Great news Kathy

You've had such a tough time and you've made the right decision.

I'm really happy for you.

Take care and ALL THE VERY BEST!!!!!

JT.

[anna19]

Hi Kathy

I have been with Dr loftus (lofty) for 2 yrs now and i find him very nice and competent so i am sure you are in good hands. The only thing with Pivet is that it is a private organisation and if you have to go via donor(hope not) there is a quarantine period of 6mth, just wanted you to bear that in mind.

Also they dont inform you that there is a long waiting list for donors so think about that as well (just in case) as the waiting is the killer....

this advise is only because i have been there and now im on that list and will have to wait a good yr or so....

but hopefully you will not need to go that way at all

look forward to hearing about your results
luv Anna19

[emily82]

Hi Ladies,
I'm new on this website and love hearing your stories and glad Im not the only one out there though it seems I am at the same time...

My fiance' and I have been trying to fall pregnant for just over 3 year's, we took the step to the Dr's and was referred to King Edward, after months of waiting for an app we got in, I have nothing good to comment on their service, we went back 3 times in the course of 2 years, they said it was my fiance' nothing wrong with me all tests came back great.
The last time we went the Dr then changed his mind and said it was me! Without any evidence mind you. We told them to stick it, and cried over wasted time.

On a much better note we were referred to Murdoch hospital to see Dr Nichols, FANTASTIC is one word, without any facts on us he got us started, he went through all our options, I ended up finding out my left tube is blocked- I see our Nurse regulary for blood tests, discussions on cost, options, ultra sounds and she is fabulous over in Dalkeith.

We will be going through IUI before going into IVF, hopefully start it soon.... It was the best move we made, it is expensive and we are not people who have alot of $$ but he is worth it, and if he can help with making our dreams Id spend all my pay :)

Hope to hear from anyone soon
Emily82:wave:

[femail]

Hiya

I am starting to look into IVF and interested to find out more about your experience at murdoch with dr nichols. Can you please give me an idea about prices there?
cheers b

[Nitzerette]

I am looking for current input on clinics. I am at Hollywood, but have just had another set back because of dr/clinic miscommunication. I was thinking about Concept, but Emily's post does not sound too glowing for them. Is dr Nicholl's at an IVF clinic?

[oldchuck]

Hi Ladies I've been to Hollywood and Fertility North. I found fertility north to be really good. There is a Perth thread on this forum and the ladies on there are fantastic, they will be able to let you know about the various FS and clinics.

[maisymum]

Hello......I went to Fertility North up in Joondalup and they are fantastic!..........I couldn't recommend them enough......they have the highest success rate in WA and are 2nd in the country........We fell pregnant on our 1st cycle we were very lucky....the nurses and support is amazing.....Our FS was Dr Margo Norman....she is one top Dr....many try to get in to her for there OB as she is fantastic and she bends over backwards to help you in any way posible.....You would not regret seeing her.........Feel free to ask any questions.....and yes there is a Perth IVF thread on here pop in there the ladies are lovely....MM xx

[fizz]

We went to Hollywood for 18 months and only saw the Dr Turner once apparently he never needed to see us, despite us asking?? We did get pregnant on the first try there but unfortuantely lost it at 6.5 weeks. I found them always rushed and was given the wrong results more than once and told incorrect information more than one occasion also. One of the scientists gave us their direct line in the end as they could see we were getting the run around. I found once we had our first go they werent really interested in helping us anymore so we moved to Fertility North at Joondalup. I cant say enough wonderfuls about them everyone has been so nice and I cant believe the difference. Margo even rang me up one day just because she was thinking about me and wanted my opinion! I am only sorry we didnt make the move sooner. It does make a difficult situation a bit easier when there is a nicer atmosphere and you feel more relaxed with the doctor.
Good luck to everyone :fingerscrossed:

[positive]

Hi ladies

just wondering if anyone has had any sucess through feritlity WA in claremont? Ive had 4 failed clomid cycles and a BFN for an IVM treatment. Will be starting IVF end of this month.

I noticed on the fertilty north website they have a success rate of 57% for under 35s, whereas my clinic has a rate of 44%. Just deciding whether or not its worthwhile changing to fertility north because of there stats?

[KeepHope]

Hi Positive

My husband and I are just starting to look into fertility specialists as we have been trying for over a year now.

I asked my friend who had ben trying for 33months, 7 failed IVF attempts, who her recent success was with.....

It was
Professor Roger Hart at Fertility Specialists WA
:yelclap:

She is now 4months pregnant!!!

She had tried concepts and fertility south with no success and had been told to give up... but they kept trying and had success with FSWA

Everyone is different and have different stories, but i thought id just share her success

GOODLUCK!!

[smika]

Does anyone have any feedback regards the Pivet Clinic in Leederville??

We need to change our FS from Concept and although reasonably happy with the support staff and nurses there just dont want to put up with FS any more and dont want run into him at the clinic.

[mambomomma]

Hi Smika,
I spent over a year of very precious time with Concept. (39/40 yrs old at the time). I was extremely unhappy with my FS. His attitude was negative to put it politely. And as it turned out - no bfp's there over several cycles. Got the basic Big Mac treatment with no changes in my regimes (or their attitude) the whole time I was there.
So I booked an appointment at Pivet - wow what a difference!
I cannot begin to tell you how happy I was that I changed clinics within the first five minutes of my inital appointment.
They do things that Concept doesn't - quite a few things.
Far more thorough and up to date in my opinion, offering new trial treatments and tailoring treatment to my body's needs.
Had to wait & waste more time waiting for an operation after Pivet discovered large cysts in my uterus via ultrasound (somehow missed - or didn't think they mattered at concept during laparoscopy prior to treatment or during all those ultrasound follicle counts) this is how it went...
1st Cycle - Not very responsive to treatment - 2 Embryos but no takers.
2nd Cycle - Change of regime based on previous cycle - PREGNANT - Ectopic
3rd Cycle - A few changes of regime based on previous cycle - PREGNANT - Perfect Baby born last year.
Pivet costs a bit more than Concept but they monitor you more and offer a lot more.
It really felt like I'd gone from Macca's to a five star restaurant.
It's not just the result, it's the journey too.
It's a roller coaster as it is without having to dread bumping into your FS.
Good Luck wherever you are Smika !!

[redback]

hey if your allowed to or dont mind me asking which doctors/specialists have you guys been through at concept that you werent happy with....ive been going to concept since 2005 now and im happy with them well i dont really know any different i might add but ive seen people who have come accross from hollywood as they didnt like it there just curious:)

[Mummy2MissA]

Sorry I know this is an old thread.

I have an appointment at Concept fertility in 2 weeks - our GP said he sends his patients to this place. I've heard a lot of negative reviews though.

[speckled]

Another Fertility North Graduate here. A long journey with donor sperm and issues with me that weren't evident at the start.

Margo Norman was always trying something different, up to date in research and called me herself a few times with results so we didn't need to wait to find out at our next appointment

The drs review results daily, and they cover each other, and they are all fantastic. The nurses were amazing.

[hopefully2]

I was originally at pivett for over a year. Hmmm won't go there. I suggest you dont either! Swapped to Hollywood under dr turner was pregnant within three months. Didn't need ivf in the end just ovulation induction. Amazing place and man. Can't recommend them enough.

[Mummy2MissA]

Well now I have an appt at Hollywood. Dr chu. Pls can someone pm me details on how u got on with him and the clinic in general.

It is almost twice as much for the first consult but goes for 1.5 hours not 0.5 hour like they said at Concept.

Cheers

[Disney Baby]

I have just finished my first cycle through Concept which unfortunately ended in m/c.
I don't have one bad thing to say about that place, however our FS decided to move to Pivet and we have to see someone new now.

I hope she is good.

[Mummy2MissA]

I'm so sorry Disney baby. That's awful u lost your baby.

[SummerShine]

I deleted my original post about Concept as I have nothing good to say about them.

So instead of being negative about them I would like to be positive about Fertility Specialists WA. I only wish I had of known about them when I first started as I accepted things at Concept as I had no benchmark.

The reasons I would recommend FSWA:
FS is never late, very knowledgeable and keen to find out what is going on
Everyone is very professional
There is hardly a wait and you don't feel like a number. You get very personal service.
The staff are very friendly and courtesy and call you when they say they will
The embryologist calls you first thing in the morning rather than you having to wait all day to find out what is happening and then being told nobody can talk to you or people just not calling you back (as per previous clinic)
The nurse goes through all pricing clearly and explains what is and what is not covered by medicare.
Procedures are done in a hospital and the care was 100% better
They are more keen to find out what is wrong and make changes to your protocol. I was diagnosed as "unexplained" for 3 years (never a change made to any of my cycles), FS WA found a major problem within the first month. They are keen to make changes and find out was is going rather than just sending you for cycle after cycle.

I cannot recommend them enough. They do cost more but I believe it is worth it.

[Disney Baby]

The only reason we chose Concept was because they have a pay off system as we can't afford upfront costs. Although, if money wasn't an issue, I probably would have chosen Fertility North as they are close and sound really good.

The success rates between all the different clinics are pretty much the same anyway, if that is a decision swayer for anyone.

[SummerShine]

Disney I've heard good things about Fertility North too.
Success rates are around the same but some are a little higher (I think Fert North was one of the higher ones?). Some clinics take on "harder" clients too. FS at C basically told me if I wanted my protocol to be individually looked at then I would need to go elsewhere. C is probably adequate if you don't have too many issues and respond well to their recipe. The payment plan is good and makes it affordable - which is a positive. The service however is just not up to par and they wasted 3 years of my TTC journey - value time. Also maybe the FS I had there was just extremely bad.

[Disney Baby]

Summer - May I ask who your FS was, or you can PM it to me if you don't want to mention on here?

I think the staff there are really great and nice. I haven't had a problem with them, except for some old biddy receptionist that I haven't seen since my first appt.
I guess my FS seemed a little 'odd', like she wasn't a proffessional or something?, but she is leaving and I need to see a new FS. I'm not sure, but I think she may be new to C.
I hope she is good.

[SummerShine]

Disney I'll PM you.
I never had a problem with the nurses they were friendly.
My FS was always at least 30 minutes for everything, took personal phone calls during meetings, never knew anything about me (medication dosage, how many cycles I'd had) etc. First appointment they congratulated me for being pregnant which was awkward for everyone. They didn't really seem interested in my case or what was happening.
I had an ultrasound for a FET and one of the Drs there went on about how women think they can have careers and forget about having babies until it's too late and that's why we have infertility problems. So out of line.
People didn't phone me back etc. I don't know my experience was just nasty.

It's a shame your old FS is leaving if she was good. Hopefully your new one will be just as good.

[ProjectB]

Hi,
My husband and I have just been through an assessment cycle process with Pivet in Leederville. Unfortunately, the outcome is that we need to have ivf but at least it is clear where we stand so I guess that is something...
I have had a bad experience with Pivet and don't know whether or not proceed with them. There have been lots of small administrative things but the bigger concern for me is the approach of the doctors that I have seen. Both my husband and I were supposed to attend the appointment giving us our results but after confusion regarding the appointment only I ended there and in the space of 15 mins was rushed through the results. It was clear the doctor hadn't reviewed the file beforehand and given the issue is with my husband's results it was obviously not ideal that he wasn't there. The doctor also raised another concern (from one of the tests) regarding another health issue. She then said very directly "so that's it, what do you want to do next?". She said that if I committed to IVF then I could obviously cancel. I was then rushed off to fill out all sorts of forms and asked important ?s that I obviously hadn't even thought about, shown how to inject myself etc.
I came out of the whole thing feeling like a number that had rushed through a factory system.
I rang the clinic to express my concern and ask for another appointment that my husband could attend and to see another doctor. I was told the doctor I was going to see was very thorough but the experience was the same is not worse! Also, the second doctor said the serious health issue raised by the first doctor is not concern. This has left me completing lacking in confidence about everything to do with this clinic. Should I continue to trust them? I am due to start IVF at this Clinic next week and not sure whether or not to move clinics. I am confused and concerned and not sure whether or not to just get on with it or move clinics and lose a month. I would really appreciate any advice....
Thanks:confused:

[CJWA]

We started at Hollywood with Dr Turner and found him rude and unbrupt and didn't like it there AT ALL. Then we went via King Eddies and had professor hart who was also terribly rude and basically said the only reason I couldn't get pregnant was because I was overweight. Yes I'm a little chubby, but a size 16 is NOT morbidly obese!! Finally did IVF through Concept who we found to be amazing. Don't know why there are do many negative comments because I found everyone to be awesome. Our FS was Dr Amberkar who was lovey and made no comment at all about my weight or age. We also needed only one round as I'm now 17 weeks pregnant!!!

[sjcreevey]

Hi ladies

Ive been through Fert Wa and Hollywood and have been lucky enough to fall first time, both times. Our first was through Fert WA with Dr Doreen Yeap - loved her, the nurses and the hospital. Everything was so friendly. When we first met with Dr Yeap I had blocked tubes from a bad appendicitis and she attempted to unblock but unfortunately they had to be removed but she was so lovely every step of the way. Proceeded with IVF and now have a beautiful 2 year old boy.

Just recently we decided to go again, but since Fert WA is an hour and half from home we decided to go with Hollywood as I can get my bloods and scans closer to home, we met with Dr Bill Patton and did not like the experience! He seemed rushed, did not know anything on my chart and straight up did apap on me - despite telling him i had one less that 12 mths ago! and the 'cough' check on my husband which we both were uncomfortable with! Then we were rushed out and sat in reception to fill out paperwork ( we were at Pattons private office, not their clinic at Hollywood) despite Patton seeming rude, rushed and no prepared, We didn't see him after that and the nurses and staff up at Hollywood were really lovely and everything went smoothly. I'm now 14 weeks. Both similar in price except Fert Wa provide the purgegon and hollywood you have to go buy it.

Good luck xxx