Our clinicians, nurses, counsellors, administration, scientists and support staff are there to support you each step of the way as are the various fertility support groups that operate throughout Australia.

We encourage everyone on our program to continue with their normal life, as this is the best way to deal with the extra stresses. You will only need to be away from work for a short time each treatment cycle; rarely more than a couple of days for women and a couple of hours for men.

Some women may feel tired, bloated, nauseous and moody as result of the hormone treatment which may require them to get more rest than usual.

As well, most couples experience a "roller coaster ride" of emotions, particularly if a treatment cycle is not successful. This, and other factors, can place great strains on your relationship, so it is very important that you and your partner receive understanding and support throughout the program.

To help you while you are going through the process of trying to achieve a pregnancy, we offer a range of support services. Individual and couple counselling is available to help overcome any difficulties you may be experiencing with your treatment, feelings or relationships.

Group counselling is also provided which gives couples an opportunity to share experiences and concerns with others. Counselling sessions are run by a specialised infertility counsellor and are free to all those on our program.

Active support groups hold regular meetings, produce newsletters and organise fundraising activities.

Hunter IVF Support Groups

Huner IVF runs three different support groups:

• Lifestyle Program
  
  This group is run for six weeks, when a set number of couples have signed up for all six sessions. Topics covered include self-esteem, goal-setting, relaxation strategies, self-talk, coping with depression, being assertive, decision making, and communicating effectively.
  
  See the flyer...
   
   
• Single Women's Support Group
  
  This group is run once a month and offers support and information to single women who can have the opportunity to share with others in similar circumstances.
  
  See the flyer...
   
   
• PCOS Support Group
  
  This is a support group for women who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This is an open group and is available to anyone in the community with PCOS. Meetings are held once a month, covering different topics over five months. Topics include:
  
  • PCO and Insulin Resistance
  • Fertility/Ovulation Induction
  • Physiology of dieting
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • PCOS Association and patient stories

     See the flyer...

Other Support Groups in Australia

ACCESS - Australia's national infertility network.

Infertility is a major life crisis - affecting all areas of your life. You will need help to move through this crisis. Access can provide information, support and advocacy for you.

Access is committed to promoting the well being and welfare of all infertile people. Membership is open to anyone experiencing infertility or who would like to understand or know more about it, supporting allied health care professionals and corporate benefactors.

Donor Conception Support Network

This is a self funding organisation run by volunteers which has been in existance since 1993. Starting with a membership of 20, the group has now grown to 250 members. The membership is made up of people considering using donor sperm, egg or embryo, others currently on programmes, those who already have children conceived on donor programmes and also some adult donor offsrping. There are also social workers, doctors and clinic staff as members of the support groups. The group believes that Donor Gamete families need an ongoing support system. Unlike many other infertility treatments those using Donor Gametes continue to need support beyond the initial decision making and treatment.

Telephone: 02 9724 1366
Email: dcsg@optushome.com.au