The IVF Journey with Dr Michael Chapman
Episodes
534. Why IVF Cycles Can Vary So Much — From Trigger Shots to Ovarian Response
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers two important IVF questions: whether an Ovidrel trigger can cause a rise in TSH, and why the same patient can ha...
533. Endometriosis and IVF: Why Embryo Freezing Before Surgery Can Protect Your Fertility
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why severe endometriosis can create a difficult fertility dilemma, especially when ovarian cysts need surgical ...
532. The Hidden Cause of Infertility Most Women Don’t Know They Have
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down why endometriosis is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of infertility — affecting up to 30% of inferti...
231. What’s Really Driving IVF Success? Lab Secrets, Frozen Embryos, and Weight Loss Drugs Explained
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman cuts through the noise to reveal what's truly moved the needle in IVF over the past decade — and it's not what most pa...
530. Choosing The Right IVF Specialist: Why Expertise Counts
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why selecting the right fertility specialist can significantly influence your IVF journey and outcomes. Respond...
529.The Science and Uncertainty of IVF Success Rates
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a listener’s question about recovering from surgery before restarting IVF, and then opens up about one of the ...
528. From Unexplained Infertility to IVF: Choosing the Right Next Step
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman walks through the clinical pathway for couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility. He explains tubal testing, the te...
527. The Real Cost of IVF: What You’re Paying For and Why It Matters
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down one of the most common and confronting questions patients ask: “How much is IVF really going to cost?” H...
526. Poor Fertilization in IVF: What’s Really Going On?
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains what poor fertilisation means in IVF and why it happens, despite everything appearing “normal.” He walks th...
524. When IVF Gets Hard: Embryos, Emotional Burnout, and Expert Care
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why there is currently no proven treatment that can reliably increase egg numbers or embryo yield in an IVF cyc...
523. IVF Myths: Vitamins, Supplements, and the Reality of Donor Eggs & Sperms
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why a healthy diet and folic acid matter and why most advertised supplements don’t improve egg or sperm qual...
522.Immune Testing in IVF: When Results Don’t Improve Success
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why extensive immune testing in IVF almost always finds something “abnormal” and why that doesn’t mean t...
521. The Science Behind IVF Add-Ons: Separating Evidence from Assumption
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman draws on nearly 40 years of IVF experience to unpack the growing use of so-called IVF “add-ons” or adjuvants. He exp...
520.IVF and Endometriosis: When Surgery Helps, When It Harms, and How to Protect Your Eggs
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains when surgery for endometriosis can improve IVF success and when it may risk reducing ovarian reserve. He unpack...
219. Understanding IVF Protocols for Women with PCOS
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how IVF protocols are adjusted for women with PCOS, why PCOS patients often respond well to IVF, and how modern...
518. Frozen vs Fresh Embryo Transfer: What the Evidence Really Shows
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how advances in embryo freezing—particularly vitrification—have transformed IVF outcomes, making frozen emb...
517. Implantation Failure In IVF: Why It Happens Even If You’re Healthy
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why implantation failure can happen even in “healthy” patients—starting with the reality that it’s comm...
516.Endomentrial Receptivity and IVF Timing
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the science behind endometrial receptivity—how the uterine lining changes after ovulation, what the “window ...
515. DHEA Supplement in IVF: Helpful Boost or Overhyped Trend?
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the science — and the uncertainty — surrounding DHEA supplements in IVF. He explains what DHEA actually does...
514.Embryo Selection Tools: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why Regulation Matters
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the science behind embryo selection—what truly improves outcomes, what’s more hype than help, and why some t...
513. Why Personalized IVF Treatment Matters: Insights From Prof Michael Chapman
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down what personalized medicine truly means in the world of fertility care. He explains why tailored treatment—...
512. Why Genetic Testing Is Transforming IVF Success Rates — Even for Women in Their 40s
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how modern genetic testing of embryos is dramatically improving IVF outcomes, even for patients in their mid-40...
511. Pre-implantation Genetic Testing: Boosting Success Rates and Reducing IVF Stress
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how embryo genetic testing has evolved over 25 years—from basic chromosome counting to today’s highly accur...
510. Modern Treatments for Male Infertility: From Hormone Therapy to ICSI
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explores how modern medicine approaches male infertility—from identifying when genetic limitations make treatment impo...
509. Understanding Male Infertility: How Size, Veins, and Temperature Impact Sperm
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down the key investigations behind male infertility—from assessing testicular size to detecting varicose veins ...
508. Understanding Male Infertility: What Really Drives Male Reproductive Health
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down how sperm are made—using a relatable “factory floor” analogy to explain the 90-day production process,...
507.Understanding Male Infertility: Breaking the Myths and Finding Hope (Part 1)
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman discusses the often-overlooked topic of male infertility — a challenge that affects many couples but is rarely address...
506. Inside the Lab: How Science Is Shaping the Next Decade of IVF
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the real science behind artificial wombs and lab-grown eggs — and why these breakthroughs are still years away...
505. Inside the Egg: What Affects Quality—and What You Can (and Can’t) Change
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks one of the most common fertility questions: “What can I take to improve my egg quality?” He shares the hard ...
504. The Breakthrough that Changed Everything: How ICSI Transformed Male Infertility
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman reflects on the most remarkable breakthrough in his decades-long career — the introduction of intracytoplasmic sperm i...
503. When IVF Doesn’t Work: Next Steps, Success Rates, and Support Options
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman talks about what happens when IVF doesn’t work — from understanding the reasons behind failed cycles to exploring ne...
502. When IVF Fails: Understanding Antiphospholipid Syndrome and When to Seek a Second Opinion
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a listener’s question about antiphospholipid syndrome (APAS) and how it can affect IVF outcomes. He explains h...
501. The Real Costs of IVF: What Clinics Don’t Always Tell You
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers viewer Jen’s two big questions about IVF costs — what happens financially if your first cycle fails, and wha...
500. Celebrating 500 Episodes: Understanding Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Hope for Natural Conception
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman marks a remarkable milestone — the 500th episode of his fertility podcast. Reflecting on decades of helping couples co...
499. Why Australia Leads the World in IVF – Ethics, Access, and the Future of Fertility
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why Australia ranks among the top three countries globally for IVF use — not because of higher infertility ra...
498. IVF Anywhere: Zoom Consults, Costs, Immune Myths, and Smarter Cycle Tweaks
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how interstate and even overseas patients can be managed via Zoom right up to the day before egg collection, ou...
497. Egg Quality, Fibroids, and Fertility After 40
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman dives into some of the most common — and crucial — fertility questions women ask in their 40s. From how many IVF or ...
496. Egg Freezing: Insurance for Fertility’s Future
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the growing trend of egg freezing and why more women in their 20s and 30s are considering it. He explains how th...
495. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: Risks, Prevention, and Safer IVF
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) — once the most dangerous complication of IVF. He traces how rates h...
494. IVF Costs, Breakthroughs, AI, and the Ethics of Embryo Storage
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the real cost of an IVF cycle in Australia, reflects on the biggest breakthroughs of his 35-year career, and sha...
493.Ovulation Timing & Embryo Mix-ups
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers Katie’s question about why ovulation can occur on different cycle days even with the same Letrozole dose, offe...
492. The State of Donor Sperm Supply in Australia
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explains the growing demand for donor sperm in Australia, the categories of patients who need it, and the ethical framew...
491. How Telehealth Expands IVF Access Across Australia
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explores how telehealth has transformed fertility care for rural Australians. He explains how virtual consultations, e-s...
490. Expanding Access to IVF: Medicare Rebates, Social
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the 2025 Medicare rebate expansion that now recognizes social infertility, opening IVF access for single women a...
489. Why IVF Isn’t Always the First Step
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman shares why IVF is not always the immediate answer for couples struggling to conceive. He explains when it makes sense to...
488. Coping with a Failed IVF Cycle: Understanding Healing and Next Steps
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explores the emotional impact of a failed IVF cycle and why it happens more often than many realize. He discusses the sc...
487. Navigating Pregnancy Loss and Next Steps After IVF
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a listener’s question about pregnancy loss, ectopic concerns, and whether to pursue frozen embryo transfer or ...
486. The Real Risks of IVF: Myths, Facts, and Medical Advances
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explores the true risks of IVF—separating early fears and misconceptions from what decades of research now tell us. He...
485. Inside the First Step of IVF: From Egg Retrieval to Embryo Transfer
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman takes us step-by-step through the IVF process—from triggering egg maturation to retrieval, fertilization, embryo devel...
484. Inside the First Step of IVF: From Hormone Stimulation to Egg Collection
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down the early stages of the IVF process — from overriding the body’s natural cycle to stimulate multiple egg...
483. Behind the Numbers: What Men Should Know Before IVF
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman focuses on the male side of infertility—explaining when IVF is appropriate and when it's not. He encourages listeners ...
482. Do You Really Need IVF? Prof Chapman Explains When It’s Necessary – and When It’s Not
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman, Senior Fertility Specialist and Medical Director of Life Fertility Center Sydney, takes us back to basics—breaking do...
481. The Future of IVF: AI, Easier Treatments, and the Real Road Ahead
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the latest innovations in IVF—from robotic lab tech that could outperform embryologists to oral fertility drug...
480. From Future Experiments to the Future of Embryo Selection
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof. Chapman reflects on how far IVF has come—from 10% pregnancy rates and invasive laparoscopic egg collection in the 1980s, to t...
479. Freezing Time: Evolving Fertility Options for Women in their 30s and 40s
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explores the evolving science behind fertility preservation for women in their 30s and 40s. He discusses the dramatic im...
478. Taking a Break and Tackling Blame: A Candid Look at Fertility Treatment for Couples
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a live question about whether it’s okay to take a break from fertility treatment—and explains when it’s he...
477. Understanding DNA Fragmentation: The Hidden Factor in Male Fertility
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explores the role of DNA fragmentation in sperm health, its impact on fertilization and miscarriage rates, and how antio...
476. Decoding Sperm Health: What Counts in Male Fertility
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down the fascinating science of sperm health and its critical role in fertility. He explains how scientists (and ...
475. Sperm Counts and Male Fertility: Are the Numbers Really Falling?
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman addresses the growing concern around declining male fertility. Drawing from decades of data, he explores whether sperm c...
474. IVF as a Last Resort: Exploring Fertility Alternatives with Prof Chapman
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof. Chapman shares a candid perspective on why IVF should not be the first option for couples facing fertility challenges. He outli...
473. Inside IVF: Protocols, PCOS, and Patients Pathways
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman answers the questions from live viewers and explores IVF treatment choices—from Christie's success with the long proto...
472. The IVF Dilemma: What Becomes of Leftover Embryos
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof. Chapman unpacks one of IVF’s most complex questions: what happens to the embryos that go unused? From indefinite storage and ...
471. Minimal Vs. Conventional IVF
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prof Chapman breaks down the real differences between minimal and conventional IVF—no fluff, just straight talk. He shares how “minimal stimulatio...
470. Navigating IVF Challenges: Embryo Testing, Miscarriage Risks, and Finding Support
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt live Q&A session, Professor Michael Chapman answers listener questions about navigating complex IVF journeys. Christie shares her ex...
469. Fertility After 45: The Truth About Your Options
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this eye-opening episode, Professor Michael Chapman from Life Fertility Sydney explains the medical realities of fertility treatments for women ove...
468. Fertility Over 45: What the Science Really Says
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Prof Chapman explores the sobering statistics of fertility at age 45 and older. He breaks down the science...
467. Against the Odds: Fertility Realities for Women 45+
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Chapman shares a candid perspective on the growing number of women over 45 seeking motherhood, whether due to delayed relationships, career ...
466. Fertility for All: Breaking Barriers for Reproductive Healthcare
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Michael Chapman of Life Fertility Sydney shares exciting news: the clinic celebrates its first births and a major policy win. A new, inclusi...
465. Managing Ectopic Risks in IVF and Lining Issues Explained
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof. Chapman explores the risks of ectopic pregnancy in both natural and IVF-conceived pregnancies, explaining why IVF can actually ...
464. IVF with Medical Conditions: Choosing the Right Fertility Specialist
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof. Michael Chapman answers a listener's question about how medical conditions like kidney disease and gallstones can impact IVF su...
463. Over 40 and Trying: Fertility Advice from Prof Michael Chapman
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Michael Chapman answers a listener’s question about fertility after 40. He shares candid insights on success rates, the import...
462. Inside the IVF Lab: Science, Innovation, and Hope
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Professor Michael Chapman as he takes us behind the scenes of IVF, explaining the intricate process of embryo creation in the laboratory. From st...
461. IVF Stimulation Protocols: Choosing the Right Path
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof. Chapman breaks down the different IVF stimulation protocols, including short and long cycles, antagonist protocols, and the eme...
460. Breaking Down the IVF Short Cycle: What You Need to Know
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof. Chapman breaks down the short IVF cycle, the most commonly used fertility treatment in Australia today. From ovarian stimulatio...
459. Celebrating Women and Advancing Fertility
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Professor Michael Chapman, Medical Director of Life Fertility Sydney, discusses the advancements in IVF and how fertility tre...
458. A Successful Story of Natural Conception
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many couples struggling with infertility believe IVF is their only option—but is it always necessary? In this episode, Prof. Chapman shares a remark...
457. Sperm Donation: What Qualifies and Disqualifies a Donor
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to become a sperm donor? In this episode, Professor Chapman breaks down the rigorous screening process, from genetic testing and inf...
456. The Truth About IVF: Risks, Side Effects, and Long-Term Health
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Michael Chapman dives into the risks and long-term effects of fertility drugs and multiple IVF cycles with over 45 years of rese...
455. Fertility Facts: The Science of Reproduction & Emerging Treatments
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof. Chapman breaks down key topics in reproductive health. From understanding CREI certification to exploring the impact of sperm m...
454. The Truth About Male Fertility
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Male fertility is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in the journey to parenthood. In this episode, Prof. Chapman breaks down the key facto...
453. Understanding Sperm Quality: What it Means for Fertility and IVF
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sperm quality plays a crucial role in natural conception and IVF success—but how do we measure it, and what factors impact it? In this episode, Prof...
452. The Reality of Egg Quality: Can We Improve It?
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Chapman breaks down the science behind egg quality, the limitations of current treatments, and why egg freezing at a younge...
451. The Science of Egg Quality
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down what egg quality truly means, why it declines with age, and how it affects fertility rates. Learn the scienc...
450. Fertility and Weight Loss: The IVF Connection
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof. Chapman discusses the impact of weight loss on fertility, the role of prolactin in ovulation, and how medications like Ozempic ...
449. Understanding Adenomyosis Vs. Endometriosis
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the differences and overlaps between adenomyosis and endometriosis. Professor Chapman explains how these conditi...
448. Exploring Surrogacy: Challenges, Choices, and Reality
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Prof Chapman talks about the complexities of surrogacy, addressing its medical, ethical, and legal aspects. From understanding who may...
447. Decoding Endometriosis: Diagnosing, Treatment, and Fertility Solutions
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, Professor Michael Chapman, Medical Director of Life Fertility Sydney, discusses the challenges and advancements in diagnos...
446. Understanding Endometriosis: Insights from Prof Michael Chapman
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Professor Michael Chapman, Medical Director of Life Fertility Sydney, as he sheds light on the complexities of endometriosis in this informative ...
445. Understanding Blocked Fallopian Tubes and Fertility Solutions
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prof. Chapman unpacks the causes and treatments for blocked fallopian tubes, a hidden obstacle in fertility. From infections like chlamydia to endomet...
444. Frontiers of Fertility: Emerging Techniques, International Regulations, and Ethical Boundaries
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, Prof. Chapman explores cutting-edge advancements like in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), compares them to traditional IVF, and ...
443. How Telemedicine is Transforming IVF Access and Comfort
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prof. Chapman discusses the role of telemedicine in modern fertility care, highlighting its ability to enhance convenience, accessibility, and patient...
442. IVF Unfiltered: Hormones, Scans, and Egg Retrieval
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the realities of IVF with Prof. Chapman, exploring the side effects of hormone injections, the importance of ultrasounds...
441. Egg Freezing: The Process, Costs, and What to Expect
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Michael Chapman of Life Fertility Clinic Sydney explains the step-by-step process of egg freezing, what to expect during treatment, associat...
440. Egg Freezing Demystified: A Guide to Preserving Fertility
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Professor Michael Chapman, a senior fertility specialist at Life Fertility Clinic Sydney, as he unpacks the essentials of egg freezing. Learn who...
439. Preserving Fertility: Exploring Cryopreservation and Its Life-Changing Potential
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the science and possibilities of cryopreservation with Professor Chapman. Learn how freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos can empower future famil...
438. Breaking Down Fertility Challenges: From Multiple DNC’s to Aging Eggs
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Prof Chapman explores the challenges of fertility, focusing on the impact of multiple DNCs and aging. He discusses how age affects eg...
437. Why Embryos Don’t Stick: Exploring Uterine Health and Miscarriage
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, Prof. Chapman explores the complex reasons behind recurrent miscarriages, from immunological factors to uterine health. He...
436. Understanding Recurrent Miscarriage: Causes, Statistics and Modern Solution
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, Prof. Chapman discusses the complexities of recurrent miscarriage, addressing common causes, misconceptions, and the role ...
435. Miscarriages Unveiled: Navigating Loss Recovery and Optimism (Part 3)
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this final installment, Dr. Michael Chapman outlines the medical and natural options for managing miscarriage, offering guidance on recovery and wh...
434. Miscarriages Unveiled: The Roll of Dice in Pregnancy Loss (Part 2)
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Michael Chapman explains the statistical randomness of miscarriage, highlighting how chromosomal abnormalities are beyond anyone’s control. He d...