Search results

Egg freezing is on the rise. The latest data from the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority shows 4,048 women had eggs in storage in Victoria at the end of 2019-20 – a 30 per cent increase from the previous year. 

If you’re going through IVF, you may be offered a test to assess your embryos called PGT-A. It stands for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

The health of people before conception and when they conceive affects the health of their pregnancy and child. That’s why it’s important for people who want to have a baby to be as heathy as possible before they start trying. People wanting to conceive should aim to be a healthy weight, not smoke, limit alcohol intake, excercise regularly, eat well and avoid some chemicals to give their baby the best start to life.

The chance of having a baby with IVF depends largely on the woman’s age and after the age of 35 the chance drops quite dramatically. This is because, the number of chromosomally abnormal eggs produced in the ovaries increases as women age

Vaping may seem less harmful than smoking cigarettes, which are known to increase the chance of infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. But there is increasing concern about the health effects of e-cigarettes, including how they might affect your fertility.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is an add-on used in IVF to help choose embryos with the right number of chromosomes. This brochure is intended as a general introduction to PGT-A: what it is, how it is done, advantanges and disadvantages and will help you understand what’s involved and whether it’s worth paying for. It should not be seen as a substitute for advice from doctors or other health professionals. Information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of writing however as PGT-A is a rapidly advancing technology it is important to check information with your fertility specialist.

As of 31 December 2024, the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) and the VARTA Board has ceased operations.

Current research partnerships and collaborations

This study of the health of 193 adults conceived via ART, the largest to date globally, found no evidence of increased vascular or cardiometabolic risk, or growth or respiratory problems in the ART group compared with a non-ART group from the same source population. Follow-up observation for reproductive and later-onset adverse health effects remains important.

VARTA provides independent information and support for individuals, couples, and health professionals regarding fertility, infertility, assisted reproductive treatment (ART) and the best interests