Knocked Up: The Podcast About Getting Pregnant

In part one of understanding our fertility and peri/menopause, we unpack why fertility becomes more challenging as we approach perimenopause. Dr Raelia explains how shifting hormones, irregular cycles, and declining egg quality combine to make conception more difficult in our 40s. From understanding AMH and ovarian reserve to recognising the impact of age on egg health and miscarriage risk, this conversation explores what’s really happening to fertility in the decade before menopause and the options available for those still hoping to conceive. In part two we explore our options for conceiving in perimenopause and menopause.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Hea

When you hear “PCOS”, it’s easy to think only of the negatives. But the story is far more complex. From why women with PCOS can actually have higher egg counts, to the fertility myths that cause unnecessary fear, this episode breaks down the good, the bad and the truly misunderstood. We also look at the practical side — how lifestyle, medical support and even new treatments can help women take back control of their symptoms and long-term health. If you’ve ever wondered whether PCOS means infertility, or how to future-proof your fertility and wellbeing, this conversation is for you Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care

Part 2 of our 2-part series on lifestyle factors and fertility features Dr. Alexandra Harvey, Senior Research Scientist at Melbourne IVF. With 25 years of experience in embryology and fertility research, Dr. Harvey breaks down the science behind modifiable factors that can impact your fertility journey. In Part 2 we cover: Weight and inflammation – why body composition and hidden inflammation can make a big difference to fertility outcomes Smoking’s silent sabotage – how it damages egg and sperm quality and reduces IVF success rates Alcohol and conception – what the evidence says about “moderate” drinking and fertility health Stress and reproduction – the mind–body connection and why managing stress matters for conception Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's heal

Part 1 of our 2-part series on lifestyle factors and fertility features Dr. Alexandra Harvey, Senior Research Scientist at Melbourne IVF. With 25 years of experience in embryology and fertility research, Dr. Harvey breaks down the science behind modifiable factors that can impact your fertility journey. In Part 1 we cover: Age as the biggest factor in IVF success - why maternal age matters and how paternal age also plays a role Temperature effects on sperm quality - from underwear choices to sauna use Diet and nutrition myths vs. evidence - why extreme diets aren't helpful and what the Mediterranean diet research actually shows The supplement dilemma - when more isn't necessarily better and the importance of balance Environmental toxins hiding in everyday items - from Teflon pans to thermal receipts Coming up in Part 2: We'll dive deeper into smoking, alcohol, stress, and other lifestyle factors that can impact your fertility journey. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women

We are joined by Dr. Tzippora Ben-Harim, head of Gynaecology at Women's Health Melbourne, about urinary incontinence after childbirth. Urinary incontinence is common, affecting 1 in 3 to 1 in 4 women postpartum and occurs in two main forms: stress incontinence (leaking with coughing/sneezing) and urge incontinence (not making it to the toilet in time). The condition results from pressure on the pelvic floor during pregnancy, trauma from vaginal delivery, and postpartum oestrogen deficiency, particularly in breastfeeding women. We discuss all types of treatment:  Conservative management including vaginal oestrogen therapy and pelvic floor physiotherapy satisfies most women's needs Pessaries can provide temporary relief for those requiring additional support Surgical options are typically reserved until family planning is complete due to risk of recurrence Lifestyle modifications include reducing caffeine intake and maintaining proper hydration Preventive measures include prenatal pelvic floor exercises a

Research suggests that digestive health may play a role in reproductive health, alongside established factors like ovulation tracking and prenatal nutrition. We are joined by gastroenterologist Dr. Lindy Jackson to uncover the surprising connection between gut health and fertility. Discover how the trillions of bacteria living in your bowel can influence your hormone levels, why stress might be sabotaging both your digestion and your chances of conception and how inflammatory bowel conditions can directly impact egg and sperm quality, and what those trendy microbiome tests actually mean for your reproductive health. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is

This episode of "Knocked Up" explores the connection between AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and Vitamin D in fertility.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi MorrisonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our latest Knocked Up podcast episode we are joined by fertility specialist Dr. Violet Kieu to explore IVM—In Vitro Maturation—a promising alternative to IVF. Unlike IVF, IVM collects immature eggs and matures them in the lab, offering a shorter, less medicated (read injections) and more affordable fertility treatment. IVM could be ideal for women with high egg counts, PCOS, or those needing urgent fertility preservation before cancer treatment. We also explore Kappa IVM, an exciting new variation showing comparable success rates to IVF with fewer side effects. Is IVM right for you or someone you know? Tune in to learn how this evolving technology could transform fertility care in Australia. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podca

Unlike traditional patient-centred care, embryo-centred care focuses on optimising every step of the IVF process to prioritise what gives the embryo the best chance of success. Dr. Lew explains that IVF is not a one-size-fits-all treatment and each patient requires a highly individualised plan, including careful timing of egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and even whether to transfer embryos fresh or frozen. Dr. Raelia explains how embryo-centred care influences lab decisions, the role of scientific expertise in scheduling, and why sometimes delaying pregnancy to bank embryos can lead to better long-term family outcomes. The approach often requires balancing patient desires with what’s biologically best for both the patient and the embryo, ultimately aiming to improve live birth rates and overall success in fertility treatment. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on In

We welcome back Prof David Gardner to the Knocked Up Podcast to talk to us about the latest developments in fertility treatment and what to expect in the future.  Listen to our previous episode with Prof David Gardner on The science behind the best success rates with Professor David Gardner Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Insta

Understanding Male Fertility: What You Need to KnowDid you know male factors contribute to infertility in over 50% of couples struggling to conceive? In this episode, Dr. Raelia breaks down what a semen analysis really tells us — and why one test is never the whole story. From sperm count and motility to the often-overlooked DNA fragmentation test, we explore how male fertility is assessed, what can impact it (hello, fevers and stress!), and which treatments might help. We also unpack the surprising impact of testosterone therapy, age-related risks, and when IVF with ICSI might be the best option. Whether you're starting your fertility journey or supporting someone who is, this episode offers essential insights into male reproductive health. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topi

We speak with Dr Lironne Wein about the BRCA gene and its implications for breast and ovarian cancer risk.  Topics covered:  BRCA Gene Basics Cancer Risk Statistics Screening and Prevention Genetic Testing Fertility Considerations Menopause After Surgery Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts:

With elective egg freezing being so new, how we interpret the data in the context of today's population doesn't quite give the accurate story. Dr Raelia Lew explains.  We recommend listening to the 'Beyond Expectations' podcast episode "Kate Lancaster on What They Don't Tell You About Egg Freezing"  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com

Today we are joined by guest experts Dr. Vanessa Ross and Dr. Samantha Mooney to discuss the new research they are conducting on endometriosis and fertility. With endometriosis affecting about 1 in 7 women generally, and more like 1 in 3 infertile women. We discuss the dilemma of whether to recommend surgery or IVF for patients with moderate to severe endometriosis who are trying to conceive.  We also learn more about their new Endometriosis Longitudinal Fertility Study (ELFs), which aims to gather data on fertility outcomes for women with endometriosis to provide better clinical guidance. Dr Vanessa and Dr Samantha explain the project's goals methodology and described what participation looks like for women who want to contribute to our understanding of endometriosis. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is

This week Australia's Medicare has broadened the definition of infertility, aligning with recommendations from the Gorton Review and the 2018 MBS review. So, we ask Dr Raelia Lew, what does this mean for us? We quickly mention a few organisations by their abbreviations:ANZREI - Australia and New Zealand Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fertility and Sterility - Fertility and Sterility is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal published by Elsevier on behalf of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.FSANZ - Fertility Society of Australia and New ZealandRANZCOG - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthme

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Lima Wetherall, an AGES Specialist Gynaecologist and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon. Dr. Wetherall brings her expertise to a comprehensive discussion about endometriosis, exploring critical topics including surgical treatments, diagnostic challenges, and the latest innovations in women's reproductive health. We discuss the complexities of endometriosis, addressing everything from surgical techniques and patient expectations to fertility preservation and multidisciplinary care.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to yo

Pregnancy after fertility treatments can differ from spontaneous conception. Patients typically discover pregnancy earlier through blood tests, receive more intensive monitoring in the first trimester, and face slightly elevated risks for complications like multiple pregnancies, preterm birth, and placenta previa before transitioning to regular obstetric care around 8-12 weeks. The psychological journey presents unique challenges as patients navigate anxiety, fear of loss, and identity shifts after prolonged fertility struggles.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode

We speak to Dr Daniel Lantsberg, featured in the channel 9 show "Big Miracles" with his patient, Anna. Dr. Daniel Lantsberg is a Fertility Specialist at Melbourne IVF. After graduating with honors from Israel's Ben Gurion University in 2008, he completed extensive training at world-class Israeli hospitals before relocating to Australia for an additional three-year subspecialty fellowship at the Royal Women's Hospital and Melbourne IVF. With special interests in elective egg freezing, age-related and unexplained infertility, male infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids, Dr. Lantsberg maintains private practice in East Melbourne while holding public appointments at the Royal Women's Hospital where he trains junior doctors.  Anna is a 39-year-old woman  pursuing life as a Single Mother by Choice (SMBC). Her journey highlights the unique medical and emotional considerations involved, from selecting fertility treatments appropriate for solo parents to navigating Victoria's specific regulations reg

With Big Miracles back on TV for 2025, we speak with one of the Doctors featured in the series, Dr Kokum Jayasinghe. Dr Kokum combines extensive medical expertise in fertility and IVF with deep personal understanding from her own fertility journey, and alongside her clinical practice, she is dedicated to training the next generation of reproductive medicine specialists. Big Miracles offers an unprecedented look into fertility treatment journeys, and we discover how patients were selected, how their privacy was managed, and how the filming process affected their experience compared to typical fertility treatments. We discuss unexplained infertility - from its diagnosis and prevalence to its emotional impact - and learn about how medical understanding has evolved, when couples should seek help, and what misconceptions exist about this condition. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Rael

At the start of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month we learn more about this 'silent killer' with Dr Tzippi Ben-Harim, Specialist Gynaecologist from the WHM team.   What is ovarian cancer – where does it grow, how does it develop?  Why do we often hear ovarian cancer described as a 'silent killer'?  What makes ovarian cancer particularly challenging compared to other cancers?  Are there any key risk factors that we should be aware of?  I’ve heard there’s a myth that the contraceptive pill increases ovarian cancer risk, is there any truth to this? Where does this myth come from?    If a woman has a family history of ovarian cancer, what steps should she take to protect their health? Is there a role for genetic testing? If yes, could these results impact treatment decisions?  Are there any early symptoms that women often dismiss?  Why don't we have a reliable screening test like the smear for cervical cancer?  From a ferti