Fertility Preservation

If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if you’re over 35), or have known conditions such as irregular cycles, endometriosis, or male factor issues, it’s time to book a consultation.

A typical IVF cycle takes 4–6 weeks from the start of medication to embryo transfer, though timing may vary depending on your individual plan.

If your first full-fee IVF cycle does not result in a clinical pregnancy, your next cycle will be offered with a greatly reduced fee. Eligibility criteria apply, your clinician will explain these in detail.

You’ll receive a written quote after your consultation, including all relevant Medicare item numbers. Most patients are eligible for Medicare rebates on fertility investigations and IVF treatment.

Yes. We offer egg, sperm, and embryo freezing for both medical and elective reasons, using the same advanced laboratory techniques as our IVF program.

At Coastal IVF, we offer a modern, personalised approach to private pregnancy care, led by one of our experienced obstetricians, Dr Benjamin Stokes, Dr Melissa Acreman or Dr Robert North. You’ll be supported by a consistent team of midwives, nurses and allied health professionals who work closely together to ensure you receive compassionate, expert care throughout your pregnancy.

Yes. A withdrawal bleed is common after stopping the oral contraceptive pill and won’t affect your IVF cycle.

Usually no. Day one is the first day of full, red flow. If heavier bleeding starts after midday, the following day is considered day one. If unsure, contact our nurses.

Call the clinic on Monday morning (before midday). Unless previously advised, do not start medication until you’ve spoken with a nurse.

Call our nursing team as soon as possible before taking further medication. Setting a daily alarm can help prevent missed doses.

Gentle activity such as walking, swimming, or yoga is fine. Avoid strenuous or high-impact exercise during stimulation and after egg collection. If unsure, check with your clinician.

You may resume intercourse when comfortable, unless advised otherwise by your doctor or nurse.

Once collected, eggs and sperm are prepared for fertilisation under strict double-witnessing protocols in a controlled environment.

• IVF: Eggs are placed in a dish with thousands of sperm, allowing natural fertilisation.
• ICSI: A single selected sperm is injected directly into the egg using micromanipulation.

Around 16–18 hours after insemination, embryologists check for two pronuclei (PN), one from the egg and one from the sperm, confirming normal fertilisation.

Embryos grow in incubators with tightly controlled temperature, humidity, and gas composition to mimic the natural environment of the fallopian tube and uterus.

A day 5–6 embryo that has developed a fluid-filled cavity, with an inner cell mass (future baby) and a trophectoderm (future placenta). Culturing to this stage helps identify embryos with the best potential.

Embryos are graded by appearance and developmental progress. The highest-quality embryo is selected for transfer based on medical and laboratory criteria.

Embryos meeting quality criteria are vitrified (rapidly frozen) and stored safely in liquid nitrogen at –196°C for future use.

This risk is managed by strict laboratory protocols. Every step is electronically and manually double-witnessed, using our RI Witness system for barcoded tracking. 

No. Grading helps guide selection, and PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) may provide additional information, but implantation depends on many biological factors.

The lab is a highly controlled cleanroom with purified air, continuous monitoring, 24/7 alarms, and redundant power systems to ensure embryo safety.

We usually recommend booking your first antenatal appointment around 7–8 weeks gestation, or earlier if you have any concerns or a history of pregnancy complications.

Yes. Every obstetric appointments include a 3D/ 4D ultrasound to check your baby’s growth, heartbeat, and position. Additional scans (such as morphology, or growth scans) may be arranged externally when needed.

Start with small, frequent meals and B6 supplements. If symptoms persist, your doctor can prescribe safe medications for morning sickness.

Light spotting is common and often harmless (e.g. implantation bleeding), but heavy bleeding or pain should always be discussed with your nurse or doctor.

Yes. Our obstetricians provide continuity of care from early pregnancy through to birth and postnatal follow-up

At Buderim Private Hospital, working with an experienced team of midwives, anaesthetists, and theatre staff.

Our obstetricians share an on-call roster, so you’ll always be cared for by one of our team members you’ve already met during your pregnancy journey.

Yes. We provide shared antenatal care with the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) for patients planning to deliver there.
This means many of your antenatal appointments can take place at Coastal IVF, with our obstetricians working in collaboration with the SCUH maternity team to ensure seamless communication and continuity of care.

We offer complete gynaecological care, from colposcopy and LLETZ to advanced micro-laparoscopic and robotic surgery, including endometriosis excision, hysterectomy, myomectomy, and prolapse repair.

Robotic systems provide 3D vision and enhanced precision, allowing complex surgery to be performed through smaller incisions with less pain, less bleeding, and faster recovery.

Our Surgery Bookings Team will contact you within one week to guide you through next steps, provide a quote, and confirm date options. If you haven’t heard from us, please call (07) 5443 4301.

Your fasting and admission details are sent via SMS the business day before surgery. If not received by late afternoon, please contact the clinic.

Most patients are discharged 2–3 hours after their procedure, depending on recovery and type of surgery.

If you’ve had a general anaesthetic or sedation, you must not drive for at least 24 hours. Only resume driving when you are fully alert and comfortable.

You may book directly, but a GP or specialist referral is required to access Medicare rebates.

No. Surgeon’s fees are payable prior to surgery. We’ll process your Medicare rebate and you can then claim any eligible benefit from your health fund.

Coastal IVF is located in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, with on-site and street parking available.

Yes. After your initial consultation and confirmation of your treatment plan, you’ll receive a written quote from our finance team.

Our fees are inclusive, covering consultations, scans, and cycle management. Exclusions are listed on the fee sheet.

A cancelled cycle fee applies to cover appointments and treatments already provided. The amount is listed on your quote.

Payments are due as per your quote and can be made by EFTPOS, over the phone, or via bank transfer.

Yes. You can apply for early release of superannuation to fund treatment, but funds must be received before a cycle is booked.
We’ll provide the quote and required documentation. The ATO form must be completed by your GP and psychiatrist, not your fertility specialist.

Once your cycle is complete, we submit your claim to Medicare. Rebates are usually received within 5–7 business days.