Considering surrogacy abroad? This episode is your guide to navigating the complex world of international surrogacy. We break down what intended parents need to know, from choosing the right country and avoiding common pitfalls, to understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families.

We chat with Olga from The Surrogacy Insider, an independent surrogacy consultant who supports intended parents with ethical, unbiased advice and brings deep, hands-on experience from working with agencies and clinics across six countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Georgia, Albania and more.

Olga shares insights drawn from over 250 real cases.

Together, we explore how to avoid being misled by unclear information or unethical referrals.

You’ll also hear essential tips on how to confidently research providers, compare options, and build a trusted team. Whether you're overwhelmed by where to start or just want to feel more informed, this episode offers grounded, honest insights to support your journey. This episode is proudly sponsored by the surrogacy insider.

Find Olga here: https://www.thesurrogacyinsider.com/

Olga offers a FREE, no-obligation Discovery Session to help you explore your options, reach out to book yours.

@thesurrogacyinsider. Whatsapp +38 098 547 64 22

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place around the world.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

We’re back with our trusted Fertility Specialist, Dr. Charley Zheng, someone who has supported both of us through our own fertility journeys, for a deeply honest and, at times, controversial conversation.

In this episode, we ask Charley all the burning, unanswered questions we’ve been holding onto, the ones that so many patients think about but rarely get to discuss openly with their doctor.

Together, we unpack the emotional weight of fertility treatment, from the desperation that leads people to try unproven add-ons in hopes of improving their chances, to the complex reasons behind “clinic shopping” and how hard it can be to make decisions when so much is uncertain.

We also address the recent embryo mix-up that devastated the fertility community, how it could happen, what safeguards exist, and what this means for trust in the system.

Charley speaks openly and humbly from both a clinical and personal perspective, offering a rare glimpse into what it’s like to be a doctor who has also walked this road. In a powerful moment of vulnerability, he shares how his own fertility experience has shaped the way he cares for his patients, with empathy, honesty, and compassion that comes from truly understanding what it’s like to be on the other side.

This is a heartfelt and important conversation, and one with someone we are eternally grateful for in helping make our families possible.

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place in Australia.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Georgina Chambers, Director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit at UNSW Sydney, to discuss the award winning YourIVFSuccess website.

Professor Chambers explains how this government-funded platform is Australia’s first and only independent source of IVF clinic success rates to help bring transparency to patients on their fertility journey. We also explore the world-leading IVF Patient Estimator, how it works, and why data transparency is critical in reproductive healthcare.

Professor Chambers explains how the website empowers patients with clear, comparable data which is drawn from the oldest IVF registry in the world, ANZARD a comprehensive national database of more than 800,000 IVF treatment cycles collected from all accredited clinics across Australia.

Your IVF Success website: https://yourivfsuccess.com.au/

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place in Australia.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

What really happens in the lab where life begins? In this episode, we sit down with a senior embryologist from Genea, Sanj, a passionate and dedicated embryologist, to explore the science, emotion, and wonder behind fertility treatments and early human development. From handling precious embryos to navigating the ethical and emotional terrain of IVF, Sanj shares powerful insights, unexpected challenges, and the deep sense of purpose that drives her work. Whether you're curious about the science or inspired by the human stories behind it, this conversation is both eye-opening and heartfelt.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Genea. Genea is renowned for its expertise in assisted reproduction, offering personalised care and support to patients. With clinics in various locations, they combine advanced technology with expert medical guidance to help individuals and couples achieve their fertility goals. Visit Genea at https://www.genea.com.au/

Your IVF Success website: https://yourivfsuccess.com.au/

https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/my-fundraising/65/sanjana-khanna

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place in Australia.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

The episode everyone has been asking and waiting for. You may know Ilina from Big Miracles, but today, you’ll hear the story behind the scenes, in this intimate and heartfelt conversation, Ilina opens up about her IVF journey: the quiet moments of waiting, the private heartbreaks, and the flickers of hope that kept her going. She reflects on what it means to live in limbo, to grieve and hope at the same time, and to find strength in the most unexpected places. This is a conversation about resilience, tenderness, and the courage it takes to keep believing.

Big Miracles is filmed exclusively in Virtus Health clinics, including IVFAustralia, Queensland Fertility Group, and Melbourne IVF. As leaders in assisted fertility, we are proud to be part of this heartfelt documentary series, showcasing real stories of hope, resilience, and the journey to parenthood.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Explore more resources:

www.mivf.com.au

www.ivf.com.au

www.tasivf.com.au

www.qfg.com.au

Follow us on Instagram: @ivf_australia

For a consultation with Professor Sacks, visit www.ivf.com.au/specialists/ivf-doctors-australia/a-prof-gavin-sacks

Join Ilina and Sheila's new program, Brave with IVF, to navigate your fertility journey with support and strength: https://www.sheilav.co/brave-through-IVF

Ilina's socials: https://www.instagram.com/ilinagorgievski/

Trying to conceive isn’t always straightforward and when terms like “unexplained infertility” or “secondary infertility” come into play, it’s easy to feel lost. In this candid and empowering episode, Dr. Simon Nothman a top fertility specialist, joins us to break down what these terms actually mean, what the journey to answers can look like, and why fertility care is about so much more than just IVF.

We talk through what really happens during a fertility consult, how genetic testing might reveal unexpected insights, and what options exist beyond the standard paths. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure of where to begin, this episode is here to offer clarity, hope, and next steps.

Perfect for anyone at any stage of their fertility journey.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Genea. Genea is renowned for its expertise in assisted reproduction, offering personalised care and support to patients. With clinics in various locations, they combine advanced technology with expert medical guidance to help individuals and couples achieve their fertility goals. Visit Genea at https://www.genea.com.au/

Dr Simon Nathan’s website: www.drsimonnothman.com.au Socials: @drsimonnothman Dr Simon Nothman’s Marathon Donation page https://donations.ajfn.org.au/simon-nothman-marathon/donatenow

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place in the Australia IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast Email: [email protected]

Bree and Lou, a same-sex couple, share their deeply personal journey through IUI and IVF. What began with optimism quickly shifted when they realised the clinic saw them as an “easy case” a label that didn’t reflect the complexity of their experience. From navigating challenges in their relationship to starting new treatment interstate, their story highlights the unique experiences LGBTQ+ couples often face in the fertility system. Their honest reflections reveal not only the emotional and physical toll, but also the moments of strength and joy as they built their family.

Bree's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breezuslives/

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This specific episode is relating to fertility treatments and medical procedures taken place in the Australia

IVF Real Talk Podcast;

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we delve into the rising trend of solo IVF, where individuals are choosing to build families independently.

Dr. Violet Kieu Fertility specialist and Clinical Director at Melbourne IVF and an expert in reproductive medicine, unpacks the societal, emotional, and practical factors driving this shift. From donor options to legal considerations, we explore the landscape of solo parenthood and what it takes to navigate this journey solo.

With insights on success rates, emotional support, and the increasing normalisation of solo IVF, Dr. Kieu offers a candid look at the future of family-building for those going it alone. Whether considering IVF or simply exploring emerging trends, this conversation provides a nuanced perspective on a transformative shift in reproductive choice.

This episode is sponsored by Melbourne IVF

For a consultation with Dr Violet Kieu please visit https://www.mivf.com.au/

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/drvioletkieu/

https://www.instagram.com/melbourneivf_official/

https://www.instagram.com/eggfreezingaustralia

DISCLAIMER: Please refer to your medical professional for medical advice, as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This episode specifically relates to fertility treatments and medical procedures undertaken in Australia.

https://yourivfsuccess.com.au/

IVF Real Talk Podcast;

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Blanka, an IVF Patient Care Coordinator at Genitrix IVF in Prague, provides clear, expert advice on what to expect when seeking IVF treatment abroad. Prague has become a leading destination for fertility care, offering high-quality services at competitive prices. Blanka discusses everything from the process of IVF treatment and how to prepare for your trip, to the important factors to consider when choosing a clinic overseas. If you're considering IVF in the Czech Republic or any other destination, this episode will help you understand the steps involved and how to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Genitrix IVF https://genitrix.cz/en/reproductive-medicine/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@GenitrixIVFPrague Blankas socials https://www.instagram.com/ivf_guide

DISCLAIMER: Please refer to your medical professional for medical advice, as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences. This episode specifically relates to fertility treatments and medical procedures undertaken in Czech Republic. Please note if you donate your eggs in Australia you may elect to refund your reasonable out-of-pocket expenses throughout the process. Please note that the audio quality in this episode is not optimal.

IVF Real Talk Podcast;

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast

Email: [email protected]

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please support the podcast by giving us a rating or review!

Research fellow Dr Sarah Lensen joins this episode to discuss the launch of Evidence-based IVF, a new website developed by University of Melbourne researchers to help IVF patients make informed decisions about optional treatment add-ons. Dr Sarah Lensen, who leads the initiative, discusses how the site uses high-quality research to clarify the benefits, risks, and costs of commonly offered extras, many of which lack solid evidence. The platform aims to empower patients and support transparent, evidence-based care in the IVF journey.

Evidence Based IVF Website: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/ivf

Your IVF Success Website: https://yourivfsuccess.com.au/

IVF Real Talk Podcast;

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ivfrealtalkpodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ivfrealtalkpodcast

Email: [email protected]

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