In this episode Matildas forward Emily Gielnik and her wife Temica Gielnik sit down with their fertility doctor Dr Ben Kroon for an honest conversation about their path to parenthood through IUI, IVF, and donor conception.

They open up about navigating failed IUI rounds, Temica’s unexpected endometriosis diagnosis along the way, and the emotional toll of balancing fertility treatment while spending periods of time apart while Emily was playing for Monterrey in Mexico. Emily also shares the guilt she experienced from not always being physically present during parts of the journey.

Together, they speak candidly about the deeply personal decision to choose a known donor, how they both came to feel aligned in that choice, and why creating their family in a way that felt special, intentional, and meaningful was so important to them.

This episode is a raw and heartfelt conversation aboutfertility, partnership, grief, resilience, and finding your own path to parenthood, one that will make so many listeners feel less alone.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Monash IVF. At Monash IVF, donor treatment options support a wide range of patients, including LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, solo parents, and people navigating medical or genetic factors.

Their experienced teams provide clear information, coordinated donor pathways, and compassionate care with an understanding that every family looks different.  To learn more, visit https://monashivf.com/ivfrealtalk/

You can find Dr Ben Kroon here:

https://www.instagram.com/drbenkroon/

Emily and Temica’s socials Emily Gielnik (@emilygielnik) • Instagram photos and videosTemica Sayer (@temicagielnik) • Instagram photos and videos

DISCLAIMER: Please refer to your medical professional for medical advice, as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials:

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

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

Email: [email protected]

For anyone navigating infertility, IVF or pregnancy loss, pregnancy announcements can bring a mix of emotions, the way they're delivered can make all the difference.

In this episode, we asked the IVF Real Talk community to share the most awkward, weird, strange and downright unbelievable pregnancy announcement stories they've experienced, and you definitely delivered.

From announcements made at work and family gatherings to unexpected conversations and moments thatcaught people completely off guard, we're reacting to your real-life stories and discussing why some announcements can be so difficult for those experiencing infertility.

These are your stories, your experiences. And trust us... some of them are awkward, weird, strange and completely beyond what we expected.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Repromed. Repromed understands fertility treatment isn't one-size-fits-all, and understanding your options is often the first step forward.

Visit ⁠ https://repromed.com.au/ivfrealtalk/ to speak with an experienced fertility nurse and take your next step with confidence today.

DISCLAIMER: Please refer to your medical professional for medical advice, as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials:

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

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

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

If you're trying to conceive and wondering what your options are before IVF, this episode is for you.

Lucy and Yaelle are joined by fertility specialist Dr Juliette Koch from Repromed to unpack the different fertility treatments available and explain how specialists determine the right pathway for each patient.

From ovulation induction and timed intercourse through to IUI, IVF, and ICSI, we explore the treatments that often come before IVF, what they involve, and who may benefit from them. We also discuss the HyCoSy test and the treatment options that aren't talked about nearly enough.

Whether you're at the beginning of your fertility journey, considering your next steps, or simply looking to better understand the treatment landscape, this episode offers expert insights to help you make informed decisions.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Repromed. Repromed understands fertility treatment isn't one-size-fits-all, and understanding your options is often the first step forward. Visit ⁠https://repromed.com.au/ivfrealtalk/ to speak with an experienced fertility nurse and take your next step with confidence today.

DISCLAIMER: Please refer to your medical professional for medical advice, as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials:

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

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

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

After asking listeners to share their best IVF hacks and tips, the hosts dive into the responses, discussing the practical, the surprising, and the heartwarming ideas that helped people through treatment.

Along the way, they chat about which tips are backed by experience, which ones simply make the journey more manageable, and why every IVF experience is different.

Whether you're preparing for your first cycle or you're well into your fertility journey, this episode is packed with real life advice, honest conversations, and plenty of reassurance from people who truly understand what IVF is like.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Monash IVF. Monash IVF is here to help patients understand their options, feel informed, and decide what’s right for them. Visit https://monashivf.com/ivfrealtalk/ to speak with an experienced fertility nurse and take your next step with confidence today. 

DISCLAIMER: Please refer to your medical professional for medical advice, as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials:

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

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

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Professor Deirdre Zander-Fox, Chief Scientific Officer at Monash IVF Group  talks about all things embryology and what happens behind the scenes in the lab.

From fertilisation and embryo development to understanding attrition rates, embryo quality, and why some embryos stop developing, we unpack one of the most anxious parts of the IVF journey.

We also discuss the emotional side of the post-collection period and the support patients need through this stage. If you're in that nervous waiting period, this episode will give you clarity and reassurance about the science and work happening behind the scenes and what it means for your cycle. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Monash IVF. Visit  https://monashivf.com/ivfrealtalk/ to speak with an experienced fertility nurse and take your next step with confidence today. 

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials:

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠⁠

Email:⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode, Lucy and Yaelle explore something many people experience during fertility treatment but rarely hear talked about: IVF brain. From forgetfulness and brain fog to emotional overwhelm and mental fatigue, they unpack why it happens, including the impact of hormones, stress, and the emotional load of treatment.

They also discuss what it can feel like to navigate everyday life, work, and relationships while struggling to stay focused and mentally present. If you've ever walked into a room and forgotten why, found it hard to concentrate, or felt emotionally and mentally exhausted during IVF, this episode offers reassurance, validation, and the reminder that you're not alone.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Repromed. At Repromed, patients are cared for by highly experienced fertility doctors who work closely with small, dedicated care teams. That continuity means people are listened to and supported at every stage of their journey. 

Search  https://repromed.com.au/ivfrealtalk/ to speak with an experienced fertility nurse and take your next step with confidence today.

DISCLAIMER: Please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials:

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠⁠

Email:⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

This week for Men’s Health Week, we’re joined by Dr Kishani Kannangara from Monash IVF to talk all things male infertility.

From understanding male factor infertility and when to get tested, to the lifestyle factors that can impact sperm health, this episode is packed with important conversations we don’t hear enough about.

We also chat about how to support your partner through a male factor diagnosis and why infertility should never be seen as just a “female issue.”


This episode is proudly sponsored by Monash IVF.  At Monash IVF, they see fertility as a shared journey. Their specialists take the time to explain male fertility clearly, without judgement or blame, and support both partners through testing, diagnosis and next steps. 

Visit ⁠www.monashivf.com/ivfrealtalk⁠ to speak with a fertility nurse and take your next step with confidence today. 

⁠https://healthymale.org.au/⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-AzuFj1iS4⁠

DISCLAIMER: please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials:

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠⁠

Email:⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

Hey friends and family of someone trying to conceive, this episode is for you.
Lucy & Yaelle open up about the inner thoughts, emotional triggers and hidden struggles that can come with infertility and IVF. From pregnancy announcements and baby showers to everyday comments people don’t realise can hurt, this honest conversation gives insight into what your loved one may be silently carrying.

A vulnerable but important listen for anyone wanting to better support someone on their TTC journey.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Monash IVF. Monash IVF is here to help patients understand their options, feel informed, and decide what’s right for them.

Visit monashivf.com/ivfrealtalk to speak with an experienced fertility nurse and take your next step with confidence today. 

DISCLAIMER: Please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials:

TikTok: ⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠

Email:⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

This week we’re joined by Dr Dhanushi Fernando from Monash IVF to talk about navigating the overwhelming world of fertility advice and IVF information. From social media trends and online fertility advice to knowing when to stop researching and trust your specialist, we unpack how to stay informed without feeling completely overwhelmed.

We also chat about comparison, family expectations, and protecting your mental health during the IVF journey.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Monash IVF.

You can find Monash IVF here: Click Here (https://monashivf.com/ivfrealtalk/) 

You can find Dr Dhanushi here: Click Here Instagram 

Monash IVF helps patients understand what is evidence-based, what is personal, and what is not relevant to their situation so they can move forward feeling informed. Visit www.monashivf.com/ivfrealtalk and take your next step with confidence today. 

DISCLAIMER: Please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast is based on individual personal experiences.

IVF Real Talk Podcast Socials:

TikTok: ⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠Clickhere⁠⁠

Email:⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

This week we’re joined by Claire Byrne, Senior Psychologist at Monash IVF, to talk about the emotional side of fertility treatment and why emotional wellbeing is such an important part of the IVF journey.

From anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and feeling like you’re “not coping,” to navigating relationship challenges, family opinions, and the unexpected emotional weight of treatment, we unpack the realities many people face but don’t always talk about.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Monash IVF.

Monash IVF believes emotional wellbeing is a core part of fertility care. Their teams recognise these challenges and provide support that helps patients feel heard and supported. 

Visit https://monashivf.com/ivfrealtalk/ to speak with a fertility nurse and take your next step with confidence today. 

DISCLAIMER:please refer to your medical professional for medical advice as this podcast isbased on individual personal experiences.

Australian & NewZealand Infertility Counsellors Association Clickhere

Lifeline: 13 11 14 Click here

Beyond Blue - (Mental health support) Click here

IVF Real TalkPodcast Socials:

TikTok: ⁠Click here⁠

Instagram: ⁠Click here⁠

Email:⁠⁠[email protected]⁠