Knocked Up: All About Fertility and Women's Health

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 [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Tzippi Ben-Harim

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Alexandra Harvey

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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'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 [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Alexandra Harvey

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and optimising general health before pregnancy

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 [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Tzippi Ben-Harim

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Lindy Jackson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered why your fertility specialist tests both AMH and vitamin D? In this episode of "Knocked Up," Dr. Raelia Lew explains the relationship between these two crucial markers and why it matters for your fertility journey.

Plus, find out how vitamin D impacts male fertility too, and why this "low-hanging fruit" could be a game-changer for couples trying to conceive.

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 [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison

See 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 [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Violet Kieu

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Prof David Gardner

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Understanding Male Fertility: What You Need to Know
Did 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 topic you'd like us to cover? Email [email protected]. 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 Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.