Melbourne IVF and Reproductive Services at the Women’s Hospital care for a diverse population of patients with a wide range of fertility-related concerns. Accordingly, we place a significant focus on research to facilitate and improve fertility outcomes for our patients. The full range of research activities at Reproductive Services at Women’s and at Melbourne IVF reflects clinical, laboratory and psychosocial research interests in our unit.
The calibre of our research is reflected by the international recognition it receives, and also in the enthusiasm our team for continuing to embrace the challenges of research in reproductive medicine. The combination of highly regarded specialist clinicians and scientists, with a strong, capable, well-staffed and motivated research department, ensures that we will continue to produce important research at Reproductive Services and Melbourne IVF.
Embryo Selection:
Our Scientific Director Dr David Edgar and his team are continuing to focus on how to identify and select embryos with the best implantation potential, and this important work has enormous practical implications, as well as the potential to improve our results with single embryo transfer.
Fertility Preservation:
We are also focusing on investigator-initiated and led projects. Dr Kate Stern leads an active research program, both clinical and scientific, in the important area of fertility preservation. Dr Deb Gook has also contributed in this area. The research focuses on measures to help protect ovarian function during chemotherapy or other gonadotoxic therapies, and also on ways to preserve mature oocytes or ovarian tissue prior to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.
PCOS:
Our long standing research program in the endocrine and metabolic field of research concentrates on improving the gynaecological, reproductive and general health for women with PCOS. The program particularly focuses on the development of permanent lifestyle changes for patients with endocrine metabolic disorders. Increasingly we have a psychosocial research focus also in this area.
The Big Girls Group (BGG) facilitates this research. It is a four-month weight management and lifestyle modification program for women requiring either fertility treatment, regulation of menstruation or weight loss (particularly in women with PCOS). The program entails weekly educational sessions focusing on fertility issues and gynaecological health, nutrition, lifestyle, psychological issues and personal development. One hour of exercise, twice a week for the duration of the program is also obligatory. A decade of the results from the program show lifestyle modification is an effective approach, and should be considered as the first line treatment for overweight women with infertility associated with PCOS.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis:
Dr Leeanda Wilton and Dr John McBain also continue to drive our PGD research and ensure that we are at the forefront, particularly with the emergence of new technologies.
Andrology:
Professor Gordon Baker’s enormous contribution to both Andrology and clinical research, and his tireless mentoring and advice to junior researchers, provides the backbone of our research. Professor Baker and Dr John McBain both drive our clinical and epidemiological research endeavours.
Psychosocial Research:
The acknowledgement of the importance of psychosocial research has been associated with the appointment of two new counsellors with specific research experience and enthusiasm.
Clinical Trials:
Collaboration in clinical trials driven by two major drug suppliers, Schering-Plough and Merck Serono, ensures that the latest international and scientific technologies can be evaluated and implemented to improve the care of all patients. It is well-known that through participation in strictly controlled clinical trials there is benefit for those taking part as well as an accumulation of knowledge by those providing the treatment. Our involvement in these trials has also positioned Melbourne IVF as an important contributor to the worldwide literature on innovative and exciting advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies.
The culture of commitment to research is permeating Reproductive Services and Melbourne IVF with increasing enthusiasm from every department to become involved in research activities.