Pregnancy & Fertility Support in Brunswick
Planning a Family?
Family planning is not just about deciding whether you want children, or how many.
It is also about understanding your health, timing, fertility, and the different pathways that may help you get there.
You might be thinking about pregnancy soon, trying to conceive or considering IVF.
You might also be feeling frustrated, worried or quietly heartbroken because things have not happened as quickly as you hoped.
Wherever you are in the process, you do not have to work it out alone.
At Brunswick Doctors, you can book a GP appointment to talk through pregnancy planning, fertility checks, IVF referrals, early pregnancy care, miscarriage support and GP shared care.
Starting With a GP Conversation
Many people are taught how to avoid pregnancy, but never really taught how conception works.
You might not know when your fertile window is, how long it usually takes to conceive, or what tests are worth doing before you start trying.
You might also have questions about age, miscarriage, sperm testing, IVF, egg freezing or whether your cycle is “normal”.
A GP appointment can be a good first step. This is not about creating pressure. It is about helping you understand your options earlier, so you can make decisions with more information and less guesswork.
What Can I Book For?
You can book a pregnancy planning or fertility appointment to discuss:
Pre-conception health checks
Trying to conceive
Fertility checks and blood tests
Ovulation and cycle concerns
Semen analysis or sperm testing referrals
IVF pathways or fertility specialist referrals
Egg freezing and fertility preservation
Same-sex couple family planning
Miscarriage and pregnancy loss support
How Long Should It Take to Conceive?
It is very normal for pregnancy not to happen straight away.
For many couples, it can take several months of trying. Healthdirect describes infertility as pregnancy not occurring after 12 months of regular unprotected sex. It also recommends speaking with a doctor after 12 months of trying if you are under 35, or after 6 months if you are over 35.
If you have concerns such as irregular periods, PCOS, endometriosis, testicular problems or other known health issues, It is also worth seeking advice earlier to maximise your chance of getting pregnant.
If you have been trying for a while and still not conceiving, it can feel incredibly frustrating.
You are not overreacting. If something is worrying you, it is okay to ask for help.
Fertility and Age
Age is one of the reasons many people choose to talk with a GP before they feel “ready” for pregnancy.
Fertility generally starts to decline in the early 30s and the decline becomes faster after 35. Better Health Channel notes that by age 40, the chance of pregnancy in any monthly cycle is around 5%.
That does not mean everyone over 35 will struggle, and it does not mean pregnancy is impossible after 40. It simply means time can matter, and understanding your situation earlier may help you plan your next steps.
This is especially important if you know you want children but are not ready yet, or have a history of irregular periods, endometriosis or PCOS, or would like more than one child in the future.
Fertility Checks
Fertility problems can involve either partner. Although fertility testing does not give every answer, it can help identify factors that may affect your chances of conceiving or carrying a pregnancy.
If you are planning pregnancy with a partner, it can be helpful for both people to be part of the conversation where possible.
A semen analysis can check sperm count, movement and shape, and if neccesary, AMH testing may be arranged to provide an estimate of the quantity of remaining eggs in your ovaries.
A Note About AMH and “Egg Count” Testing
AMH testing is sometimes described as an “egg count” or ovarian reserve test.
AMH can be useful in certain situations, especially when planning IVF or fertility treatment. However, it does not tell the whole story. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby notes that low AMH does not always mean low fertility, especially in younger people, and AMH does not tell you about egg quality.
Your GP can help you understand whether AMH testing is useful for your situation and how to interpret results in context.
IVF and Fertility Specialist Referrals
IVF can be an important option for many people. Your GP can also help you think through which referral pathway may suit your situation, whether you are trying naturally, considering IVF, exploring donor conception, or seeking a second opinion.
IVF and Family Planning for Same-Sex Couples
Family planning looks different for different families.
Same-sex couples, LGBTQIA+ patients and solo parents by choice may wish to discuss donor sperm, donor eggs, IVF, IUI, reciprocal IVF, surrogacy or fertility clinic referral options.
Brunswick Doctors is an LGBTQIA+ friendly clinic. If you are not sure where to begin, our GPs can be a helpful starting point for discussing your goals, arranging initial tests, and referring you to a fertility clinic or specialist where appropriate.
Egg Freezing and Fertility Preservation
Some people know they want children one day, but not right now.
If that sounds like you, you may wish to talk with a GP about fertility preservation, including egg freezing.
This can be especially relevant if you are delaying pregnancy, have a medical condition that may affect fertility, or are considering cancer treatment.
Egg freezing does not guarantee a future baby, but for some people, it may provide more options later.
Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss Support
Miscarriage can be physically and emotionally difficult, whether it happens early, later, once, or more than once.
Some people feel grief, guilt, numbness or angry.
Others feel pressure to “move on” before they are ready.
There is no single right way to feel after pregnancy loss.
Our GPs can help with miscarriage counselling, medical follow-up and planning for a future pregnancy. If you would like extra support, your GP can also discuss psychology referrals or a Mental Health Treatment Plan where appropriate.
Support services are available for people who have experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss,
including Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436.
Pregnancy Planning and Pre-Conception Health
If you are thinking about pregnancy, a pre-conception appointment can help you prepare before you start trying.
Your GP may discuss:
Your medical history
Current medications and whether they are safe in pregnancy
Folic acid and iodine
Vaccination history
Rubella and varicella immunity
Iron, thyroid or vitamin levels where relevant
Genetic carrier screening options
Alcohol, smoking and lifestyle factors
Previous pregnancy complications
Fertility concerns
When to seek help if conception is taking time
You do not need to have every detail planned before booking.
A GP can help you work out what matters for your situation.
Early Pregnancy Care
If you have recently found out you are pregnant, our GP can help with early pregnancy care.
Do I Need a Longer Appointment?
Yes, we recommend booking a longer appointment for pregnancy planning, fertility concerns, IVF referrals, miscarriage support or GP shared care.
These appointments often involve more detailed discussion, medical history, test planning and referral options. Booking a longer appointment gives you and your GP enough time to talk properly without feeling rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a GP arrange fertility testing?
Yes. Depending on your situation, your GP may arrange blood tests, STI screening, pelvic ultrasound, semen analysis referral or referral to a fertility specialist.
Can my partner get sperm testing through a GP?
Yes. Your GP can discuss semen analysis or sperm testing referrals. Fertility concerns can involve either partner, so it is often helpful to assess both sides where relevant.
When should I see a doctor if I am not getting pregnant?
Healthdirect recommends speaking with a doctor after 12 months of trying if you are under 35, or after 6 months if you are over 35. You should seek advice earlier if you have irregular periods, PCOS, endometriosis, testicular concerns, previous pelvic surgery, recurrent miscarriage or another known health issue.
Can a GP refer me for IVF?
Yes. Your GP can discuss your situation, arrange relevant initial tests and provide a referral to a fertility specialist or IVF clinic where appropriate.
Can same-sex couples book for fertility or IVF referral advice?
Yes. Same-sex couples are welcome to book an appointment to discuss family planning, donor conception, IVF options and referral pathways.
Brunswick Doctors is an LGBTQIA+ friendly clinic, where you can discuss your options in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space.
Can I talk to a GP about egg freezing?
Yes. If you are not ready for children but want to understand your fertility preservation options, your GP can discuss egg freezing and refer you to a fertility specialist if appropriate.
Can I book after a miscarriage?
Yes. You can book a GP appointment after miscarriage for medical follow-up, emotional support, future pregnancy planning, blood tests, ultrasound referral or counselling options.
Can new patients book pregnancy planning or fertility appointments?
Yes. New patients are welcome to book pregnancy planning, fertility and GP shared care appointments at Brunswick Doctors.
Please book a longer appointment so your GP has enough time to understand your situation.
Ready to Book?
Family planning can bring up a lot of questions, and sometimes a lot of emotion too.
Whether you are just starting to think about pregnancy, have been trying for a while, are considering IVF or egg freezing, or are looking for support after pregnancy loss, we are here to help you take the next step.
Book online, or call our reception team if you are unsure which appointment type to choose!