Getting Started

Everyone deserves to experience
the joys of parenthood

We’ve tried to make the family-building process as simple as possible. But there are some important steps along the way.
Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Getting Started

The first step is to book an initial consultation with one of our accredited specialists. You’ll need a General Practitioner (GP) referral to do this.
You may be able to claim some of the consultation cost back through Medicare. To make things easier, you can download a Referral Form and hand it to your GP to fill out.

2. Medical Consultation

During your appointment with a Rainbow Fertility specialist, they will get to know you better and discuss potential treatment options. You (and your partner if you have one) will be asked questions about your circumstances, known medical conditions and any previous attempts to conceive.
Following your initial consultation, you’ll have a clear understanding of the process and the approach best suited to your needs. We’ll also discuss any diagnostic tests we may need to carry out.

3. Pathology Collection

You and any person involved in the conception must have a series of blood tests. Before starting treatment, these are required as part of the routine screening process, and the results will be forwarded to your specialist.

4. Counselling

Couples/individuals who are considering using donated sperm (and their partners, if applicable) must attend a counselling session.  Counselling provides the opportunity to discuss treatment more personally, considering the emotional responsibilities of all parties involved.  It also enables patients to raise more private issues, such as individual concerns, relationship difficulties, or current life situations that may affect their treatment experience. If you already have children, they may be invited to attend.
After the first session, there’s a "cooling off" period of at least 14 days, giving you time to reflect on what was discussed and all aspects of the donation program. Before attending a second session, you’ll be asked if you wish to proceed with treatment.

5. Fertility Coordinator Information Session

If you’ve decided to go ahead, you’ll meet with a fertility coordinator, who’ll discuss your treatment plan devised by your treating specialist. They’ll take you through any necessary medications and possible side effects and discuss the day-to-day requirements of your treatment cycle. Consent forms are also provided for you and any partner to fill in and sign.

6. Final Review

Before treatment can begin, the specialist and the fertility coordinator will carry out a final review of counselling reports, blood tests and consent forms to ensure everything is ready.

7. Prepare for Treatment

Whichever plan you choose, a healthy lifestyle is recommended before and during treatment to maximise your chances of success.  You’ll be advised to stop smoking and restrict your alcohol consumption. You’ll also be advised on exercise and diet, usually recommending a healthy, balanced diet with adequate protein and carbohydrates.

8. When you are Ready, Treatment Begins

To request an appointment
At Rainbow Fertility, our specialists have extensive experience in helping create LGBTI+ families. Feel free to contact our friendly team to learn more about the fertility treatment options available to you.
your dream, our passion
Please note:
  • The order and/or the number of these steps/requirements may vary depending on your circumstances.
  • As of 4 June 2020, people wishing to have assisted reproductive treatment in Victoria are no longer required to undergo a criminal records check and child protection order check. For further information, please visit our page Legislative Requirements—Victoria.
  • All treatment procedures are carried out at City Fertility in our RTAC (Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee) accredited fertility clinics, where gametes (eggs/sperm) and embryos are stored.
 
Rainbow Fertility has a responsibility to provide Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) based on relevant state or federal laws and guidelines. All individuals/couples are encouraged to obtain their own legal advice regarding the relevant legislation applying to their circumstances.