The IVF Journey with Dr Michael Chapman

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why a healthy diet and folic acid matter and why most advertised supplements don’t improve egg or sperm quality despite bold claims online. He also discusses when donor sperm or donor eggs become a practical next step in fertility treatment, outlining the medical realities, key decision points, and how specialists support patients through what can be an emoti...

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why extensive immune testing in IVF almost always finds something “abnormal” and why that doesn’t mean treatment will help. He breaks down the science behind immune markers, the lack of proven benefit from immune therapies, and how patients can be misled by results that sound concerning but change nothing clinically. Explore the ‘Prof. Michael Chapman &...

In this episode, Prof Chapman draws on nearly 40 years of IVF experience to unpack the growing use of so-called IVF “add-ons” or adjuvants. He explains why many treatments offered after failed cycles—such as CoQ10, DHEA, and testosterone—are not supported by strong scientific evidence, despite their popularity. Prof Chapman also clarifies real IVF success rates over multiple cycles, challenges mis...

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains when surgery for endometriosis can improve IVF success and when it may risk reducing ovarian reserve. He unpacks the differences between mild and severe disease, why embryos are often created and frozen before surgery, and how adenomyosis, fibroids, and polyps can affect implantation and miscarriage risk. Prof Chapman also addresses common myths around IVF me...

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how IVF protocols are adjusted for women with PCOS, why PCOS patients often respond well to IVF, and how modern stimulation and antagonist protocols have significantly reduced the risks of OHSS. He also discusses when it’s worth optimizing health before treatment, why many women with PCOS may not need IVF at all, and what makes embryo transfers slightly more...

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how advances in embryo freezing—particularly vitrification—have transformed IVF outcomes, making frozen embryo transfers just as successful as fresh transfers in many cases. He walks through the pros and cons of fresh versus frozen cycles, the original and current reasons for “freeze-all” strategies, and why factors like hormone levels, uterine environment, O...

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why implantation failure can happen even in “healthy” patients—starting with the reality that it’s common in nature too. He shares that embryo genetics are a major cause, why PGT can improve success per transfer, and what doctors check next in repeat failures (uterine shape issues, chronic endometritis, key blood tests, and certain medical conditions). He als...

In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the science behind endometrial receptivity—how the uterine lining changes after ovulation, what the “window of implantation” really means, and why timing is only one piece of the puzzle. He explains how tests like the ERA work, why a large trial found no improvement in pregnancy rates despite the cost, and why results can vary from one cycle to the next. Prof...

In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the science — and the uncertainty — surrounding DHEA supplements in IVF. He explains what DHEA actually does, why androgens matter for egg development, and why older women may consider it despite mixed evidence. With practical insights, clinical experience, and a candid look at the research, he offers clear guidance on when DHEA might help, when it likely won’...

In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the science behind embryo selection—what truly improves outcomes, what’s more hype than help, and why some tools may need pharmaceutical-level regulation. He explains how genetic testing compares to AI-driven selection, why non-invasive methods still fall short, and the critical role of trained embryologists in guiding success. This conversation offers a clear...

In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down what personalized medicine truly means in the world of fertility care. He explains why tailored treatment—not “one-size-fits-all” protocols—is essential for giving patients the best chance of success. From thorough history-taking and detailed diagnostic tests, to choosing the right medications, addressing conditions like endometriosis, and avoiding unneces...

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how modern genetic testing of embryos is dramatically improving IVF outcomes, even for patients in their mid-40s. He shares two remarkable recent cases of 44-year-old women who each produced a single embryo—both genetically normal—leading to unexpectedly high chances of pregnancy. Prof Chapman also breaks down the evolving science behind embryo screening, why...

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains how embryo genetic testing has evolved over 25 years—from basic chromosome counting to today’s highly accurate methods—and what that means for IVF success rates. He breaks down the true benefits, the financial considerations, the challenges posed by mosaic embryos, and why age plays such a crucial role in deciding whether testing is worthwhile. Explore the &#...

In this episode, Prof Chapman explores how modern medicine approaches male infertility—from identifying when genetic limitations make treatment impossible, to boosting hormone signals with medications like Clomiphene, to using direct testicular stimulation. He also explains surgical sperm retrieval for men with no sperm in the ejaculate and highlights how ICSI has transformed outcomes, allowing ev...

In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down the key investigations behind male infertility—from assessing testicular size to detecting varicose veins and understanding why temperature plays such a crucial role in healthy sperm production. He also explains how ultrasounds, hormone tests, and genetic screening help pinpoint the root causes and guide the next steps toward effective treatment. Explore t...

In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down how sperm are made—using a relatable “factory floor” analogy to explain the 90-day production process, the brain’s role as the “foreman,” and the key hormones that signal healthy spermatogenesis. He also highlights common disruptors such as stress, tumors, and especially gym supplements that can shut down sperm production in men under 30. A clear, practica...

In this episode, Prof Chapman discusses the often-overlooked topic of male infertility — a challenge that affects many couples but is rarely addressed with the sensitivity it deserves. He explores the psychological impact on men, debunks common myths about sperm count and masculinity, and explains what sperm quality really means. From understanding sperm concentration, motility, and morphology to...

In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks the real science behind artificial wombs and lab-grown eggs — and why these breakthroughs are still years away from mainstream fertility clinics. He also discusses when pre-genetic testing truly makes sense, who benefits most, and how it helps couples avoid the heartbreak of failed cycles and miscarriages. Explore the ‘Prof. Michael Chapman – The I...

In this episode, Prof Chapman unpacks one of the most common fertility questions: “What can I take to improve my egg quality?” He shares the hard truth about lifestyle factors, the limits of supplements, and why scientific evidence still lags behind online claims. From DHEAS to CoQ10, Prof Chapman separates hopeful theory from proven fact—offering clear guidance for anyone navigating fertility tre...

In this episode, Prof Chapman reflects on the most remarkable breakthrough in his decades-long career — the introduction of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the early 1990s. He explains how this single innovation revolutionised treatment for men with low or even absent sperm counts, making fatherhood possible where it once seemed impossible. Prof Chapman also traces the evolution of IVF...

In this episode, Prof Chapman talks about what happens when IVF doesn’t work — from understanding the reasons behind failed cycles to exploring next-step options like egg or sperm donation. He also shares his clinic’s success rates for women over 30, how remote and overseas patients can access treatment, and the vital role of counseling and emotional support throughout the IVF journey. Explore the...

In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a listener’s question about antiphospholipid syndrome (APAS) and how it can affect IVF outcomes. He explains how immune-related conditions increase miscarriage risk, and why treatments like heparin and steroids can improve success rates when properly managed. Prof Chapman also shares valuable insights on what to do after a failed IVF cycle—when to change proto...

In this episode, Prof Chapman answers viewer Jen’s two big questions about IVF costs — what happens financially if your first cycle fails, and what hidden or unexpected fees to look out for. He explains why most clinics don’t offer discounts for additional cycles, breaks down the true cost structure behind IVF treatments, and shares practical advice on what to ask before you start so you know exac...

In this episode, Prof Chapman marks a remarkable milestone — the 500th episode of his fertility podcast. Reflecting on decades of helping couples conceive, he shares insights into one of the most common yet misunderstood fertility conditions: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Prof Chapman explains the hormonal imbalances behind PCOS, how medications like Clomiphene and Letrozole can restore ovul...

In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why Australia ranks among the top three countries globally for IVF use — not because of higher infertility rates, but because of its unique Medicare support and ethical framework. He discusses how affordability and access have shaped fertility care, the impact of conditions like undescended testicles on sperm health, and the ethical challenges of doctors reco...