Every person that comes to see me, comes with their own story, hopes and dreams. For that reason, every treatment is unique.

Dr Antony Lighten Photo

I’m a fertility specialist and reproductive surgeon based in Bella Vista, Sydney.

I strive for my patients to achieve either a quicker path to a successful pregnancy, or alternatively faster and clearer resolution if treatment proves to be unsuccessful.

With cutting-edge technology and a supportive environment, I empower my patients to achieve their dreams of starting or expanding their families.

My Services

All aspects of your fertility care, including procedures and surgery, are located under one roof in Bella Vista, Sydney.

  • Whether you are just beginning your fertility journey or have already been through months or even years of treatment without success, your first consultation is an important step toward understanding why conception has been difficult and what we can do about it.

    Our appointment is focused on fact-finding and building a clear picture of your unique situation. I ask that you come with an open mind, as identifying the root cause is essential to developing an effective, personalised treatment plan.

  • Diagnostic testing helps identify the underlying causes of infertility so we can create the most effective treatment plan. For women, this may include blood tests to assess hormone levels and ovarian reserve, pelvic ultrasound, and specialised imaging to check whether the fallopian tubes are open. For men, testing often involves semen analysis and may include sperm DNA fragmentation and hormone testing. These investigations provide clarity and direction, allowing us to tailor treatment to your individual needs.

    In some cases, specialised endocrine assessment may be required. I collaborate with Professor Steven Boyages, a leading endocrinologist, to manage complex hormonal conditions such as thyroid and pituitary disorders that can affect fertility. This ensures patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care when specialist expertise is needed.

  • I provide a range of specialised fertility surgeries designed to treat conditions that can affect the ability to conceive, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine abnormalities and endometrial polyps.

    Procedures are performed at Bond Day Hospital, with access to advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery at Norwest Private Hospital for more complex cases. My focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome with the least disruption, using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.

  • Ovulation Treatment & Cycle Tracking
    Some patients require only simple treatment to improve ovulation and optimise the timing of intercourse. I personally perform ultrasound monitoring to ensure patients feel supported throughout treatment.

    Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
    IUI is a treatment option for patients with difficulty achieving functional intercourse, mild male factor infertility, or endometriosis. Sperm is concentrated and placed directly into the uterus, timed with ovulation. IUI can be performed in a natural cycle or with medication such as Letrozole or FSH.

    In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
    IVF is a highly effective fertility treatment that involves combining eggs and sperm in our state-of-the-art IVF laboratory to create embryos. Once embryos have developed, they can either be transferred untested in the same IVF cycle (fresh embryo transfer) or biopsied for pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) and frozen for transfer in a subsequent cycle.

    Before a fresh embryo transfer, one embryo is carefully selected and transferred back into the uterus. We use artificial intelligence (AI) to rank the embryos and give the best chance of success of a pregnancy per embryo transfer.

    Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection- IVF (ICSI-IVF)
    ICSI-IVF is an advanced form of IVF often used when male-factor fertility issues are present, such as very low sperm count, reduced sperm movement or shape or previous unsuccessful fertilisation in standard IVF.

    With ICSI, our highly skilled embryologist injects a single healthy sperm directly into an egg using microscopic precision. This maximises the likelihood of fertilisation where sperm may otherwise struggle to penetrate the egg on their own. The resulting embryos are then monitored closely and transferred in the same way as standard IVF.

    ICSI-IVF provides an excellent option for couples who require additional support during fertilisation, ensuring every viable egg has the best chance to fertilise and develop into an embryo.

  • I have partnered with Cooper Genomics, the world’s biggest and most advanced provider of IVF genetic testing, making embryo testing including PGT-A (chromosome testing), PFT-SR (translocations) and PGT-M (single gene defect testing) available to all patients.

    Cooper Genomics uses patented molecular processes not available to other genetic testing laboratories. They harness artificial intelligence for more accurate interpretation of results.

    In addition, embryos with uncertain fertilisation, which would be discarded by other clinics, can also be rescued by confirming a normal complement of chromosomes from both parents.

  • I have specialised expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, offering both medical and surgical solutions. My on-site sperm testing laboratory enables comprehensive assessment, including advanced sperm DNA fragmentation testing, with same-day results available for rapid, informed treatment planning.

    I collaborate with leading urologists to provide highly specialised care when needed. I work with Dr Shannon Kim, focusing on advanced surgical options such as TESE for men with azoospermia or severely impaired sperm quality and with Dr Ross Calopedos, who provides expert treatment for erectile dysfunction and related disorders. This multidisciplinary approach ensures tailored treatment for even the most complex cases.

  • Optimising overall general health plays a crucial role in successful conception. I work closely with patients to create the best possible environment for pregnancy and may recommend lifestyle modifications for both partners.

    I collaborate with a skilled multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support:

    Dr David Mann is an experienced dietitian supporting nutrition and metabolic health.

    Sally Findley offers specialised psychological support to help navigate the emotional challenges of fertility treatment.

    Dr Clara Chu is a GP specialising in lifestyle medicine, working with patients to make meaningful changes that promote reproductive health and overall wellness.

    Together, we aim to provide a supportive, holistic framework that enhances every step of your fertility journey.

  • For patients who have experienced the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, early pregnancy can be an anxious and emotionally difficult time. I understand this from firsthand experience. I provide close monitoring and personalised care throughout the first trimester, offering both medical treatment and psychological support when needed. My focus is to guide you safely through this period of increased vulnerability, ensuring you feel informed, supported and reassured every step of the way. Once the pregnancy progresses beyond the highest-risk stage, I will seamlessly transition your care to your obstetrician to continue the journey toward a healthy birth.

My own personal journey as a fertility patient, inspired me to embark on a mission to establish my own world-class fertility clinic and day hospital.

Drawing upon three decades of experience, I surrounded myself with the finest professionals in the field, both in Australia and overseas, to bring this vision to life.

Together, we collaborated to create Minerva Fertility, setting a new benchmark for IVF laboratories and Bond Day Hospital, a state-of-the-art day surgery.

Appointments

Our initial appointment is focused on fact-finding and building a clear picture of your unique situation. I ask that you come with an open mind, as identifying the root cause is essential to developing an effective, personalised treatment plan.

Initial Appointment fee is $535

  • Follow-up Appointment fee is $410

  • Diagnostic Pelvic Ultrasound and Pregnancy Ultrasound Examinations fee is $150. This fee is additional to your appointment fee.

The following is for a guide only.
You will receive a detailed quote with a breakdown of costs for any specific treatment required.

IVF & IUI Treatments

Fees include the Fertility Specialist Fees and Minerva Fertility laboratory fees.
Excludes Bond Day Hospital, Anaesthetist Fees (if required) and Medication/Drugs. Health fund rebates may apply.

 
Treatment Total Fee Out-of-Pocket after Medicare
IUI $3,600 $2,811.05
Standard IVF $13,255 $7,171.20
ICSI-IVF $14,400 $7,769.40
IVF with Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) including first embroyo transfer $16,635 (includes testing of 3 embryos) $10,648.50
PGT-A additional embryos $700 per embryo $700 per embryo

Since I opened Minerva Fertility in February 2024:

47% of patients have achieved a live birth with an embryo from their 1st IVF stimulation cycle. 

30% of patients who had been unsuccessful elsewhere, have achieved a live birth with IVF.

My approach to IVF is different to most other clinics. I’ll explain how and why.

I focus on providing patients with a more streamlined and supportive experience, offering either a quicker path to a successful pregnancy or alternatively, a faster, clearer resolution if treatment proves unsuccessful due to factors like poor-quality eggs or embryos. This approach empowers patients with clarity and allows for informed decisions about their fertility journey. It is often more cost effective.

IVF success rates are best shown as live birth rates, allowing apple versus apple comparisons between clinics.

Minerva Fertility, my own laboratory, started treating patients in February 2024. The graphs show live birth rates but the numbers do not yet allow detailed analysis by age group.

View IVF Success Data

Verified Patient Reviews

For more information on Dr Lighten’s services or to make an appointment, please complete the form or call us on +61 2 8883 3200