Achieving successful fertility treatment with minimal procedures and the least amount of stress requires meticulous preparation and planning. Over decades, I have refined a system designed specifically to accomplish this for my patients.
All aspects of your fertility care, including procedures and surgery, are located under one roof.
My consulting rooms, Minerva Fertility and Bond Day Hospital are co-located, enabling streamlined appointments, rapid access to testing and treatment and seamless continuity of care from your first consultation through to early pregnancy support.
Fertility Consultation
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 & Pelvic Ultrasound
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.
Fertility Surgery
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.
Fertility Treatments & IVF
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.
Genetic Testing
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.
Our IVF Laboratory
Time Lapse Embryo Culture
The IVF laboratory uses, as standard treatment in all patients, undisturbed continuous embryo culture combined with time-lapse photography (Vitrolife EmbryoScope+). On top of this we use artificial intelligence software to assist with embryo grading and selection.
RI Witness Laboratory Monitoring System
Patients can be reassured that Dr Lighten uses the RI Witness system with Radio Frequency Indentification, to detect and monitor all activity in the IVF laboratory. The system helps mitigate the risk of human error every time samples are move from one dish or tube to another in the IVF cycle.
Advanced Embryo Culture Media
The laboratory uses the latest advanced culture media containing anti-oxidants. Embryo glue is standard for all fresh embryo transfers. An alternative culture system using the growth factor Gm-CSF is available for patients with poor embryo progression. My research 30 years ago was into the effect of Growth Factors so I have a particular interest in this exciting development.
Leveraging my extensive laboratory experience and consulting with international experts,
I established Minerva Fertility, a state-of-the-art IVF laboratory located at Bond Day Hospital.
Our team of highly qualified embryologists, each with 30+ years of experience, offers a full range of treatments. Our IVF Laboratory features:
Clean Air
The IVF laboratory is equipped with the highest specification of clean air, airflow, and temperature control systems. It even features a "submarine mode" to protect against air contamination during events like burn-offs and bushfires.
Sperm Preparation
The IVF laboratory selects the most appropriate sperm preparation based on the sperm testing.
Our standard preparation uses a Zymot device. This utilises microfluidics to eliminate sperm with DNA fragmentation, achieving better pregnancy rates, and reduced risk of miscarriage.
In patients with very low concentrations and motility, not suitable for Zymot, we use a more standard density gradient, SpermGrad containing a media with silica particles.
Male Fertility & Sperm Testing
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.
Lifestyle & Holistic Support
Early Pregnancy Management
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.
Treatments not offered
At this time, I do not provide fertility treatment using donor eggs, donor sperm or surrogacy.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
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