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.
Environment
I established Bond Day Hospital to provide the optimum comfortable and supportive environment for fertility treatment. We offer a comprehensive range of services including consultations, ultrasounds, blood testing, sperm testing, fertility surgery, male reproductive surgery, IVF treatments and PGT genetic testing on embryos - all under one roof.
Lifestyle
I work closely with patients to create the optimal environment for achieving a successful pregnancy, often recommending lifestyle changes for both male and female partners.
To support this journey, I’ve assembled a highly skilled team.
Dr David Mann is an experienced dietician.
Sally Findlay provides essential psychological support.
Dr Clara Chu is a GP specialising in lifestyle medicine.
Endocrinology
I collaborate with Professor Steven Boyages, a highly experienced and well-respected endocrinologist, to support patients with hormone issues outside my primary expertise, including thyroid and pituitary disorders in both men and women.
Some patients require only require simple treatment to improve ovulation and to help with the timing of intercourse. I personally perform the ultrasound monitoring to ensure patients feel fully supported throughout the process.
Ovulation Treatment and Cycle Tracking
Sperm Testing
I have my own sperm testing laboratory at Minerva Fertility which can test for a full range of parameters including sperm DNA fragmentation, with same-day results. Various medical and surgical treatments are available to address sperm issues effectively.
Male Fertility Treatments
I have specialised expertise in medical and surgical treatments for male infertility. In addition, I collaborate with Dr Shannon Kim, a urologist with a focus on male fertility, to provide high-quality surgical options that are not available at Bond Day Hospital, such as TESE procedures for men with azoospermia or low sperm quality. I also collaborate with Dr Ross Calopedos, a urologist, who is highly skilled in treating erectile dysfunction.
Fertility Surgery
I perform fertility surgeries to treat endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine abnormalities and endometrial polyps. Procedures are carried out at Bond Day Hospital, with advanced laparoscopic surgeries offered at Norwest Private Hospital.
IVF treatment at Minerva Fertility
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 25+ years of experience at leading IVF clinics, offers a full range of IVF and ICSI-IVF treatments.
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.
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.
PGT Embryo 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. Embryos with uncertain fertilisation can be rescued. They harness artificial intelligence for more accurate interpretation of results.
Early Pregnancy Management
Patients who have experienced the grief of pregnancy loss, benefit from close supervision in the 1st trimester. Treatments and psychological support are given. Once patients are though the period of risk, they are seamlessly handed over to their obstetrician to manage the rest of the pregnancy.
Treatments not offered
Dr Lighten does not manage fertility treatment with donor eggs or donor sperm.
For more information on Dr Lighten’s services or to make an appointment, please email us at reception@antonylighten.com or call us on +61 2 8883 3200