FAQs

When should I see a fertility specialist?

For all couples, I advise seeking review immediately if a female partner has an irregular menstrual cycle. Otherwise, if you are under the age of 35, I advise you to seek help after 12 months of trying for a baby. If you are over 35, it's best to seek help earlier, after just 6 months of trying, as fertility declines with age. 

However, these are not hard and fast rules. If you’re concerned about your fertility at any point or either partner in a couple has an existing health condition that may affect fertility, I recommend seeking a specialist opinion as soon as possible.

How do I make an appointment?

Please call my rooms on (03) 8060 4275 to make an appointment. Online bookings will be available in the near future.

How do I get in touch?

You can call my rooms on (03) 8060 4275 or fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page to request a call-back at a time that's convenient for you. Alternatively, you can email your query to [email protected].

Where are your consulting locations?

I consult privately at Box Hill, Clayton and East Melbourne. Please see the contact page for addresses and Google Maps.

Do I need a referral?

Yes, you (and where relevant, your partner) will need to bring a referral letter from your GP or specialist to your first visit – unless the GP/specialist has already forwarded this to us by fax/email.

A referral is required in order for you to receive any applicable Medicare rebates for the consult. A GP referral is generally valid for 12 months from the initial date. A specialist referral is only valid for 3 months.

What can I expect on my first visit?

You can read about what to expect on your first visit here.

What should I bring with me to my first appointment?

• Patient registration form (download and complete this PDF; note: if you are attending a fertility consultation as a couple, please record your partner's details in the relevant section of the patient registration form)
• Your referral letter from your GP or specialist (a referral is required to receive any applicable Medicare rebates for the consult. GP referrals are generally valid for 12 months from the initial date; specialist referrals are valid for only 3 months)
• A copy of any test results/scans
• Your Medicare card
• Your private health insurance card (if applicable)
• A list of your current medications (including any vitamins, supplements or herbal medicines)
• A list of any medications you are allergic to
• A list of any questions you have

What kind of treatments do you provide?

The treatment options available to you will depend on the specifics of your condition.

If you have a gynaecological issue, suitable treatment may include medication and/or surgery. If you require surgery, I will take a minimally invasive (keyhole) approach where appropriate, to aid a faster and more comfortable recovery.

If you require fertility treatment, the options I present to you will depend on the cause of your fertility issues. Intervention may be as simple as ovulation induction or ovulation tracking. Other interventions include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) if required. I also offer more advanced IVF techniques such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and advanced sperm selection through my affiliated IVF clinic, Newlife IVF.

I can also provide assistance with egg freezing and provide guidance on donor-assisted conception (e.g. use of donor sperm) and surrogacy.

The full range of fertility treatments I can facilitate are outlined on the Newlife IVF website.

What non-IVF treatments are available for infertility?

It may surprise you but many couples that require help to conceive don't need IVF. Other forms of assistance include:

• Ovulation tracking and timed intercourse
• Ovulation induction
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
• Use of donor sperm for IUI.

Do you treat male infertility?

Yes, part of my fertility assessment includes testing both the female and male partner to understand the cause of infertility. The key test for the male partner is a semen analysis to assess sperm number and quality. This test can be performed at the Newlife IVF treatment centre in Box Hill, which is co-located with our specialist andrology laboratory.

If the fertility issue lies with the male partner, I can offer a range of treatment options depending on the exact problem (e.g. a structural issue preventing the sperm from getting to the female egg versus a problem with the shape or movement of the sperm). Treatment options may include:

• Waiting for sperm to recover after a recent systemic illness
• Hormonal medication
• Testicular sperm retrieval
• IVF with ICSI
• IVF with IMSI.

Can I freeze my eggs?

Yes, egg freezing is now a common and well-established procedure, whereby we collect, freeze and store your eggs, giving you the option of thawing and using these eggs in the future.

You may consider freezing your eggs if:

• you are not yet ready to have a baby (for personal or other reasons) but want to preserve your chances of starting a family in the future (particularly if age is a concern);
• you are about to undergo a medical treatment that may cause damage to your eggs or reproductive organs, such as chemotherapy or radiation to treat cancer.

I can facilitate egg freezing via Newlife IVF. More information is available on the Newlife IVF website.

Who is Newlife IVF?

Newlife IVF is a specialist fertility centre owned and operated by a group of six leading Victorian fertility specialists, including myself. As one of only a few independent IVF providers in Victoria, we pride ourselves on providing the very highest standards of fertility care and support whilst offering more affordable treatment options. We have designed every aspect of our practice with our patients’ needs in mind, with the aim of delivering a truly caring and well-supported experience as they journey with us to conception. 

Read more about Newlife IVF.

Can I drive after an operation or procedure?

This will depend on the type of surgery or procedure you have.

If your surgery or procedure requires you to have a general anaesthetic (e.g. laparoscopy, hysteroscopy), you should not drive for at least 24 hours afterwards, as this is how long it can take for the anaesthetic to wear off. You will need to ensure that someone else can drive you home after you leave hospital.

Further to this, if you undergo open surgery (i.e. not keyhole), you are generally advised not to drive for 6 weeks.

You should check with my receptionist or me prior to your procedure date, so we can provide advice specific to you.

How is Dr Sameer Jatkar different?

I pride myself on my compassion and attention to detail. But what really sets me apart is my knowledge base, which I have built up through my commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

My extensive qualifications include Masters degrees in Public Health (from Harvard University), Science (from the University of London), Reproductive Medicine and Clinical Embryology. I have also completed three years of a subspecialty clinical fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

By combining scientific rigour and person-centred care, I am able to 'bridge the science with the person'. This ensures that my clinical decisions are evidence-based yet highly personalised to your situation.

Does my private health insurance cover my consultation fees?

No. Private Health Insurance (hospital cover) usually comes into effect when you are admitted as an inpatient to a hospital. However, check with your health insurer if they may rebate a proportion of any other outpatient expenses you incur.

How can I pay for my appointment?

Consultation fees are payable on the day of your appointment. We accept cash, credit or debit card payments.

Will my medical records be kept private and confidential?

Yes, your personal and medical information is handled in strictest confidence, in accordance with current federal and state privacy laws.

We may use the information you provide for administrative purposes in running our medical practice, including billing and compliance with Medicare and Health Insurance Commission requirements.

Information may also be sent to other practitioners involved in your care, e.g. your GP. Only de-identified data is used for research, quality assurance or educational purposes.