Infertility & In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

I have a deep personal and professional interest in this area which dates from my mentoring by IVF pioneers in Melbourne and is now nurtured at Genea. Those experiencing fertility difficulties deserve special consideration and support in striving to attain their goal of a successful pregnancy.

I provide comprehensive infertility services including initial fertility assessment of both partners, cycle monitoring, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, management of endometriosis and polycystic ovaries, and IVF and associated services. These associated services include Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), egg freezing, sperm banking, the pursual of egg donation or surrogacy options, and referral to Genea support services including counselling, the Genea Miscarriage Management and Mind Your Own Body programs.

Treatment is individually tailored, and personally managed.

Laparoscopic Surgery

I have been greatly involved in this area since advanced laparoscopic surgery was first introduced in Australia, both as a founding member of the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy Society and as one half of a two-surgeon team with my husband Dr Geoffrey Reid. I remain keen to provide my patients with the proven benefits of surgery performed by this “keyhole” or minimally invasive approach which can be performed as day or short stay surgery, a major interest of mine for more than two decades.

Operations performed laparoscopically include removal of endometriosis and other reproductive or fertility-enhancing surgery, removal of ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, hysterectomy, removal of ovaries and tubes and division of adhesions or scar tissue. Together with hysteroscopic (intrauterine) surgery, laparoscopic surgery is central to my practice.

Hysteroscopic Surgery

The techniques of intrauterine surgery have particularly appealed to me ever since the technology was first introduced in Australia. My fascination dates from a photographic lecture given by a Belgian pioneer at a Fertility Society of Australia meeting in Canberra in the late 1980s. Dr Reid and I subsequently travelled to Antwerp to learn more.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is the gold standard for investigation of abnormal bleeding – for example heavy periods – and bleeding after menopause, as well as forming a part of infertility investigations.

Operative hysteroscopy enables removal of fibroids and polyps, division of scar tissue and reconstruction of abnormal uterine shape, and it provides many women with an alternative to hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).

Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy may be performed together in certain situations.

Colposcopy

I am able to offer my patients colposcopy for assessment of abnormal smears at benchmark medicalTM in Martin Place, and in Bowral at my clinic at the Southern Highlands Private Hospital. It is important that you advise my staff when booking if this investigation is required. Treatments such as laser would be carried out if required following review of test results received from the colposcopy, and are mostly undertaken in a day surgery setting.

General Gynaecology

I offer consultation and examination for general gynaecological problems – including adolescent and mid-life women’s health issues – as well as routine screening.

Services NOT Offered

Obstetrics

I am a fully qualified obstetrician, having delivered babies over a decade in Melbourne, the UK and NSW. While I immensely enjoyed this privilege, my practice has since evolved to concentrate on the specialised gynaecological interests of endoscopic surgery and fertility. For a list of suggested obstetricians to whom I refer patients along with the hospitals at which they deliver, please see Associate Practitioners.

Pelvic Floor Surgery & Incontinence Surgery

I increasingly advise referral elsewhere for specialised laparoscopic pelvic floor repair for prolapse (see Associate Practitioners), though am willing to undertake an initial consultation and assessment.

Oncology & Cancer Surgery

This is traditionally a highly specialised area. I would refer my patients to certified sub-specialists in this field. For further information see Associate Practitioners.