Frequently asked questions (FAQ's) with clear answers
For employers
Unlike traditional face-to-face care which often focuses solely on immediate concerns around conception, our specialist General practitioners take a holistic approach to reproductive health. We look at the complete picture of reproductive health from hormone levels and fertility markers to nutrition, lifestyle factors and future planning options.
Our digital platform allows you to access extra support through CREI fertility specialists, customised testing and personalised guidance without multiple referrals or repeat visits. Instead of fitting into office hours, members can connect with our team at a time that work for them.
We handle all the coordination and implementation, making it easy for your HR team to add Celery’s reproductive support without disrupting existing systems. Celery provides members with records of their support sessions and results for easy integration with existing providers.
Likewise, the Celery team members may request medical records from employees’ current and previous providers.
As a healthcare provider, patient confidentiality is a priority. Our platform provides secure, discrete access to resources and support with enterprise-grade encryption and strict access controls. We never share patient information with third parties. For more information on how we manage sensitive health data, please review our Privacy Policy.
Yes! Our programs support diverse family planning paths, including natural conception, IVF, egg freezing, solo parenthood, LGBTQIA+ family building, and menopause support.
Not at the moment. Celery’s fertility benefits can be tailored to integrate with existing corporate health plans. If you’re a benefits provider interested in adding comprehensive reproductive care to your organisations packages or contact us to book a consultation.
Ovary and egg assessments
It is not possible to completely test fertility. Some say the best way to test fertility is to try to fall pregnant! However that’s not a practical option for many people.
One of the most common fertility tests talked about for women and birthing parents is AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone). However, this doesn’t provide an entirely accurate picture. Celery’s fertility assessments for women and birthing parents takes a whole-body approach that may include:
- A tailored-for-you blood panel that checks for various hormones, STI’s, vitamin levels and other important markers
- Pelvic ultrasound imaging to evaluate your ovaries and ovarian reserve
- Reproductive history evaluation, including menstrual cycle patterns, previous pregnancies, and medical history
- Lifestyle assessment that examines factors like nutrition, exercise, stress levels and environmental exposure
This holistic perspective provides us with the 360 degree view we need to develop personalised fertility pathways
No not necessarily. While some clients will require a more complete blood panel, many cases may only require a specific set of hormone tests. Your Celery specialist general practitioner will consider a bespoke blood panel according to your specific concerns and goals, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed choice.
In preparation, we recommend most blood tests are taken at a specific time early in your cycle. Some are required slightly later at Day 21 of your cycle. Once your Celery doctor has provided you with a customised blood referral, you will receive all the information you need to plan for your tests.
Our specialised pelvic ultrasound assessment is be performed between days 5-10 of your cycle when follicle development is optimal and visible.
The transvaginal ultrasound is a quick, safe procedure that provides a closer look at your cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Some people have no pain at all whilst others may find a level of discomfort or light pressure.
You don’t need to be planning for conception to get a clear idea of your hormones. Our tests are perfect for anyone who is experiencing reproductive symptoms, or changes, or simply wants to get clarity about conditions such as PMOS (aka PCOS). Ovary and egg-related reproductive issues are commonly misdiagnosed, and we’re on a mission to make sure everyone gets the clarity and care to live their best life.
Absolutely. We believe that every would-be parent deserves to feel seen and supported on their reproductive journey. Our team supports many same-sex couples to explore options like donor egg, donor sperm and IVF pathways tailored to your family planning goals. Read more about egg freezing.
Fertility pathways
A virtual consultation is a remote appointment conducted through secure and interactive video conferencing technology. It allows you to receive guidance, discuss your fertility concerns, and explore treatment options from the comfort of your own home or preferred location.
Once you schedule a virtual consultation with Celery Health, you will receive instructions on how to join the secure video conference. At the scheduled time, you’ll connect with our team, who will discuss your medical history, answer your questions, and provide recommendations based on your unique situation.
During the virtual consultation, our Celery doctor or nurse will review your medical history and gain an understanding of your fertility goals. We discuss any concerns or challenges you may be facing and answer your questions. They may recommend additional diagnostic tests or screenings to evaluate your fertility potential. You’ll receive personalised treatment options and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Absolutely. One of the benefits of virtual consultations is that they allow us to connect with individuals and couples from anywhere in the world. Regardless of your location, you can schedule a virtual fertility consultation with our team and receive the same guidance and support.
If further screening or treatment is recommended during the consultation, our team will guide you through the necessary steps. We’ll coordinate with you to ensure a seamless and efficient process. We can also liaise with your local health care provider if you prefer.
Absolutely. We understand that the fertility journey can be emotionally challenging. Our team psychologist is here to provide empathetic support, helping you develop techniques to manage any stress and anxiety you may be experiencing. Celery provides you with mental health tools to help you navigate the tricky aspects of your fertility journey. These tools may be useful in other aspects of life too!
To schedule a virtual fertility consultation at Celery Health, simply contact us through our website. Our friendly staff will assist you in scheduling a convenient appointment time and provide you with further instructions on how to connect for your virtual consultation.
Holistic body
A whole body approach means recognising that physical, emotional, nutritional and genetic aspects of fertility are all vital to good outcomes. Learn how our approach can optimise your reproductive well-being.
Nutrition experts play a vital role by tailoring diets to enhance fertility. Discover how our tailored nutritional plans can boost your reproductive health. A balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports reproductive function. There are SO many dietary aspects we could write about but perhaps it’s better to talk to one of our experts instead. Check out our nutrition page to find out a little more.
Effective stress management techniques can potentially regulate hormone levels and increase the likelihood of successful conception. Reducing anxiety, hypervigilance and negative thought patterns are important in general life but even more so when considering fertility. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, CBT and counselling can play a pivotal role in addressing emotional stressors and improving overall mental well-being consequently positively influencing fertility outcomes.
During the preconception or prenatal phase, genetic screening helps singles and couples to understand the potential genetic risks you may have inherited. Celery has worked to ensure you’re able to access screening tools readily and are supported through this process. With GP guidance and review, your genetic medical history (as well as your partners) is also reviewed. By assessing the likelihood of genetic conditions one can make informed decision-making regarding genetic testing and family planning options.
In cases of known genetic conditions or a family history of genetic disorders, genetic counselling aids in comprehending the risks and discussing available options. We work with counsellors to ensure you’re provided with accurate information should your screening come back with a positive result.
Unlike traditional approaches, our whole body strategy considers the whole person, integrating nutrition, psychology and genetics for a more personalised and effective fertility plan. Rather than every element occurring in seperate ‘silos’, the Celery team communicates together to work out the best advice for you. Learn about the advantages of our holistic approach or speak with one of our team to learn how a while body holistic approach may benefit you.
Yes. By addressing the varied aspects of fertility, a holistic approach can enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments. It can also mean you are psychologically prepared for the fertility journey ahead of you, no matter what the picture. Discover how our holistic approach can potentially improve fertility outcomes.
Yes, a holistic approach often involves lifestyle modifications that support fertility. The best part about lifestyle changes is that you can make these changes yourself! Often very cheaply or for free! It’s always empowering to feel proactive and effective in your own journey.
Individuals
Some of the most widely available options for fertility testing are AMH tests and at-home hormone kits. However, these don’t always offer the full picture, resulting in more time deep diving on AI or spent visiting specialists for additional answers and reassurance.
For a comprehensive broader view of your fertility, start with a Celery Health doctor-led consultation. Based on your needs, we’ll recommend appropriate testing that may include blood work, pelvic imaging, and lifestyle assessment.
Our initial reproductive health consultation is bulk billed for medicare holders. There is a fee of $200 to become a 3-month member of Celery Health. This membership includes follow-up consultation, customised hormone testing, a detailed review with your dedicated Celery team member and personalised recommendations. It does not include out of pocket costs for AMH or pelvic ultrasound nor does it include the cost of complete genetic carrier screening or semen analysis.
The final cost will depend on the types of specialised testing or holistic support you opt for. Pricing transparency is important to us, which is why we’ll only recommend the tests you actually need and provide you with a detailed quote before starting your journey.
We recommend contacting your health insurance provider directly to inquire about fertility benefit add-ons or upgraded plans that include reproductive health coverage.
For employers looking to add fertility benefits for your team, Celery Health offers corporate packages that can be integrated with your existing employee health plans. Our team can work directly with your HR department and insurance providers to create a tailored fertility benefit solution that complements your current plan.
While basic fertility testing is sometimes covered under standard plans, comprehensive fertility treatments like ours have limited coverage. However, we’re on a mission to change this. To make fertility and reproductive care more accessible for everyone, tell your employer about Celery Health today.
Yes, your Celery Health plan is always designed to complement, not replace, your relationship with your own specialist general practitioner. With your consent, we may share relevant findings with your own primary healthcare provider to ensure coordinated care and vice versa.
Egg facts
Each woman is born with a finite number of eggs, also known as the ovarian reserve. While the exact number varies from person to person, women typically have an estimated one to two million eggs at birth. This number naturally declines with age, with only a few hundred eggs remaining at menopause.
As much as we’d love to say it doesn’t, it does. With age, the quality and quantity of your eggs naturally declines. In fact, you may only have about 10% of the eggs you were born with by the time you reach 30! Research consistently indicates that before age 35 is the most optimal time to freeze your eggs. Not only does this help you capture your youngest, healthiest eggs, but it also increases your chances of fertilisation when you are ready.
Then again, many people will not need to consider egg freezing or assisted reproductive technology for pregnancy—many women get pregnant with ease well into their mid-thirties. One of the simplest ways to initially examine your ovarian reserve is with a comprehensive fertility assessment, which includes simple blood tests and a pelvic ultrasound; this helps get a clear picture of how your ovarian reserve looks ‘for your age’, empowering you to make the most informed decisions for you and your future family.
Egg quality can vary from person to person based on factors such as age, overall health, lifestyle choices, and genetics. While egg quality naturally decreases with age, even younger women can have poor quality eggs. We assume that younger equals more fertile so poor quality eggs are often only discovered when a younger woman struggles to conceive.
At Celery Health, we offer expert nutritional, genetic, and lifestyle support to promote reproductive health and address factors that may influence egg health.
Absolutely. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins may all potentially impact your egg quality. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to nurture your ovarian reserve and improve your reproductive health as a whole.
At Celery Health, we work with nutritional, lifestyle, and sleep experts who specialise in fertility support and optimisation. Even if you’re not planning on conceiving any time soon, adopting healthy lifestyle choices early could make all the difference for your future family.
Yes. Egg freezing, also known as ‘oocyte cryopreservation’, is a common method of preserving a woman’s fertility by freezing her eggs for future use. It’s a great option for women who aren’t quite ready for children yet, but want to keep their options open for the future.
That said, egg freezing is never a guaranteed plan for a future baby. Many factors will play a role in your likelihood of future conception, including your age at the time of egg freezing, the quality of your eggs, and the number of eggs frozen. Speak to one of our fertility experts to learn what egg freezing could look like for you!
While fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), can help overcome certain fertility challenges, they do not directly improve egg quality. However, these treatments can increase the chances of pregnancy by most effectively utilising the available eggs and addressing other factors affecting fertility.
Protecting and enhancing egg health is no quick fix—it’s a lifestyle. It includes everything from a healthy, fertility-friendly diet to getting lots of movement, managing stress levels, and avoiding harmful substances and toxic products. For more information on cultivating your very own egg-savvy lifestyle, get in touch. There are plenty of easy changes you can make at home to help.
Some fertility supplements may have potential benefits for egg health, as they often contain key nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins that support reproductive health. Here is a small body of growing evidence supporting the role of certain supplements in precoception. Some supplements may have a impact in fertility as well as improving conditions such as PCOS. Speak to one of our fertility team to learn more and get personalised fertility supplement information.
Fertility
Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) is a condition that occurs when ovaries stop working at their best earlier than average. People with diminished ovarian reserve can have intermittent ovulation which means they may still release an egg and get pregnant. In fact, it is estimated that 5% to 10% of those with a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve will spontaneously get pregnant without treatment for infertility. It is estimated that DOR affects about 1% of women between the ages 15 to 44. It’s usually seen in women who are older than 30.
Diminished ovarian reserve may be found incidentally when a woman takes the AMH test. Identifying DOR can provide useful information when discussing fertility planning and available options, especially if you’re not ready for babies yet.
The short answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! It’s a commonly asked fertility question and a common misconception. Within your ovaries you have many many follicles. They may be in a ‘dormant’ state or in the ‘antral’ phase. It takes at least three months for follicles to naturally mature and reach the antral state at which they would be able to create an egg viable for fertilisation. In a natural cycle only one of these follicles would release an egg at the time of ovulation. The other follicles die away naturally and are not longer viable. During an IVF or egg freezing cycle, only follicles in the antral phase are stimulated. These are the follicles that can be seen and counted on a pelvic ultrasound. These follicles are monitored during the cycle and collected at the time of egg pickup. However the follicles that have remained in the dormant state remain in the ovaries and these then slowly mature to become viable follicles for potential ovulation in the future. So whilst IVF or egg freezing does collect all the eggs from the mature follicles available it plays no role in the dormant follicles.
At Celery Health, your results are reviewed by doctors. Your fertility reserve is carefully considered in combination with your age, medical history, blood results and pelvic ultrasound. We make sure you’re receiving accurate and up-to-date information before helping you to the next step of your fertility planning.
Unfortunately not. If only it did! Within your ovaries, you have many follicles with the potential to create an egg that can be fertilised. They are divided into ‘dormant’ (inactive) and ‘antral’ follicles. The maturation of the follicles occurs over three months and this process is not stopped by being on the OCP. The OCP works to avoid the release of the egg from the most mature follicle, ie. the OCP stops ovulation. During the course of a natural cycle, the remaining antral follicles not released at the time of ovulation simply die away. They can’t be used in the future. If you are considering having a child in the future and you’ve been on the OCP for sometime, it could be a good time to speak to one of the Celery Health team about your fertility options and how to start planning the next step.
At Celery Health, your results are reviewed by doctors. Your fertility reserve is carefully considered in combination with your age, medical history, blood results and pelvic ultrasound. We make sure you’re receiving accurate and up-to-date information before helping you to the next step of your fertility planning.
The short answer is yes! Whilst you can certainly test your AMH whilst still taking the oral contraceptive pill, there is evidence to suggest that for some people taking the OCP, AMH results may be falsely reduced by up to 30%. Depending on the reason you take the OCP, you may consider stopping it for three months prior to testing your AMH. For example, if you’re taking it for contraception or skin reasons you might find alternative methods for three months to ensure the most accurate result. But if you’re needing the OCP to control your severe endometriosis pain, perhaps it’s worth staying on the pill and allowing for the possibility that your AMH results may be falsely reduced by up to 30%.
Ultimately it’s a personal decision depending on your body and situation. Don’t forget, your AMH is part of the picture of your ovarian reserve. At Celery Health, we provide a full fertility assessment including your medical history and personal fertility goals. Your AMH, imaging and other bloods results are carefully considered by doctors and an expert fertility team including nutritional and lifestyle support to create the full picture. We make sure you’re receiving accurate and up-to-date information before helping you to the next step of your fertility planning.
Biotin, or Vitamin B7, is often found in hair, skin and nail supplements. Biotin doses at greater that 5mg per day may have an effect on AMH levels. It is recognised as creating false results in AMH readings so check your supplements and be mindful of their role in your results!
The cost for the AMH test in Australia is between $75-$100. AMH testing is covered by some health funds. You may able to claim the cost of this test back if you go on to see fertility specialist.
To get a really good understanding about your fertility reserve, a thorough fertility assessment gives the most information. Fortunately we live in a time where so much information is available at our fingertips. In order to interpret your history and background to your best advantage, it’s best to get a complete picture of your body. This includes blood tests to look at a multitude of areas – all of which may contribute to your fertility and chances of having a baby in the future. This might include looking at AMH, your sex hormones, iron studies, your thyroid function and any background of STI in order to best optimise your body.
The good news is these blood tests generally occur only once at a specific time of your cycle. We help you find a lab near to you and receive the results as soon as they become available.
Unrecognised and untreated STI’s have a big impact on your future fertility, leading to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men. In women, PID can lead to scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for eggs to reach the uterus and increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancies. In men, epididymitis can lead to sperm duct blockages. The good news is most STI’s can be treated! As part of your fertility assessment with Celery Health, we screen for STIs, making sure you are STI-free and treated before beginning your pregnancy or egg freezing journey. It’s a great way to have some peace of mind before beginning on a fertility path.
Good thyroid function is essential for optimal fertility. The thyroid influences hormone regulation, menstrual regularity, ovulation and the overall ability to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Sometimes poor thyroid function is not obvious initially. Thyroid dysfunction can also affect male fertility. As part of your Celery Health fertility assessment, we look closely at your thyroid function amongst the rest of your detailed fertility investigation workup. Even if you’re just beginning to think about your fertility options, it’s always worth making sure your body is in optimum shape for the future.
A pelvic ultrasound is an imaging procedure used to assess the reproductive organs in the pelvic area. It provides a detailed view of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. It’s also used to look at the Antral Follicle Count (AFC) or the evaluation of maturing follicles within the ovaries. This is useful when correlating to the AMH results in assessment of ovarian reserve. Pelvic ultrasounds are also used to check for other fertility issues, such as identifying structural abnormalities, cysts, fibroids, or polyps that could affect a person’s ability to conceive. By visualising these structures, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about fertility pathways and reproductive health. When you’re having a fertility workup, the type of ultrasound procedure is transvaginal. It’s a short procedure and can takes about twenty minutes. There is no radiation exposure and it is a very safe procedure!