IVF After Hours Patient Guide
Frequently asked questions & when to seek help.
For questions outside of office hours, please review this guide below first.
The worlds most advanced science, meets local compassion and care.
Our Specialist Team
Facilities and Technology
Our state-of-the-art clinic and laboratory at St Andrews Hospital are equipped with the latest technology in reproductive medicine. From advanced embryo culture systems to comprehensive genetic testing capabilities, we offer the full spectrum of fertility services under one roof.
Time-lapse embryo monitoring
Advanced cryopreservation techniques
Comprehensive genetic testing laboratory
Comfortable, private consultation rooms
On-site counselling services
When to Call 000 or Go to your nearest Emergency Department
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately — do not wait until morning.
Go to your nearest emergency department immediately if you have:
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain that is sudden or worsening
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour)
• Signs of severe OHSS: rapid weight gain, severe bloating, inability to keep fluids down, decreased urination
• Fever above 38.5°C
• Chest pain or heart palpitations
• Fainting, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
• Signs of allergic reaction to medications: hives, throat swelling, trouble breathing
• Severe nausea and vomiting preventing any fluid intake
After going to the hospital, please notify our clinic as soon as possible the next business day so we can coordinate your care.
Medication Questions
For all medication questions, please call our clinic when we open in the morning. Our team will assist you as a priority. Do not adjust or skip any medication without speaking to us first.
Q: I made a mistake with my Trigger injection, what should I do?
A: Call us first thing in the morning — we will work out the best course of action based on the issue. If this is over the weekend, attend St Andrews Hospital at your pre-arranged admission time and discuss with the admission staff on arrival. This includes if you do not have your trigger medication.
Q: I missed a dose of my injectable medication. What should I do?
A: Do not double up on your next dose. If you remember within 3-4 hours, take it as soon as possible. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Write down the details and call us first thing in the morning so we can review your protocol.
Q: I accidentally injected the wrong dose. Is that dangerous?
A: Do not take any additional medication. Note the medication name, prescribed dose, and what you actually injected, then call us as soon as the clinic opens in the morning. If you develop any severe symptoms overnight (difficulty breathing, severe rash, chest pain), call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
Q: I am experiencing injection site redness, bruising, or swelling. Is this normal?
A: Mild redness, bruising, or small lumps at injection sites are common and usually harmless. Rotate injection sites as instructed and apply a cool compress to reduce discomfort. If you notice spreading redness, significant warmth, or streaking overnight, go to your nearest Emergency Department as this may indicate infection. Otherwise, mention it to our team when you call in the morning.
Q: My medication needs refrigeration and the power went out. What do I do?
A: Keep the medication in a cool, dark place and do not use it if you are unsure of its condition. Most fertility medications remain stable for a limited time at room temperature. Do not administer the medication until you have spoken with our team — if unsure you could contact the pharmacy that supplied your medications.
Q: I am running out of medication and cannot get a refill tonight. What should I do?
A: Call us first thing in the morning — we can contact a pharmacy or arrange an emergency supply as a priority. If possible, contact the pharmacy that supplied your medications. Do not substitute a different product without our approval.
Q: Can I take over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort?
A: Paracetomol (Panadol) is generally safe during your IVF cycle for mild pain relief. Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren) or other NSAIDs as these may interfere with implantation. If you are unsure about any medication, wait and check with our team in the morning.
Common Symptom Guidance
Bloating & Abdominal Discomfort
Mild to moderate bloating is very common during ovarian stimulation as your follicles grow. This is expected.
Self-care tips:
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Stay well hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks
• Eat small, frequent, high-protein meals
• Avoid strenuous exercise unless approved by your doctor
• Rest as needed
• Note : constipation can also cause bloating and discomfort so if you are having difficulty opening your bowels please consult your local pharmacist.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS is a potential complication of ovarian stimulation. Mild OHSS is common; severe OHSS is rare but serious.
Mild/Moderate OHSS symptoms (monitor at home, call clinic next business day):
• Mild bloating and pelvic fullness
• Nausea with ability to keep fluids down
Severe OHSS symptoms (call 000 or go to the emergency department immediately):
• Rapid weight gain
• Severe bloating, abdominal tightness
• Decreased urination or very dark urine
• Shortness of breath
• Inability to keep any fluids down
Spotting or Light Bleeding
Q: I am spotting lightly after my egg retrieval or embryo transfer. Is this normal?
A: Light spotting or pink/brown discharge is common after egg retrieval and embryo transfer and is usually not a concern. However, if spotting becomes bright red, heavy, or is accompanied by cramping or pain call your nurses first thing in the morning
Pain & Cramping
Q: I have mild cramps after my embryo transfer. Is this normal?
A: Yes — mild cramping after embryo transfer is common and typically these mild sensations are caused by uterine sensitivity, bloating and the physical insertion of the embryo transfer catheter. Rest and take Paracetamol (Panadol) if needed. Avoid NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenic (Voltaren). If cramps are severe, worsening, or accompanied by heavy bleeding or fever, if this is after hours please attend an emergency department.
Q: I have pelvic pain after egg retrieval. How much is too much?
A: Some pelvic soreness and bloating for 1–3 days after egg retrieval is normal. Paracetomol (Panadol) and rest are helpful. If pain is severe, not improving, or you develop a fever above 38.5°C (please call our nurses during office hours or go to an emergency department and let us know in the morning.
Emotional Wellbeing
IVF is emotionally and physically demanding. Mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and heightened emotions are all very common responses to the hormonal changes and stress involved.
Some helpful reminders:
• Be gentle with yourself — what you are experiencing is challenging
• Lean on your support network: partner, family, friends
• Consider speaking with a counselor who specialises in fertility-related support
Getting Your Period Over the Weekend
If your period arrives over the weekend and you are due to start a cycle, do NOT begin any medications until you have spoken with our clinic. Please call us as soon as we open on Monday morning.
Q: My period has arrived over the weekend and I was expecting to start my IVF cycle. What should I do?
A: First, do not panic — this is not uncommon. Note the exact time and date your period started (Day 1 is counted as full flow before midday). Do not start any medications on your own. Call us as soon as the clinic opens on Monday and we will review your protocol and confirm your start instructions.
Q: How do I count Day 1 of my cycle?
A: Day 1 is the first day of full menstrual flow (not spotting), provided this flow starts before midday. If full flow begins after midday, Day 1 is counted as the following day. Write down the date and time carefully so you can share this with our team on Monday.
Q: Do I start my medications as soon as my period arrives?
A: No — please do not start any medications until you have spoken with our nurse or doctor. Your protocol needs to be confirmed by our team based on your Day 1. Starting at the wrong time can affect your cycle, so it is important to wait for our guidance.
Q: What if my period arrives on a Saturday — do I need to wait until Monday?
A: Yes. Note your Day 1 carefully and call us when we open on Monday morning. Our team will assess your protocol timing and advise you on next steps.
Q: What if I am not sure whether my bleed counts as a period or just spotting?
A: Light spotting (pink or brown discharge) does not count as Day 1. A true period is a full red flow. If you are unsure, write down what you observed and the time it started, and describe it to our nurse when you call on Monday. Do not start medications based on spotting alone.
Contact Information
There is no after-hours phone line available. For all non-emergency questions, please call the clinic when we open. If you have any severe symptoms previously outlined, call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.
Clinic Phone (Morning) 08 8100 2900
Clinic Hours Mon-Wed-Fri 07.00-17.00 Tues and Thurs 09.00-1700
Emergency (Life-Threatening) Call 000 or go to your nearest Emergency Department