Part 2 of our 2-part series on lifestyle factors and fertility features Dr. Alexandra Harvey, Senior Research Scientist at Melbourne IVF. With 25 years of experience in embryology and fertility research, Dr. Harvey breaks down the science behind modifiable factors that can impact your fertility journey.

In Part 2 we cover:


Weight and inflammation – why body composition and hidden inflammation can make a big difference to fertility outcomes


Smoking’s silent sabotage – how it damages egg and sperm quality and reduces IVF success rates


Alcohol and conception – what the evidence says about “moderate” drinking and fertility health


Stress and reproduction – the mind–body connection and why managing stress matters for conception

Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast

Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here.

This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison
Guest: Dr Alexandra Harvey

Part 2 of our 2-part series on lifestyle factors and fertility features Dr. Alexandra Harvey, Senior Research Scientist at Melbourne IVF. With 25 years of experience in embryology and fertility research, Dr. Harvey breaks down the science behind modifiable factors that can impact your fertility journey.
In Part 2 we cover:
<ul></ul>
<ul>
<li data-start="77" data-end="199">
Weight and inflammation &ndash; why body composition and hidden inflammation can make a big difference to fertility outcomes
</li>
<li data-start="200" data-end="298">
Smoking&rsquo;s silent sabotage &ndash; how it damages egg and sperm quality and reduces IVF success rates
</li>
<li data-start="299" data-end="397">
Alcohol and conception &ndash; what the evidence says about &ldquo;moderate&rdquo; drinking and fertility health
</li>
<li data-start="398" data-end="499">
Stress and reproduction &ndash; the mind&ndash;body connection and why managing stress matters for conception
</li>
</ul>
Find us on Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/knockeduppodcast/">@knockeduppodcast</a>
Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/womenshealthmelbourne/">@womenshealthmelbourne</a>), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/drraelialew/">@drraelialew</a>).
Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.
Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click <a href="https://www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au/">here</a>.
This episode is brought to you by <a href="https://ellechemy.com.au/">Ellechemy</a>&nbsp;- Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP Website: <a href="https://ellechemy.com.au/">ellechemy.com.au/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellechemy.com.au/">@ellechemy.com.au</a>
Hosts: <a href="https://www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au/dr-raelia-lew">Dr Raelia Lew</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/missjordi">Jordi Morrison</a> Guest: <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/363403-alexandra-harvey">Dr Alexandra Harvey</a>

Knocked Up is an accessible podcast that answers all your questions about fertility, pregnancy and women's health. Dr Raelia Lew of Women's Health Melbourne and Jordi Morrison breaking down hard concepts in an easy to understand conversation. Find us at @knockeduppodcast on instagram. 

For more from Women's Health Melbourne you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about any aspect of women's health or fertility? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We'll keep all requests anonymous.

You Guide to Fertility and Women's Health with Dr Raelia Lew

Knocked Up: The Podcast About Fertility and Women's Health

Knocked Up is an accessible podcast that answers all your questions about fertility, pregnancy and women's health. Dr Raelia Lew of Women's Health Melbourne and Jordi Morrison breaking down hard concepts in an easy to understand conversation. Find us at @knockeduppodcast on instagram. For more from Women's Health Melbourne you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about any aspect of women's health or fertility? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Knocked Up is an accessible podcast that answers all your questions about fertility, pregnancy and women's health. Dr Raelia Lew of Women's Health Melbourne and Jordi Morrison breaking down hard concepts in an easy to understand conversation. Find us at @knockeduppodcast on instagram. For more from Women's Health Melbourne you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about any aspect of women's health or fertility? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Lifestyle Factors Explored Part 2 with Dr Alexandra Harvey

We take a look decade by decade look at how fertility changes across your 20s, 30s and 40s. Dr Raelia explains why the 20s are considered the biological peak, with high egg number, high egg quality and fewer health conditions that can interfere with conception. She also unpacks why lifestyle choices, while always important, have comparatively less impact at this age due to stronger cellular health. For those not yet ready for parenthood, the discussion covers practical ways to protect future fertility, including STI prevention and why late 20s remain the optimal window for elective egg freezing.

Moving into the 30s and 40s, the conversation explores how egg number, egg quality and natural conception rates gradually decline, why miscarriage becomes more common, and what this means for both natural conception and IVF success. Dr Raelia breaks down realistic expectations for each decade, when to seek specialist advice and how conditions like endometriosis often come to light in the 30s. The episode closes with grounded guidance for each age group, including the importance of not delaying parenthood unnecessarily, the role of genetic testing in IVF for women in their 40s and why men also experience age related fertility changes.

Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast

Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here.

This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison

We take a look decade by decade look at how fertility changes across your 20s, 30s and 40s. Dr Raelia explains why the 20s are considered the biological peak, with high egg number, high egg quality and fewer health conditions that can interfere with conception. She also unpacks why lifestyle choices, while always important, have comparatively less impact at this age due to stronger cellular health. For those not yet ready for parenthood, the discussion covers practical ways to protect future fertility, including STI prevention and why late 20s remain the optimal window for elective egg freezing.
Moving into the 30s and 40s, the conversation explores how egg number, egg quality and natural conception rates gradually decline, why miscarriage becomes more common, and what this means for both natural conception and IVF success. Dr Raelia breaks down realistic expectations for each decade, when to seek specialist advice and how conditions like endometriosis often come to light in the 30s. The episode closes with grounded guidance for each age group, including the importance of not delaying parenthood unnecessarily, the role of genetic testing in IVF for women in their 40s and why men also experience age related fertility changes.
Find us on Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/knockeduppodcast/">@knockeduppodcast</a>
Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/womenshealthmelbourne/">@womenshealthmelbourne</a>), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/drraelialew/">@drraelialew</a>).
Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.
Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click <a href="https://www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au/">here</a>.
This episode is brought to you by <a href="https://ellechemy.com.au/">Ellechemy</a>&nbsp;- Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP Website: <a href="https://ellechemy.com.au/">ellechemy.com.au/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellechemy.com.au/">@ellechemy.com.au</a>
Hosts: <a href="https://www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au/dr-raelia-lew">Dr Raelia Lew</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/missjordi">Jordi Morrison</a>

Fertility Through the Decades: What Really Changes in Your 20s, 30s and 40s

Starting IVF can feel overwhelming, but understanding each stage can make the experience far less daunting. In this episode, we walk through the IVF process from your first consultation right through to that all important pregnancy test.

Dr Raelia Lew breaks down what really happens at every step, why certain tests and treatments are needed, and how the team at Women’s Health Melbourne and Melbourne IVF work together to give patients the highest possible chance of success.

From investigations, stimulation and egg collection to embryo development, transfer and early pregnancy monitoring, this episode is designed to be your roadmap.

If you are beginning IVF, considering treatment, or simply want to understand how it all works, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance and expert insight from a CREI specialist who has supported thousands of patients through their fertility journey.

Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast

Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here.

This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison

Starting IVF can feel overwhelming, but understanding each stage can make the experience far less daunting. In this episode, we walk through the IVF process from your first consultation right through to that all important pregnancy test.
Dr Raelia Lew breaks down what really happens at every step, why certain tests and treatments are needed, and how the team at Women&rsquo;s Health Melbourne and Melbourne IVF work together to give patients the highest possible chance of success.
From investigations, stimulation and egg collection to embryo development, transfer and early pregnancy monitoring, this episode is designed to be your roadmap.
If you are beginning IVF, considering treatment, or simply want to understand how it all works, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance and expert insight from a CREI specialist who has supported thousands of patients through their fertility journey.
Find us on Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/knockeduppodcast/">@knockeduppodcast</a>
Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/womenshealthmelbourne/">@womenshealthmelbourne</a>), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/drraelialew/">@drraelialew</a>).
Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.
Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click <a href="https://www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au/">here</a>.
This episode is brought to you by <a href="https://ellechemy.com.au/">Ellechemy</a>&nbsp;- Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP Website: <a href="https://ellechemy.com.au/">ellechemy.com.au/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellechemy.com.au/">@ellechemy.com.au</a>
Hosts: <a href="https://www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au/dr-raelia-lew">Dr Raelia Lew</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/missjordi">Jordi Morrison</a>

IVF Step by Step 

In this episode of Knocked Up, Jordi Morrison and Dr Raelia Lew unpack one of the newest breakthroughs in reproductive science: the creation of human egg cells from skin cells. Dr Raelia explains how stem cells work, what makes egg cells unique, and why this research is both exciting and still far from clinical use. Together they explore the science behind the process, the ethical and safety hurdles that must be overcome, and what it could mean for people who can no longer produce eggs naturally. While the potential is extraordinary, Dr Raelia reminds listeners that proven options like egg freezing remain the safest and most effective way to preserve fertility today.

Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast

Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew).

Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.

Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here.

This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew

Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP
Website: ellechemy.com.au/
Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au

Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison

In this episode of&nbsp;Knocked Up, Jordi Morrison and Dr Raelia Lew unpack one of the newest breakthroughs in reproductive science: the creation of human egg cells from skin cells. Dr Raelia explains how stem cells work, what makes egg cells unique, and why this research is both exciting and still far from clinical use. Together they explore the science behind the process, the ethical and safety hurdles that must be overcome, and what it could mean for people who can no longer produce eggs naturally. While the potential is extraordinary, Dr Raelia reminds listeners that proven options like egg freezing remain the safest and most effective way to preserve fertility today.
Find us on Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/knockeduppodcast/">@knockeduppodcast</a>
Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/womenshealthmelbourne/">@womenshealthmelbourne</a>), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/drraelialew/">@drraelialew</a>).
Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous.
Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click <a href="https://www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au/">here</a>.
This episode is brought to you by <a href="https://ellechemy.com.au/">Ellechemy</a>&nbsp;- Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia Lew Discount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUP Website: <a href="https://ellechemy.com.au/">ellechemy.com.au/</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellechemy.com.au/">@ellechemy.com.au</a>
Hosts: <a href="https://www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au/dr-raelia-lew">Dr Raelia Lew</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/missjordi">Jordi Morrison</a>

Lifestyle Factors Explored Part 2 with Dr Alexandra Harvey

Knocked Up: The Podcast About Fertility and Women's Health

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