The Development of Infertility Treatment in Australia1

Abstract

The development of fertility clinics in Australia began in Sydney at the Women's Hospital, Crown Street, in 1938 with Alan Grant. Clinics in other cities followed: Melbourne (1940), Adelaide (1946), Brisbane (1948), Perth (1949) and Hobart (1967). At first, the work was confined to clinical investigation and tubal surgery. In the early 1960's the university departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology appointed scientists and developed endocrinology enabling investigation of anovulation and leading to ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophin and clomiphene. Male infertility had been investigated, but although there was occasional use of fresh semen donations, it was not until 1972 that sperm banks were set up, the first being in Adelaide. In 1979 the first IVF baby was born in Melbourne, and clinics in other cities had success over the next 3 years. Microsurgery had by then been introduced for tubal reconstruction. The high standing of Australian clinics has been due to the pioneers who were careful investigators, considerate doctors, and enthusiastic teachers; and later, to the close cooperation between clinicians and scientists and the sharing of new advances both informally and at scientific meetings.