In this episode of the GP Series, host Dr. Ali Hodgkinson is joined by distinguished fertility specialist Dr. Simon Nothman for a comprehensive look at the management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Dr. Nothman provides clarity on the diagnostic criteria, the four different PCOS phenotypes—including the distinctions of Lean PCOS—and the crucial importance of ruling out confounding diagnoses like hypothalamic amenorrhea.

The episode delves into the significant long-term health considerations, detailing the high metabolic, gynecological, and often-overlooked mental health risks associated with PCOS. Furthermore, it offers practical, evidence-based advice on management strategies, including optimal contraception choices, lifestyle intervention, and the role of medications like Metformin and GLP-1 agonists. Ultimately, the discussion frames the GP as the central conductor in a necessary multidisciplinary approach, coordinating a team of allied health professionals and specialists to provide holistic and effective care for every patient with PCOS.

This is a must-listen guide for General Practitioners seeking to optimize the care and long-term health outcomes for their patients with PCOS.

To learn more about Dr. Simon Nothman's work, you can visit his website, drsimonnothman.com.au, or find him on the Genea website. More details are in the episode notes.

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In this special episode, host Dr. Ali Hodgkinson steps away from the specialists to focus on the patient experience. She is joined by Yaelle and Lucy, the inspiring hosts of the podcast IVF Real Talk.

The two women share the raw, personal, and challenging details of their respective three-year fertility journeys and experiences with IVF.

This episode provides valuable, firsthand insights for General Practitioners on how to better support patients navigating the physical and emotional complexities of trying to conceive.

Listen to more from Yaelle and Lucy and connect with them on social media with these links:

• IVF Real Talk Podcast (Apple Podcasts): IVF Real Talk
• Instagram: IVF Real Talk Podcast (@ivfrealtalkpodcast)
• TikTok: IVF Real Talk Podcast (@ivfrealtalkpodcast)

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Join Dr. Ali Hodgkinson as she speaks with talented fertility specialist, Dr. Vanessa Tatham, to peel back the layers of Tubal Factor Infertility (TFI). TFI is one of the most common causes of female infertility, accounting for 25% to 35% of cases.1
In this episode, you will learn:

• What is TFI: An explanation of the fallopian tube's vital, active role and how a blockage prevents the egg and sperm from meeting.1
• Common Causes: The main players, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (50–60% of damage) and Endometriosis (10–15%), as well as the impact of prior surgeries and ectopic pregnancy.1
• Diagnosis and Testing: A breakdown of how to raise suspicion for TFI during a patient history and the investigative path, from a general pelvic ultrasound scan to more specialized tests like the HyCoSy and fertile-oscopy.1
• Management Strategies: When to consider preserving the fallopian tube (e.g., opening an extrinsic blockage with laparoscopy) versus when removing the tube (e.g., when it contains embryotoxic fluid for an IVF candidate) is the better path.1

Dr. Tatham's key take-home message for GPs is to follow their suspicion: if a patient's cycle and sperm tests are fine but they're still not conceiving, they should investigate TFI early to avoid unnecessary delays in a couple's assisted fertility journey.1
Dr. Tatham has appointments in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, including Wollongong Day Surgery and Wollongong Private Hospital. She specializes in general gynecology, chronic pelvic pain, female sexual dysfunction, and has a particular interest in endometriosis. GPs can find more information or refer patients via the website: drtatham.com.au.1

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