Want a tall, smart child? How IVF tests are selling a dream
Genea Melbourne City Medical Director A/Prof Alex Polyakov from the University of Melbourne has raised serious concerns about genetic tests being marketed to prospective parents that claim to predict which IVF embryo will develop into the tallest, smartest or healthiest child. Read the article
‘Have your best baby’: Is polygenic embryo screening the way towards designer babies?
Polygenic embryo screening is gaining attention internationally, with claims it can help rank embryos by health risks and complex traits. In this podcast episode, Melbourne City Medical Director A/Prof Alex Polyakov provides expert insight into what the testing involves, what the evidence shows, and how it sits within Australia’s current regulatory framework. Listen to the interview here […]
‘Have a smarter baby’: Australians choosing embryos for IQ, height and hair colour
A new form of genetic testing is allowing IVF patients to compare embryos based on future health risks and traits. Melbourne City Medical Director A/Prof Alex Polyakov weighs in on the scientific limits and ethical concerns surrounding the technology. Read the full article here
Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) After Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRHa) Triggering
Despite being the most effective strategy for reducing OHSS, a GnRH agonist trigger does not eliminate severe cases in all high-risk patients. This study provides important data on the characteristics of women who remain susceptible, helping refine prevention strategies and guide safer, evidence-based stimulation approaches. Read the abstract
Why the growth in cannabis products has got fertility experts worried
With cannabis-based products becoming increasingly popular for anxiety and endometriosis pain, new research has raised important concerns about their impact on fertility. A/Prof Alex Polyakov, Medical Director at Genea Fertility Melbourne and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, says women trying to conceive, naturally or through IVF, should avoid cannabis in all forms. […]
Trump pregnancy warning: What experts say about paracetamol risks
US President Donald Trump’s recent warning for pregnant women to “tough it out” without paracetamol has caused confusion and alarm. Experts, including A/Prof Alex Polyakov, Medical Director at Genea Fertility Melbourne, have stepped in to clarify the evidence. In the article, A/Prof Polyakov explains that most studies linking paracetamol to autism and ADHD are retrospective. […]
Gestational diabetes linked to autism in study: what scientists say
A major study involving more than nine million pregnancies has suggested a possible link between gestational diabetes and an increased risk of ADHD and autism in children. A/Prof Alex Polyakov explains that while there appears to be “a signal,” the research cannot prove cause and effect. He highlights that genetics remain the strongest driver of […]
Trump to link Tylenol use in pregnant women to autism as president promises ‘amazing’ announcement
US President Donald Trump made headlines with comments linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism and urged pregnant women to avoid it unless necessary — sparking controversy among scientists and health experts. In The Independent, A/Prof Alex Polyakov weighs in on what the evidence really shows: breaking down what current studies can and can’t tell […]
Mapped: Widows’ access to partners’ sperm varies wildly across Australia
Posthumous sperm use remains uncommon in Australia, usually arising after the sudden and unexpected death of a partner. A/Prof Alex Polyakov, Fertility Specialist and Medical Director at Genea Melbourne City, has seen first-hand how the legal complexities add further strain for those already experiencing grief. He has raised concerns about the unfairness of state-by-state legislation […]
CT scans before conception linked to pregnancy risks
Recent research has suggested a possible link between CT scans before conception and an increased risk of pregnancy loss or congenital anomalies. A/Prof Alex Polyakov notes that while these findings are statistically detectable in large datasets, the differences are modest and may not be clinically meaningful for individual patients. He also highlights that many women […]