City fertility clinic proves popular in first six months

Affordable services and a central location have proved popular drawcards for one of the city’s newest fertility clinics.

FAMILY FIRST: Samantha Gehrmaan and her daughter Magnolia. Photo: Contributed

In its first six months since opening, First Step Fertility Toowoomba has had 200 inquiries and has booked nearly 100 appointments.

The clinic, located in Ruthven St, offers bulk-billed IVF services, which could save families more than $5000.

Ma Ma Creek resident Samantha Gehrmaan had her first appointment at the clinic in September.

“We used to live in Brisbane and have a daughter conceived by IVF, which was a lot easier to access there affordably,” she said.

“When we moved out here we kind of figured if we couldn’t get pregnant using other methods we wouldn’t be able to do it because the other options were out of our price range.

“So when we heard (First Step) had opened it was a possibility again.”

Ms Gehrmaan said what followed had felt “like a whirlwind”.

“It was a lot quicker because we had already had all the tests done,” she said.

“They set up a treatment schedule straight away and a couple of weeks later we started.”

She is now expecting a baby with her partner in July.

“We can feel the baby moving now and we’ve had a few extra scans to check everything is OK,” she said.

“(My daughter) is convinced she is getting a brother but we are keeping it a surprise.”

She said although the service wouldn’t work for everyone, it was worth a try.

“It’s not a huge amount money compared to some of the other IVF options out there and the treatment is very personable,” she said.

“There is so much infertility now, people with endometriosis like me, polycystic ovary syndrome, ectopic pregnancies – there’s so many reasons it’s needed.

“Having this service here just makes it so much more accessible for different demographics.”