Is myomectomy major or minor surgery?

A myomectomy, especially one involving an ‘open’ incision, is typically classified as a major surgery.

Is a myomectomy painful?

A myomectomy may cause pain for the patient. Fortunately, there are various options during and post-surgery to minimise pain and discomfort, which Dr Hugo will be able to supply and recommend.

Can fibroids grow back after a myomectomy?

Myomectomy procedures are often very effective, but it is still possible for fibroids to regrow after removal. When you are young or have multiple fibroids, you are more likely to grow back into fibroids in the future.

Can I get pregnant after a myomectomy?

In the vast majority of cases, pregnancy after a myomectomy is possible. This is precisely why so many women choose myomectomy over hysterectomy.

How long do I need to stay in the hospital after a myomectomy?

Usually, you will be required to stay in the hospital for one to two days after a laparoscopic myomectomy and two to three days after an open myomectomy.

How long is the recovery period after a myomectomy?

For a laparoscopic myomectomy, you will typically be able to return to work and regular activities after two to three weeks. For an open myomectomy, it should take about four to six weeks.

Experienced Fertility Specialist

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon

Founding Partner & Clinical Director, Newlife IVF

IVF Doctor & Fertility Specialist Melbourne

Personalised fertility and gynaecological care, with treatment tailored to you and your goals.

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Compassionate Care For Your Fertility And Gynaecological Health

Whether you are growing your family, seeking answers about infertility, or need support with a gynaecological condition, Dr Hugo Fernandes provides experienced, patient-centred care in Melbourne. As a compassionate fertility specialist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon, he takes the time to understand your health, circumstances, and goals before recommending an individualised treatment approach.

His care includes fertility assessment, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), and treatment for conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovulation disorders, and adenomyosis. Where surgery is appropriate, Dr Hugo offers minimally invasive gynaecological procedures, while also considering non-surgical options to help you make informed decisions about your health and future.

Fertility Treatments in Melbourne

There is no single path to starting a family. Some people may benefit from medication or carefully timed treatment, while others may require assisted reproductive technology, such as egg freezing and IVF.

As an experienced gynaecologist and fertility specialist Melbourne patients can turn to, Dr Hugo offers a range of personalised fertility treatments and will help you understand which options may be appropriate for your individual circumstances and infertility issues.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

IVF treatment involves fertilising an egg with sperm in a laboratory before transferring an embryo into the uterus. It may be recommended for a range of fertility circumstances.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI is a specialised form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to assist fertilisation. It may be recommended in some cases of male factor infertility.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. It is a less invasive fertility treatment that may be suitable for some patients or in mild male factor infertility.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes fertility treatments involving eggs, sperm, or embryos to assist conception. Dr Hugo aims to help you understand which options may be appropriate for you.

Ovulation Induction

Ovulation induction uses medication to encourage ovulation in women who do not ovulate regularly. It may be used as a standalone treatment or alongside other fertility treatments.

Egg Freezing

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, involves collecting a woman’s eggs, freezing them and storing them for potential use in the future. It offers an option for women who wish to preserve their eggs for personal or medical circumstances.

Conditions We Address

Gynaecological conditions can affect your periods, pain levels, fertility, and overall quality of life. Dr Hugo provides investigation and management for a range of conditions that affect the reproductive organs, with care tailored to your symptoms, health, and future plans.

Male Factor Infertility

Infertility can involve male factors, female factors, or both. Dr Hugo can investigate potential causes of male infertility, sperm quality, and discuss appropriate treatment options with you and your partner.

Fibroid Removal

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus that can cause heavy periods, pain, and, in some cases, fertility difficulties. Treatment depends on their size, location, and symptoms.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can affect ovulation, periods, and fertility. Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and whether you are trying to conceive.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, painful periods, and difficulties conceiving. Dr Hugo’s advanced laparoscopic experience allows him to assess and manage endometriosis where surgery is appropriate.

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis can cause painful, heavy, or irregular periods and may affect fertility. Dr Hugo can assess your symptoms and discuss treatment options based on your individual needs and goals.

Uterine Polyps

Uterine polyps are growths that develop from the lining of the uterus. They can cause abnormal bleeding and may sometimes affect fertility, depending on their size and location.

Heavy Periods

Heavy periods can affect your everyday life and may be caused by conditions such as fibroids, adenomyosis, or uterine polyps. Identifying the underlying cause may help determine the most appropriate treatment.

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Gynaecology With A Personalised Approach

Dr Hugo provides comprehensive gynaecological care for a range of conditions affecting women’s health, including heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine polyps. As an advanced laparoscopic surgeon, he can also offer minimally invasive surgical treatment where appropriate, while considering non-surgical options where these may be more suitable.

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Memberships & Affiliations

Meet Dr Hugo Fernandes

Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Doctor Melbourne

Dr Hugo Fernandes is a Melbourne fertility specialist, gynaecologist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon with almost 20 years’ experience in women’s health. As a founding partner and clinical director of Newlife IVF, he is dedicated to providing personalised, evidence-based fertility care for women and couples.

His experience across fertility medicine, gynaecology and minimally invasive surgery allows him to take a comprehensive view of each patient’s circumstances. He understands that IVF or surgery isn’t necessarily the right approach for everyone and takes the time to discuss the options available.

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Experienced Specialist

Almost 20 years of experience in fertility, reproductive medicine, and gynaecological surgery.

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Personalised Care

Treatment recommendations based on your individual health, circumstances, and goals.

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Comprehensive Approach

Extensive experience across fertility challenges, reproductive endocrinology, gynaecology, and advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Meet Dr Hugo

Fertility Care FAQs

When should I see a fertility specialist?

You may benefit from seeing a fertility specialist if you are having difficulty conceiving, have irregular or absent periods, have a known condition that may affect fertility, or simply have concerns about your reproductive health, or to preserve fertility. You don’t necessarily need to wait until you have experienced fertility issues to seek fertility testing and advice.

Is IVF the only treatment option for infertility?

No; IVF is one of several fertility treatment options. Depending on the cause of male or female infertility, treatment may include ovulation induction, IUI, ICSI, management of an underlying condition, or another approach.

How do I know which fertility treatment is right for me?

Your recommended treatment will depend on factors including your age, medical and reproductive history, test results, and fertility goals. Dr Hugo will assess your individual circumstances and explain the options available.

Can gynaecological conditions affect fertility?

Yes. Conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, PCOS, and uterine polyps may affect fertility in some people. Addressing an underlying condition may form part of a fertility treatment plan.

Does Dr Hugo treat male factor infertility?

Yes. Infertility can involve male factors, female factors, or a combination of both. Dr Hugo aims to investigate potential causes and discuss appropriate treatment options with you and your partner.

Does fertility treatment always involve surgery or IVF?

No. Depending on your circumstances, fertility care may involve investigation, medication, ovulation induction, IUI, or other approaches. IVF or surgery may be recommended when appropriate, but neither is automatically the first or only option.

Where does Dr Hugo see patients?

Dr Hugo’s main consulting rooms are located at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond, with additional consulting locations in Coburg and Warragul. Fertility care is also provided through Newlife IVF.

Do I need a referral to see Dr Hugo?

A referral from your GP or another specialist may be required if you wish to receive a Medicare rebate. A referral also allows Dr Hugo to communicate with your referring doctor and coordinate your care where appropriate.

Take the Next Step in Your Fertility Journey With Dr Hugo

Whether you are planning a family, experiencing male or female infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or looking for help with a gynaecological condition, having the right specialist by your side may make the process feel clearer and more manageable.

Dr Hugo provides compassionate, personalised fertility consultations and gynaecological care, with treatment options tailored to your individual needs and goals.