Dr Simon Nothman
BSc, MBBS (Hons), MPH, MHlthLead&Mgt, FRANZCOG
Sydney fertility specialist at Genea Sydney CBD, Bondi Junction and Bella Vista
I’m a fertility specialist based in Sydney, and I care for individuals and couples with both general and complex fertility concerns. My areas of particular interest include IVF and ICSI, male infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility preservation, PMOS (previously known as PCOS), preimplantation genetic testing and donor-conception pathways.
I started my career in reproductive medicine in Israel, where I spent more than a decade training and working before returning home to Sydney. I brought back extensive clinical experience and exposure to advanced reproductive technologies, which I combine with my highly individualised approach to care in every consultation.
I believe my patients should understand not only what I’m recommending, but why. I develop each treatment plan around a patient’s diagnosis, priorities, values and timeline, and I explain the available options and the evidence behind them.
Approach to care
Fertility care can quickly become medically complex and emotionally demanding. My aim is to make it clearer, more personal and more manageable.
I take the time to understand the person behind the medical history and test results. That includes your reproductive goals, previous experiences, relationships, work and family circumstances, and the practical realities that may affect your treatment.
I encourage you to ask questions and participate actively in decisions. I’ll explain what is known, where uncertainty remains, which options are available, and why a particular approach may or may not be appropriate.
For couples, I generally consider both partners from the outset. Male and female factors should be investigated in parallel, not one after the other. I also factor in lifestyle, nutrition, sleep and general health where relevant, but I approach this practically and without suggesting that patients are responsible for their fertility difficulties.
Continuity of care matters to me. I want to stay involved as you move through investigation and treatment.
“Good fertility care begins with understanding the person behind the results. I want my patients to know what we are doing, why we are doing it and how the plan reflects their diagnosis, priorities and timeline. My aim is to make fertility care clearer, more personal and more manageable.”
— Dr Simon Nothman
Experience and qualifications
- Graduated with Honours in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Sydney
- Completed specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology at Emek Medical Center in Israel
- Completed subspecialist fellowship training in reproductive medicine at Emek and Beilinson Medical Centres
- Worked in Israel as a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist and fertility subspecialist for five years
- Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Holds an Israeli subspecialist qualification in reproductive medicine
- Completed a Master’s degree in Public Health at the University of New South Wales, graduating with Excellence
- Completed a Master’s degree in Health Leadership and Management at the University of New South Wales, graduating with Excellence
- Completed additional training in nutrition through Food as Medicine: Fertility and Pregnancy at Monash University
- Completed additional training through Precision Nutrition Coaching
Medical education
Teaching has always been an important part of my career.
While working in Israel, I served as Director of Women’s Health Education at the Technion American Medical School, teaching medical students, obstetrics and gynaecology trainees and visiting international doctors. Here in Australia, I continue to teach GPs, nurses, midwives and doctors about fertility assessment and contemporary reproductive medicine.
This education-first approach carries through into my consultations. I want my patients to feel comfortable asking questions, to understand their options, and to feel genuinely involved in the decisions being made about their care.
Experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive fertility assessment and individualised treatment planning
- Ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, IVF and ICSI
- Male infertility and integrated assessment of both partners
- Fertility preservation, including egg, sperm and embryo freezing
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Review following previous unsuccessful fertility treatment
- PMOS, previously known as PCOS, and other ovulatory disorders
- Preconception health and genetic carrier screening
- Preimplantation genetic testing
- Donor-sperm and donor-egg pathways
- Evidence-informed nutrition and lifestyle guidance
Research
I’ve published research in peer-reviewed journals including Fertility and Sterility, Human Reproduction and the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.
My research has examined IVF treatment scheduling, frozen embryo transfer protocols, hormone levels and live birth outcomes, oocyte retrieval timing, sperm acquisition and medical education.
My ongoing engagement with research supports a careful, evidence-informed approach to new technologies, investigations and fertility treatment options.
You can view all my publications here.
Memberships & Associations
Clinical affiliation
I work in partnership with Genea, one of Australia’s most established fertility providers. Genea has over four decades of experience, and its success rates consistently perform above the national average. This partnership gives my patients access to Genea’s world-leading technology and laboratories.
Consulting locations
- Genea Sydney CBD – Level 2, 321 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
- Genea Bondi Junction – Suite 1605A, Level 16, Westfield Tower 2, 101 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022
- Genea Bella Vista – Q Central Building, Suite 111,10 Norbrik Drive Bella Vista NSW 2153
I am also a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), Sydney.
Languages
- English
- Hebrew
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at my first appointment?
The first appointment is an opportunity for me to understand your medical and reproductive history, any previous investigations or treatment, and what you are hoping to achieve.
We will discuss what the available information tells us, whether further assessment is needed and which options may be appropriate. If you are attending as a couple, I generally consider both partners from the outset. My aim is for you to leave with a clear understanding of the next steps and why I am recommending them.
Does seeing a fertility specialist mean I will need IVF?
No. IVF is one possible treatment, but it is not always needed.
Depending on your circumstances, the appropriate next step might be further testing, ovulation tracking, treatment of an ovulatory problem, insemination, fertility preservation or simply a clearer plan for when to seek further help. Treatment should be guided by your diagnosis, goals and timeframe, not by an assumption that everyone needs IVF.
When should I see a fertility specialist?
As a general guide, it is recommended to seek advice after 12 months of trying to conceive when the person trying to become pregnant is under 35, or after six months from the age of 35. From 40, earlier assessment is generally advisable.
You should also consider seeking advice sooner if there are irregular or absent periods, known endometriosis or PMOS, previous pelvic surgery, concerns about ovarian reserve, a known or suspected male fertility problem, recurrent pregnancy loss, previous cancer treatment, or any other reason for concern. In general, I support the concept of early pre-conception assessment to allow individuals and couples to take a data-driven and informed approach to their decision making and planning.
You do not need to wait before discussing fertility preservation or donor-conception options.
Do you assess and treat male infertility?
Yes. Male fertility should be considered from the beginning rather than investigated only after female testing or treatment has been completed.
Assessment may include a detailed medical and reproductive history, semen analysis and, where appropriate, hormonal, genetic or additional sperm testing. I also consider medications, general health and lifestyle factors that may affect sperm production. Where specialised urological input is required, I work collaboratively with appropriately experienced colleagues.
Can you help after previous unsuccessful treatment or recurrent pregnancy loss?
Yes. A fresh review can help clarify what has already been investigated, what previous treatment has shown us and whether there are reasonable opportunities to modify the approach.
I review the original diagnosis, ovarian response, fertilisation and embryo development, transfer protocols, uterine factors, male fertility and relevant genetic information. I also discuss which additional investigations or treatments are supported by evidence and which may add cost or complexity without a demonstrated benefit.
How do lifestyle and nutrition fit into fertility care?
Lifestyle and general health can influence reproductive health in both women and men, as well as impacting offspring health, but they are only one part of the picture.
I focus on practical, evidence-informed measures involving nutrition, activity, sleep, medications, smoking or alcohol exposure, and relevant supplements. The likely benefit varies from person to person, and lifestyle advice should support medical care—not create blame or imply that fertility difficulties could simply have been prevented by trying harder.
Can I see you if I am not ready to try for a pregnancy?
Yes. Fertility assessment and preservation can be considered well before you are ready to start a family.
A consultation can help you understand the effect of age, medical history and ovarian reserve on your options, as well as the potential role and limitations of egg, sperm or embryo freezing. The aim is to provide realistic information so you can make a decision that fits your priorities and future plans.