Dr Andrew Hedges

Dr Andrew Hedges

Fertility Specialist & Gynaecologist

BMed (Ncle) | MRepMed | FRANZCOG

Dr Andrew Hedges is the Clinical Director of Hunter IVF, the Newcastle region's leading fertility clinic, which he co-founded with Dr Steve Raymond in 2002. With over 20 years' experience in reproductive medicine, he advocates a holistic approach to fertility treatment and has helped thousands of Hunter and Central Coast families achieve their dream of parenthood.

Dr Hedges was awarded the prestigious College Medal by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in recognition of his outstanding achievements during specialist training. He has ceased his busy obstetrics practice to concentrate exclusively on reproductive medicine and gynaecology, reflecting his deep commitment to fertility care.

He is known for his dedication to advancing IVF technology and improving pregnancy rates for his patients, and for fostering a strong sense of community within the Hunter IVF team.

Areas of Expertise

• IVF and ICSI
• Reproductive endocrinology
• Hormonal disorders including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis diagnosis and treatment
• Advanced laparoscopic surgery
• Egg freezing and fertility preservation
• Donor sperm and egg programs
• Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT)
• Male factor infertility and sperm DNA damage
• LGBTQ+ family building
• IVF Lite (lower-cost IVF)

Training & Background

Dr Hedges studied medicine at the University of Newcastle before completing a Master of Reproductive Medicine in Sydney. He trained in IVF at Royal North Shore Hospital and has also gained international experience working in the United Kingdom.

In 2002, he co-founded Hunter IVF, which has since become a major IVF hub for the Central and Northern NSW regions. Under his leadership as Clinical Director, the clinic was the first in NSW in many years to establish a newly created and certified sperm donor bank, addressing the critical shortage of donor sperm in the region.

Research

Dr Hedges is published nationally and internationally in the field of reproductive medicine. He fosters collaborative research with the world-renowned Aitken Centre at the University of Newcastle, focusing on sperm DNA damage—a key factor in male infertility and pregnancy outcomes. His published research includes work on oxidative stress, DNA damage, and sperm vitality in patient populations, contributing to the development of diagnostic criteria for male fertility assessment.