Naturopathic support for infertility
Infertility is typically diagnosed when a couple has been trying to conceive for 1 year. It is usually at this point that a referral to an obstetrician/gynecologist is initiated. In women over the age of 35 this referral often happens after 6 months of trying to conceive. There are several conventional tests that will be run to determine the cause of infertility and in many cases a cause will be identified. There are also some additional tests that naturopathic doctors like to run to view the couple through a more wholistic lens in the interest of optimizing health and maximizing chances of a healthy pregnancy. Some causes of infertility include hormonal imbalances, gynecological disease, infectious disease, cellular health/aging (affecting sperm and egg health), stress and autoimmune causes. In some cases, the diagnosis is unexplained infertility, and this can leave many couples feeling frustrated and powerless.
As a naturopathic doctor with a passion for supporting fertility, it is helpful for me to review the science behind the many steps it takes to make a baby. Taking a mental step back and looking at each physiological and biochemical step allows me to think about how I can optimize the health of both partners so that we can maximize their chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby.
When to seek support from a Naturopathic Doctor
The short answer is, anytime! I support couples at any stage of their journey to have a family. This includes couples at the preconception stage; women on coming off the pill; women seeking to optimize egg and hormonal health; recurrent pregnancy loss; and working with couples during conventional medical fertility treatments. It is never too early or too late in the process to get support from natural medicine.
What to expect with Naturopathic Fertility Support
Extensive intake
At Balance Natural Health Clinic, our approach includes a whole person health assessment. This means that we allow for a 90 minutes initial consult to get to know you and your health status so that we can formulate a plan to support you moving forward. We will review your health history including menstrual cycle details, treatments tried to date, which tests have been done to date and what your life looks like from a nutritional, activity, environmental and emotional standpoint.
Fertility cycle monitoring – a valuable tool
Fertility awareness is an important part of natural fertility treatment. I have extensive knowledge about basal body temperature charting and other natural fertility detection methods. After training women in fertility charting, we use the charts to help couples time intercourse to optimize conception. In addition, it can help identify potential causes of infertility and guide treatment.
Naturopathic fertility assessment
A woman’s hormones and fertility are assessed by carefully reviewing details about her menstrual cycles, her fertile “signs and symptoms” and a laboratory assessment of her hormonal system. This includes the standard medical testing for infertility; additional investigation into the health of the thyroid and adrenal glands; and other areas indicated by a couples’ unique situation. Basal body temperature charts will also help in this process.
Natural fertility treatments with Naturopathic Medicine
Treatments plans will be individualized to each person’s specific needs. Even though the treatments are natural and safe, they are powerful fertility boosters. Through extensive clinical experience and ongoing continuing education on infertility, I have selected the treatments, products, and brands that that I find to be most effective.
The main natural fertility treatments used include:
- Nutraceutical supplements (vitamins, oils, mineral, enzymes, phytonutrients)
- Herbal medicine
- Fertility nutrition and naturopathic diets specific to your needs
- Fertility acupuncture
- Natural fertility lifestyle counselling (what helps and what doesn’t)
- Stress management tools
How Naturopathic Medicine works to improve fertility
Our natural fertility treatments work toward:
- improving egg quality
- improving implantation rates
- increasing blood flow to the pelvic organs
- reducing inflammation in the pelvic organs
- balancing hormones
- reducing stress
- improving overall health and nutritional status
Click here to book your appointment today and let’s get started.
— Dr Nicole Shortt, ND
