Fertility Care
Naturopathic fertility care ideally begins about 3 months before you are planning to try to get pregnant. In the world of fertility, however, time is a luxury that we don’t always have, and can therefore begin fertility care at any time either before or after you have started trying to conceive. It is important to understand that even if you are “late to the game” and are currently undergoing fertility treatment, there are still many things you can do concurrently to optimize your body’s function and improve your chances of having a successful pregnancy.
Benefits of Fertility Care
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Improving egg quality
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Improving sperm quality
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Balancing horomones
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Supporting implantation of the embryo
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Decreasing Stress
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Increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organs
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Supporting the uterine lining to enhance implantation
Four Aspects to Fertility Care
Acupuncture
Using the information gathered during the extensive initial assessment, a specific acupuncture protocol is set in place to help address the potential issues that may be causing difficulty conceiving.
BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE TO SUPPORT FERTILITY INCLUDE:
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Decrease stress & anxiety – especially during the 2-week wait
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Promote blood flow to the reproductive organs to help support function
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Thicken the uterine lining
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Support ovulation
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Support implantation
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Regulate the menstrual cycle
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Balance hormones
Acupuncture is also used for certain male sperm pathologies that may be affecting fertility.
Acupuncture has been reported to promote the circulation of blood and oxygen into the pelvic cavity and improve ovarian function. In addition, many patients also experience enhanced feelings of well-being. Improvements such as better sleep quality, better digestion, decreased anxiety, increased energy, enhanced moods, and more, are reported. These physical and emotional shifts positively influence the chances of conceiving, regardless of whether one is trying naturally or undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.
Assessment of diet and creating a personalized diet plan
Creating a personalized diet plan is extremely important as it lays the foundation for your overall health. Research shows that eating a cleaner and healthier diet can improve your chances of getting pregnant.
There are certain hormonal conditions that respond incredibly well to specific dietary changes. Your fertility care plan involves looking at your current diet and creating an individualized diet plan that will provide the support you need. These plans are not necessarily about losing weight, but instead about including the right foods and making the proper substitutions for foods you are eating now. Poor eating habits can affect your energy, digestion, stress levels, sleeping habits, and create a “stressed” internal environment which can lead to hormonal imbalances and affect fertility. This part of fertility care is probably the one that people are most afraid of. Many people are worried that they will have to change everything they are eating or go on a diet. This is definitely NOT the case!
The changes we make are slow and gradual and discussed together in a way that feels manageable and comfortable.
When undergoing fertility treatment, there can be an overwhelming amount of blood work, ultrasounds, and other testing that is required in order to collect all of the necessary information. Working with REI’s (Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility specialists) I know and understand the tests being done, and I can thoroughly analyze and help you understand the results. If you are going for cycle monitoring and having blood work and ultrasounds done throughout the month, we can go over those results to monitor hormone levels, follicle/egg growth, and ovulation.
In addition to the testing that is done by your doctor, there are other tests that can be very helpful when understanding what fertility support is needed. The following are tests that may be recommended to help with your Naturopathic Fertility care plan:
Thyroid Testing
Blood work to test your thyroid hormones and antibodies are necessary when doing a fertility assessment.
Vitamin D
Optimal levels of vitamin D is important when looking at fertility.
Iron / Ferritin
Testing iron levels is needed to rule out any abnormalities.
Vitamin B12
These 3 nutrients are not always checked when having blood work with your annual physical exam.
These 4 nutrients are not always checked when having blood work with your annual physical exam. Optimal levels of vitamin D, iron, and B12 in the body are all important when trying to conceive. If necessary, a recommendation will be made to have the levels of these nutrients checked.
Understanding your fertile window
Click play to learn some tips you can follow to track your ovulation at home!
Contact Me
Dr. Irena Bergmann, ND
My Office Locations:
Pollin Fertility
2360 Yonge St., 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M4P 2E6
P: (416) 342-3552
Aurora Massage & Chiropractic Wellness
150 Hollidge Boulevard, Unit C3
Aurora, Ontario, Canada L4G 8A3
P: (905) 727-4400
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