For couples who are trying to conceive, each month can be a roller-coaster of emotions- and not the fun ones. Whether it’s through natural or assisted methods, getting pregnant is a joyous moment for parents who’ve been trying.
Fertility
There is a growing epidemic of fertility issues, and current stats indicate that as much as 1 in 4 couples will struggle to conceive. Amomg my friend and patients, I have seen a huge variance of fertility concerns in my practice, and I have a great passion for this work.
Some women enter my office with a lot of knowledge about fertility, and I’m always pleased to amaze them with all the information they can still learn! Empowerment is key, and optimizing fertility is one of the most powerful offerings of naturopathic medicine.
There are things that can increase your chances, like ovulation tracking and frequent intercourse. However, for couples who have been trying without success for several months, further support may be required. I also clear up some common misconceptions about fertility here.
Addressing any underlying health problems can help increase fertility. There are a lot of conditions that can be at the root of your infertility, including:
- High stress
- Low thyroid function
- Iron deficiency
- Low exercise
- Being overweight
- PCOS
- Fibroids
- Low hormone levels
Certain supplements, like Co-Q10 and inositol, can work as antioxidants and help your ovaries be healthier. Treating any thyroid conditions, helping you manage stress, and working as part of a fertility team are all steps that naturopathic doctors take to help you get pregnant. Additionally, there are things you can do to help you and your baby be as healthy as possible as it grows.
IVF & Medicated Cycles
Some women choose intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF), with or without extra hormones, to increase their chances of getting pregnant. Some rounds are funded, or these methods can be quite pricey and average $25,000 for every trial.
I often see couples who are already doing fertility treatments, and I have invested in a lot of specialized training to ensure I can safely and effectively optimize medicated cycles as well as natural ones. Adding a naturopathic treatment to your artificial insemination can greatly boost your chance of success as we focus on making the body as healthy as possible.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a great tool to help women who are trying to get pregnant. The fine needles work to balance hormone levels, reduce stress, and to nourish the uterus for conception and growing a baby. Whether it’s for couples who are trying to conceive naturally, or pre-IUI or IVF, acupuncture works.
I have trained with international TCM teachers Radha Thambirajah and Jane Lyttleton to learn how to create highly specialized, individualized acupuncture protocols based on each person’s case.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop inside the uterus or in its muscle walls. Most fibroids go unnoticed, but the ones that are large or located in places that press on the cervix or bladder can cause symptoms. Heavy menstrual bleeding, constipation, urinary frequency, and a sensation of pressure inside the womb can all be a symptom of fibroid growth. Fibroids that are very large can contribute to infertility.
In Asian medicine, any lumps are a symptom of dampness, an energetic disease state of the body where there is too much moisture. Acupuncture treatments aimed at releasing excess dampness from your body can help shrink your uterine fibroids and help you get pregnant.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common causes of infertility. Women who have this syndrome may have high levels of male hormones, multiple cysts on their ovaries, and no ovulation. Read more about naturopathic approaches to PCOS management.
Men’s Health
It’s not all about the woman: sperm health is just as important as egg health when it comes to conception. Poor diet, low exercise, and oxidative stress can all damage sperm, and changing these things can make the difference for conception.
Pregnancy
Whether pregnancy is something you’ve been trying at for a long time, or it’s an unexpected turn in life, having a healthy pregnancy is something every new mother wants. The female body undergoes incredible changes and managing things like morning sickness, nausea, and physical pain will help make the pregnancy easier.
Two of the most common concerns for soon-to-be moms are difficulty sleeping and back pain. Finding gentle and effective ways to help you reduce pain and sleep better are important ways that naturopathic doctors can help you have a healthy and happy third trimester. Acupuncture is great at promoting relaxation and decreasing pain, and can even help turn a breech baby in the weeks before delivery.
Choosing the right prenatal vitamin and probiotic can help your baby be healthier and have fewer allergies, and supplementing with omega oils can help your baby’s brain develop properly. There are herbs that can make childbirth and labour less painful and help speed delivery and recovery.
Make naturopathic medicine a part of your fertility & pregnancy journey! Call and book an appointment today!
