The key to a Naturopathic approach when trying to conceive, is exploring and addressing all possible impediments that may complicate or compromise conception. Whether a couple or woman is simply looking for a preconception program before embarking on their fertility journey, or if their issues are more complex, Naturopathy has SO much to offer.
A Naturopathic Approach to Fertility Can Help Whether You:
Are healthy and fertile and wanting to do the best for your future baby
Are experiencing infertility and struggling to find answers
Have suffered previous miscarriages
Have a history of complicated pregnancies
Are older and are aiming to improve your fertility and reduce any potential risks
Have other diagnosed conditions that may affect fertility
So, How DOES Naturopathy Help Improve Fertility?
Preconceptual nutrition (through supplementation) is paramount. There is now a significant body of robust research confirming when potential parents follow a nutritional approach for at least 3-4 months pre-conceptually, it will have a beneficial impact on the quality of the egg and sperm, and therefore...the health outcomes of the baby. A preconception approach is equally important for the potential father or sperm donor as nutrients such as folate, vitamin C and E, CoQ10, B12 and Zinc have all been shown to improve sperm parameters and testosterone levels.
When investigating subfertility, we test for nutritional deficiencies, as well as genetic blocks to the absorption of crucial nutrients that influence; hormone production and regulation, egg, sperm and embryo quality, uterine receptivity, endometrial health, and embryo implantation. Key nutrients to be considered include; folate, antioxidants (like vitamins C and E, selenium and CoQ10), omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, choline, Vitamin D, key B vitamins such as B6 and B12, and amino acids such as N-Acetyl Cysteine, Carnitine and Arginine.
Evidence supports that naturopathic and nutritional medicine can help with common co-existing factors and can:
Regulate periods, cycle lengths, ovulation timing, and improve egg quality
Ease symptoms of endometriosis and polycystic ovaries
Improve sperm morphology, motility and count
Address symptoms associated with oestrogen excess such as painful or heavy periods, spotting, cysts and fibroids
Treat other conditions such as autoimmune disease, digestive issues, and thyroid conditions
A nutrient-dense diet prior to conception is equally fundamental. We are learning more and more about the role of beneficial fats, protein and antioxidant-rich foods as foundational sources of dietary nutrition. These nutrients play a big role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting hormone balance, and creating an optimal conception environment. Replete nutrition will also improve overall mental and physical wellness and mitigate common co-existing conditions like diabetes, PCOS, digestive complaints, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune disease, which can undermine fertility.
Lifestyle interventions also need to be considered at this time. Naturopathic clinicians aim to educate about the impact of smoking, caffeine, alcohol, toxins, and daily chemical exposures that can impair egg, sperm and embryo health. Embracing a nutrient dense diet and healthy lifestyle adjustments can significantly heighten the chances of conception for both men and women.
At Darling Health our fertility plans are aimed to create a personalised treatment road map built around your specific symptoms and investigations, whilst exhausting all potential causes to optimise both your fertility and overall health. Our clinicians at Darling Health explore personal and family history, interpret past and current symptoms, acknowledge previous investigations and treatments, and use a range of functional medicine diagnostic tools when necessary. To learn further about How Does Naturopathy Help Improve Fertility, please don't hesitate to reach out, we are here to help.