There’s a lot riding on an IVF cycle. Although IVF is the most advanced modern medical approach to infertility – and a godsend for thousands of now-parents – on average (assuming no other interventions such as the ones we’re about to discuss here) each couple has just about a 30% chance of bringing home a baby, after 4 IVF cycles. With each cycle costing an average of $15,000 – not to mention the physical and emotional toll of going through fertility treatments – we definitely want to make it count. Egg quality issues are among the top reasons for IVF failure. In this blog, we’re going to explore 5 ways to enhance follicle and egg quality in advance of IVF … Read More
3 Lessons I’ve Learned About Fertility
Looking back on when I first started working with people with infertility as a new naturopathic doctor, there were a few things I didn’t realize would become so relevant to my practice – and my clients’ success. Thank Goodness for Toxicology One: I didn’t realize how grateful I’d be for having (somewhat blindly) chosen Biomedical Toxicology as my major in undergrad. I really didn’t know what it was – only that it was at the U of G, sounded “biology-related”, and had co-op (which my mom encouraged me to go for so that I could put myself through school – it worked!). Thank goodness for toxicology, which taught me that the human body is capable of releasing almost any toxin … Read More
Male Fertility: What You Need to Know
Although infertility affects 1 in 6 couples worldwide, with male and female factors each accounting for 50% of a couple’s potential issues, many couples don’t realize just how relevant a future father’s health today is to their overall chances of successful pregnancy. The Most Important Fact about Sperm The most important fact you need to know about sperm is that it takes 100 days to make them. Why is this fact so mind-blowing? It means that in just a few month’s time, a man can make changes in his health that will significantly change his sperm quality. In fact, we’ve seen men have their sperm count and quality improve drastically within 6 months of individualized naturopathic care. I’ve even had a fertility specialist ask what I’d … Read More
5 Research-Proven Fertility Tips – Helping Couples Conceive
I was at a conference last week focused on the latest & greatest of integrative fertility care – including medical and naturopathic perspectives. Here in Ontario we’re fortunate to be home to some of the world’s leading fertility doctors, including reproductive endocrinologists, andrologists, naturopathic and integrative physicians. 1. Chart Smart It was really quite cool to hear one of Toronto’s leading fertility specialists encouraging women to go back to those low-tech basics and track their cycles. The body doesn’t lie and since you need to know exactly when in a given cycle you can conceive, good old BBT (Basal Body Temperature) Charting will do the trick. Using a regular oral thermometer from the drugstore, take your temperature first thing in the morning … Read More
90% of Your Fertility Success Is Already Within You
There’s more to getting pregnant and having your baby than getting sperm and egg together in the same room. Since I released my e-book Let Your Fertility Shine just 2 weeks ago, over 1000 women have already accessed it. That’s such an honour for me!!…but it also sends me a deeper message: there’s a real & immediate need for the expert fertility guidance, research-proven methods and compassionate support that I’ve packaged up for you in my Fertility Empowerment Program. The program gives you is everything you need to do between your clinic visits to actually transform your results. You see, 90% of your fertility success is actually already within you. You just need to apply the right information, at the right times, to get the results you’re … Read More
3 Foods to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant
The research is clear: there really are foods that can hinder your chances of getting pregnant. The Nurses’ Health Study followed thousands of women, including a sub-group who had difficulty with their fertility – in particular, problems with ovulation. Women who had problems with ovulation resulting in a harder time getting pregnant consumed certain foods more often. These anti-fertility foods are the focus of this post. Why Does Food Affect Fertility? Put simply, the food you eat literally becomes your body as old cells die and are replaced by new cells. Your diet also provides nutrients that nurture your body, including creating the environment of your reproductive system which fosters and matures your eggs. (Similarly, food quality and nutrient intake has … Read More
Fertility Boosters: Go Beyond Your Basic Prenatal With These 3 Nutrients
One of the questions I’m asked most about is supplements for fertility. As a naturopathic doctor, creating treatment plans including clinical nutrition plans, supplements and herbs is an individualized discussion based on your symptoms, history, diet and blood work. My oath as a doctor includes the responsibility to teach the principles of healthy living. I take this further in my work with patients and clients because I want to teach you enough to help you empower yourself in your own health journey – including with your fertility. This is because I recognize the healing potential in you, and I know that evidence-based natural medicine along with your daily self-care and the work that you do on your mindset is what … Read More
- Page 1 of 2
- 1
- 2