Naturopathic Approach to Infertility
by Dr. Darcy A. Ries
There are many reasons one may struggle to conceive or carry a pregnancy to completion. Regardless of the reason or underlying diagnosis, if there is one, individual care should be the approach. Simply telling a patient with PCOS to “lose weight” and take fertility enhancing medications misses a major point – it doesn’t directly address the cause. Why do they have PCOS? What mechanisms are at play making the body operate this way? If you understand that, you understand how to help correct it.
Thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disease, PCOS, endometriosis, advanced age, and premature ovarian failure can all be “causes” of infertility. However, digging beyond the label of a diagnosis, we can determine if insufficient nutrition, high environmental toxin load, metabolic dysfunction, hormone imbalances, or stress are at play – all of which lay the stage for fertility struggles.
By supporting all the involved systems (thyroid, ovaries, adrenals, digestion, detox pathways, immune system, nervous system, and more) we take a holistic approach, one that re-focuses on building health versus countering a disease process. The result is a shift back toward homeostasis, the balance our body inherently strives for.
Let’s not forget that the struggle of infertility does not land solely on the female partner and/or egg donor. It has been shown that up to 30% of fertility issues are attributed to the health of the male partner and/or sperm donor. Of this 30%, up to 90% is attributed to low sperm count or poor sperm quality.1 What affects sperm count and quality? (hint: insufficient nutrition, high environmental toxin load, metabolic dysfunction…)
Addressing root issues is one way naturopathic care differs from conventional medicine’s approach. Beyond this, natural medicine aims to utilize the least invasive and most natural options to support the body. This might include clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle therapies, massage (including abdominal therapy treatments to address any adhesions, optimize uterine position, and/or improve pelvic circulation), and selective supplements.
Naturopathic care also, helpfully, happens to have a lower price point. While IUI, IVF, and other assisted reproductive procedures can certainly be a godsend, they’re beyond the budget of too many people and beyond the coverage of the average insurance plan. Natural medicine provides a lower cost option for individuals seeking fertility support.
Last but not least, the naturopathic approach to infertility takes into account not just the physical notions of working to achieve and hold a pregnancy, but the emotional and energetic strains that often occur alongside this struggle. While not a substitute for professional counseling – always a good idea for any individual or couple struggling with infertility – naturopathic medicine can include approaches that are not found in the typical doctor’s toolbox: homeopathy, flower essence therapy, craniosacral therapy, and Mayan abdominal massage are just a few tools that can address the emotional and energetic components for struggling patients.
If you or someone you know is wanting to conceive, naturopathic medicine can fill in the gaps for a more holistic approach to fertility. Want more info? Book a free 15 min. discovery call here.
References:
- Leaver RB. Male infertility: an overview of causes and treatment options. Br J Nurs. 2016;25(18):S35-S40. doi:10.12968/bjon.2016.25.18.S35
