Naturopathic Approach to Investigating Infertility
Ashwaganda for Male Infertility
DHEA for Female Infertility
I have spent a great deal of time studying and practicing natural and holistic methods of enhancing fertility as well as conventional methods. In fact, I spent some of my residency training at Seattle’s premier IVF centers (Seattle Reproductive Medicine and Pacific Northwest Fertility). Many of my patients seeking an integrative and holistic approach to fertility management are interested in finding and treating the cause of their infertility. During your first visit, I will take a very thorough history, perform necessary physical exams and order valuable blood work (and possibly imaging if I am concerned about your uterus or fallopian tubes). Together, we will develop a plan that includes dietary improvements, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplementation and herbal medicines that will improve fertility.
I offer a comprehensive health care program customized to enhance fertility; that includes 5 distinct phases. You may choose anyone of these options:
Preconception Care: designed for both male and female patients and should begin 3 months prior to actively attempting conception. This goes well beyond a recommendation for taking prenatal vitamins and will include education on optimal timing for intercourse (fertility awareness)
Natural Conception Plan: 4-6 months of utilizing natural treatments to enhance fertility.
Integrative Conception Plan: 6 months of integrative (both holistic and drug options) to enhance fertility.
Integrative Fertility Support: This is reserved for patients whose only viable option for conception is In vitro Fertilization. I can work with your reproductive endocrinologist and offer safe and effective nutritional, dietary and herbal treatments to optimize your IVF experience.
Holistic Pregnancy Support: Although I am not licensed to offer obstetric care, I can offer pregnant women natural treatments for common pregnancy-related issues such as anemia, high blood sugar, nausea, constipation, and yeast infections. You will have to establish care with an OBGYN or midwife for your prenatal care and delivery.
Common Female Fertility Concerns:
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Primary infertility (no pregnancy after trying for 12 months)
- Secondary infertility (difficulty conceiving after easily conceiving first baby)
- Recurrent pregnancy loss (miscarriage)
- Luteal phase defects and low progesterone
- Endometriosis
- Natural hormone balancing (estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and adrenal)
- Stress reduction
- Whole foods diet
- Grief and anxiety
- Appropriate nutritional and herbal supplements
- Low libido
- Detoxification and optimizing preconception health
- Weight optimization
- Natural fertility awareness
Common Male Fertility Concerns:
- Low sperm count, motility and morphology
- Delayed semen liquefaction and high viscosity
- Weight optimization
- Diet improvements
- Appropriate nutritional and herbal supplements
- Low libido
- Low testosterone
- Thyroid and adrenal dysfunction
- Detoxification and optimizing preconception health