Ask a Brisbane Fertility Naturopath
Frequently asked questions of a Fertility Naturopath in Brisbane
As a fertility Naturopath and Acupuncturist, I am often asked how I can help women and couples improve their fertility. I have selected a few of the most popular questions I get asked about Naturopathy in particular and its role in fertility treatment.
What Does a Fertility Naturopath Do?
A fertility naturopath is one who specialises in helping women and couples achieve a healthy conception or implantation if doing IVF/ART.
Some women and or couples will visit a naturopath as they are planning to start or grow a family. They may want some professional advice on how to get their health in tip top shape. They usually will visit a Naturopath several months prior to actively trying to conceive which allows time to improve the quality and health of the sperm and egg.
Others may visit a fertility naturopath as they may already be actively trying to get pregnant but may be encountering some difficulties such as recurrent miscarriage or other reproductive health concerns.
The help of a fertility Naturopath may also be sought prior to or during a round of IVF/ART.
A Naturopath’s job is to ensure that a woman or couple wishing to get pregnant are in the best possible state of health.
A fertility naturopath will look at all bodily systems to make sure that there are no obstacles to becoming pregnant. As well, your state of mind, stress, lifestyle and diet will be addressed.
A fertility naturopathic consult will also involve an in depth discussion about current and past health issues as well as a review of general blood tests which you may have done through your GP. If these have not been done, then your fertility naturopath will guide you as to which are the most useful blood tests to do.
You may also be asked to have extra blood test done to ascertain your nutrient status or biochemical processes.
Women will be asked to have a hormone blood test done on certain days of their menstrual cycle whilst men may be asked to carry out a semen analysis and other hormonal testing.
Naturopaths take a holistic approach to health, and their approach to fertility is no different.
Can a Naturopath Help with Fertility?
The short answer is yes ! There are many ways in which a naturopath can help with fertility for both women and men. While the focus may be on fertility, your overall health and wellbeing will also be addressed to optimise your chances of a successful, healthy pregnancy and baby.
Each treatment plan is unique, but some factors such as diet and lifestyle are always integral to supporting healthy conception. A naturopath can identify areas in your diet and lifestyle that can be improved, such as helping you switch to a balanced, healthy diet (like the Mediterranean Diet) that supports the nutritional needs of your body to boost fertility and support you throughout your pregnancy.
Looking at blood pathology also informs a fertility naturopath about your overall health. There are specific testing that is also highly recommended that is normally discussed in your first appointment. These tests are looking at nutrient status, hormonal status, your metabolic health, your stress levels and more.
Can a Naturopath Help with Infertility?
If you have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months without success, there may be underlying issues that are affecting your fertility, and a naturopath can help with this.
Many of the issues that lead to infertility, such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic issues and poor immune function can be assessed and adressed naturopathically.
Treating underlying diagnosed health conditions is also important for supporting conception.
A naturopath can also help with infertility by referring you for appropriate testing to get to the bottom of your fertility issues if you don’t already know the exact cause.
It’s important to remember that infertility can be due to both women and men, so if you are having trouble conceiving, it is worthwhile that you both speak to a naturopath.
Can a Naturopath Help Me Get Pregnant?
Whether you are just beginning to think about trying to conceive, or have been trying without success for some time, a fertility naturopath may be able to help you get pregnant.
Thorough questioning and health screening can help get to the bottom of underlying issues standing in the way of successfully conceiving.
The holistic support of a naturopath through diet, lifestyle, and targeted natural treatments can improve your health throughout not only prior to conceiving but also through pregnancy and the postnatal period.
What is the Naturopathic Diet for fertility
There is no one diet that is routinely prescribed to all fertility clients as Naturopathy is a holistic and individualised form of natural medicine. In saying this however, studies conclude that diets high in omega-3 ‘s found in salmon, anchovies and sardines can improve fertility in women. Further to this, eating a diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruit, wholegrains, seafood and poultry is thought to improve fertility in women and semen quality in men. This is beginning to sound much like the mediterranean diet isn’t it ?
Where appropriate, the above foods may be suggested however part of the naturopathic process may be to ascertain if there are any problematic food intolerances that need to be corrected or if any weight issues effecting fertility needs to be considered and rectified.
If you have a question about Naturopathy for fertility, you are more than welcome to book yourself in for a free 15 minute chat over the phone.
Alternatively, if you feel ready to work with me in addressing any fertility concerns, or to begin your pre-conception health journey, I would love to help.
