What are my reproductive goals?
This is a question to ask yourself before you undergo any treatment, whether it is naturopathic or conventional. Your goals may be to get pregnant as soon as possible, to have a specific number of children, or to avoid fertility treatments altogether. Make sure you are clear on what you want so that you can discuss your options with your doctor and make the best decision for you.
How long have I been trying to conceive?
If you have been trying for less than a year, most conventional doctors recommend that you keep trying naturally before seeking any kind of treatment. However, there are natural treatments our naturopathic doctor can offer to help improve your fertility and chances of conceiving naturally. If you have been trying for over a year, it is worth talking to your doctor or local naturopathic doctor about your options. They will be able to give you advice on what your next steps should be.
Are there any medical issues I am aware of that could contribute to infertility?
It is important to know as much as possible about your own health before making a decision about starting a family. Consult with your doctor about any medical conditions you have, and whether they may affect your ability to conceive naturally. They may also recommend that you take a test for STIs or genetic conditions before beginning treatment. This will help them select the correct fertility treatments for you. If necessary, they can refer you to a gynecologist or an obstetrician who can offer more specific tests and procedures.
If I am struggling financially, are there resources available to help me?
If you are struggling to pay for fertility treatments, there are many resources available. Talk to your doctor who may be able to direct you to community health services or private clinics that are low cost or even free. Some employers will cover the costs of fertility treatment if it is recommended by a physician, so check with your human resources department as well. If you have any friends or family members who have had children, ask them if they would be willing to contribute towards treatment fees.
Who is going to carry out my Naturopathic Infertility Treatments?
If you decide on naturopathic infertility treatments, your naturopath will likely try a number of different therapies before recommending IVF. They may prescribe herbal medicine, supplements and fertility-boosting diet changes, for example. They may also suggest acupuncture or recommend that you get your hormones tested to determine if any are out of balance.
If I use donor sperm, will my Naturopathic Infertility Treatments be covered by OHIP?
Some fertility treatments require the use of donor sperm. If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor about how it will impact your coverage under OHIP. You can usually claim injections and ultrasounds related to oocyte retrieval but you may not be able to claim the cost of donor sperm itself.
What are my chances of getting pregnant with Naturopathic Infertility Treatments?
Unfortunately, there is no one set answer to this question as every case is different. However, naturopathic treatments can be a very effective way to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Talk to your doctor about your specific situation and they will be able to give you a better idea of what to expect.
As with any type of treatment, it is important to talk to your naturopathic doctor before making a decision about whether naturopathic infertility treatments are right for you. They will be able to discuss your individual situation and recommend the best course of action. Naturopathic treatments can be an effective way to improve your fertility, but they may not be right for everyone. Make sure you weigh all of your options before starting any treatment plan. Good luck!
5 Tips for Naturopathic Preconception Care
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Vitamin B9
The majority of women have heard of folic acid or vitamin B9, but not all vitamin B9 is created equal. Some people have a gene that makes it difficult to convert supplemental, synthetic folic acid into the active form of vitamin B9 to the active form of folate (5-MTHF). This is especially important for women over the age of 35, as well as those who have had one or more miscarriages in the past. Consult an ND about the best way to take vitamin B9, and look for a prenatal vitamin that contains methylfolate rather than folic acid.
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Get to Know Your Cycle
If you’ve recently stopped taking the birth control pill or are unsure about the details of your menstrual cycle, start tracking now! Books like Taking Charge of Your Fertility and websites like Fertility Friend are excellent resources for explaining what to look for. All of this information is also covered in our Naturopathic Preconception visits. Normal can take many forms, but some factors (such as an irregular cycle) can make conception more difficult. Consult your doctor and naturopathic doctor about how to proceed.
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Medication & Supplement Check
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medications. Some medications, such as acetaminophen, are safe to take during pregnancy, but others, such as ibuprofen, are not. The same is true for most supplements and herbs – consult with an ND or knowledgeable health care provider to determine what is safe.
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Clean up your Diet & Environment
Most women pay special attention to their diet once they learn they’re pregnant, but it’s also important to make wise choices in the months leading up to conception. Caffeine, for example, can have a direct impact on your chances of conceiving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Limit your exposure to plastics and other potential hormone disruptors, such as parabens and phthalates, which are commonly found in personal care products. Choose items with ingredients you’re familiar with!
Recent research also suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet can help with fertility. This is a very healthy diet in many ways, so we will frequently work to make dietary changes in accordance with this diet.
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Take it Easy
Avoid the urge to micromanage the process unless you’re over 35 or have a pre-existing condition (such as endometriosis). Many people conceive within a year of having well-timed intercourse. Ovulation predictor tests and basal body temperature charting are useful tools to be aware of, but there is no need to use them right away.
Do You Need a Naturopathic Doctor Specializing in Fertility in Gilbert, Arizona?
Atlas Health Medical Group in Gilbert, Arizona specializes in providing Naturopathic Fertility Treatment to the East Valley including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, San Tan, and Queen Creek. When women with PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome start thinking about becoming pregnant, they find that it can be challenging and they may suffer from infertility. Infertility is defined as struggling to become pregnant after trying for 1 full year, or if you are over 35 years old- after 6 months of trying. Some women have even been told by their ob/gyn that they won’t be able to have a baby without IVF or a fertility specialist. However, we have worked with many women diagnosed with PCOS and I have been able to help them reach hormone balance in order to naturally conceive! We pride ourselves on setting the standards of patient care and result-driven treatments. This approach has allowed us to become the leading Naturopathic clinic in Gilbert, Arizona. Our patients return to health and live the life they intended. Contact us today for your first appointment!
