Starting a family is a big decision that can be more like a journey than one specific moment.
Just like any journey, you may encounter roadblocks along the way.
Fertility issues may be one challenge you face as you start on your family journey.
If you’re struggling to get pregnant, a naturopathic doctor can help you get past this bump in the road.
Naturopathic doctors can support you through every phase of life, from healthy conception to naturopathic treatment for kids once they are born.
Let’s talk about fertility, and how your naturopathic doctor can help.
The Facts on Fertility
When you’re trying to get pregnant and are unsuccessful, it can feel lonely and isolating.
You may try for months or years without becoming pregnant, and especially if people around you are conceiving easily, it’s understandable to be stressed, jealous, and frustrated.
But the truth is, you aren’t alone.
1 in 6 Canadian couples experience infertility according to Canadian government statistics, so chances are someone you know has gone through the same thing.
Consulting with a naturopathic doctor is an important first step in addressing your fertility and starting a healthy pregnancy.
Causes of Infertility
Infertility can affect anyone, and there are a number of reasons why someone might have difficulty conceiving.
Before we can address your specific fertility problems, we need to investigate the potential cause.
Below you’ll find some of the most common causes of infertility.
1. Age
Women’s fertility in particular can be affected by age, especially after age 35 or so.
Since women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, as they get older fewer eggs remain, and those that are left are of lower quality than when they were younger.
Men over 40 may also experience age-related fertility issues, such as decreased sperm quality and quantity.
2. A Hormonal Imbalance
There are a variety of hormones that play a role in reproductive health and the body’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy.
For example, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are responsible for ovulation, and if they are out of balance, it can make conception more difficult.
Of course, the sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone all play a role regardless of gender.
The reasons for a hormonal imbalance are varied, so it’s important to work with a professional to understand what might be causing one.
3. A Thyroid Disorder
While thyroid disorders are most common in women, they can also affect men, and infertility is often one of their effects.
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that help manage your metabolism, as well as the production and behaviour of other hormones throughout the body.
This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, an interruption in ovulation, decreased sperm quality or count, or erectile dysfunction.
Thyroid function is also critical to a healthy pregnancy, so if you do have a thyroid disorder, it should be carefully monitored before and after conception.
4. Low Sperm Count
When it comes to fertility, sperm is a numbers game – there are usually 39 million sperm in a typical semen sample.
However, for a variety of reasons, men might not produce enough sperm, which reduces the probability of conception.
There may be a medical or genetic cause for low sperm count, but there are also lifestyle factors such as nutrition and substance use, that could be at play.
5. Emotional Stress
A particularly challenging contributor to infertility is emotional stress.
Reducing stress is easier said than done, when the uncertainty and frustration of trying to conceive is weighing on you.
However, increased stress has a number of negative effects on your body, as it tries to protect itself.
There are a variety of things you can do to reduce the amount of stress in your life, including acupuncture, meditation, exercise, support groups, and counselling.
Your naturopathic doctor can help connect you with resources and options for managing stress related to fertility and the rest of your life.
6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that affects a number of hormones, including those responsible for ovulation and pregnancy.
It’s the most common cause of infertility in women, and is associated with a number of other conditions, including insulin resistance, facial and body hair growth, and acne.
Because it affects so many hormones, and causes irregular menstrual cycles, it’s an important condition to look out for if you would like to become pregnant.
How Can A Naturopathic Doctor Help With Pregnancy?
You don’t have to deal with infertility on your own.
Your naturopathic doctor can be an important ally in investigating the root cause of your infertility.
From there, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses this root cause in a way that fits your lifestyle.
This may include:
- Balancing your hormones
- Improving your nutrition
- Reducing your stress
- Supporting a healthy mind and body
Book An Appointment With Annex Naturopathic
If you have questions about your fertility, a Naturopathic Doctor can help.
Contact Annex Naturopathic today and start your family journey on the right foot.
