Want a Natural Approach to Fertility Treatment? Here Are Your Options

Struggling to conceive is an emotional and overwhelming experience, especially when facing the high cost and side effects of fertility treatments. While no single treatment works for everyone, choosing a natural approach to support your fertility may help you feel as though you have more control.

At CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, our reproductive and endocrinology infertility specialists customize fertility treatment plans, taking your personal and medical needs into consideration. For folks looking for a natural approach, we may focus on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and complementary therapies. 

Fine-tuning your nutrition

Good nutrition is essential for overall health and wellness as well as your fertility. Fine-tuning your diet to incorporate nutrient-packed foods is a natural way to support fertility.

Good foods for reproductive health include:

• Plant-based proteins: Legumes, nuts, and seeds
• Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, and vegetable oils
• Low-glycemic carbs: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• High-fiber foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds
• Full-fat dairy: Whole milk, yogurt, and cheese

Research also suggests that not eating enough fruit and eating fast food regularly may contribute to infertility. 

Cutting back on caffeine

You may need to reduce your coffee consumption. While research is mixed, there’s some evidence that high intakes of caffeine may negatively affect female and male fertility.

Limit your daily caffeine consumption to about 200 milligrams a day, which is about the same amount in 2 cups of coffee.

Striking the right exercise balance

Exercise is another habit that benefits overall health. However, when it comes to fertility, the level of physical activity you need may depend on your health.

Healthy women trying to conceive may want to follow a low-intensity exercise plan when trying to get pregnant because vigorous physical activity may negatively affect fertility. However, vigorous exercise for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may improve fertility.

We can talk to you about exercise for fertility during a consultation and help you develop an approach that’s best for you.

Reducing stress with acupuncture or yoga

Acupuncture and yoga may also support fertility. Preconception acupuncture promotes relaxation, potentially lowering stress levels and improving conception. 

Yoga may also enhance fertility in women and men by reducing oxidative stress and protecting eggs and sperm from free radical damage. 

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake may also enhance your fertility. Women who smoke are more likely to experience infertility and miscarriage. Smoking may also affect sperm health. 

The evidence tying alcohol intake to infertility is less clear, but some studies show a link between high alcohol intake and lower chances of conception. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink when trying to get pregnant is good for your health and your fertility.

We can help you explore your options

Some women may experience improvements in fertility taking a more natural approach, but others who continue to struggle may benefit from infertility treatments like medication to increase ovulation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Making lifestyle changes benefits all individuals trying to conceive, but a personalized plan is the best approach. If you’re struggling with infertility, the CARE Fertility team can help create a personalized fertility treatment plan. Call us today or request an appointment online.