Naturopathic Fertility support for Men and Women
Enhance your fertility with natural medicine – there is so much more to fertility than just your menstrual cycle.
About Fertility Issues
Trying to fall pregnant can feel stressful and isolating, especially when there are underlying health conditions at play or when months pass without explanation. Many people are told by their doctor that “everything looks normal” and to just keep trying — until the 12-month mark, when they are suddenly considered “infertile” (Carson & Kallen 2021) and referred for IVF.
At our clinic, we understand a fertility work up should and needs to be offered before 12 months. Ideally, you do a work up before you start to try. This is because we want to ‘optimise’ both parents fertility.
Regardless of where you are at in your fertility journey, we support people at every stage — whether you’re preparing for conception, actively trying, or beginning assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF. Our goal is to help restore balance, improve reproductive health, and give you the best chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Common Causes of Fertility Issues
Many common barriers to fertility are often overlooked in standard medical investigations. In fact, most couples aren’t given a clear picture of what has (or hasn’t) been assessed.
The body is constantly communicating with itself. When it senses a threat — whether that’s oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, or underlying infections — certain feedback loops, including those involving the reproductive organs, can be disrupted, affecting fertility.
In clinic, some of the frequent underlying causes I see & test for include:
- Nutrient deficiencies – Healthy eggs and sperm rely on specific vitamins and minerals. Assessing diet and, where needed, using blood testing can reveal whether key nutrients are missing. A review by Shukla & Shrivastava (2024) identifies the following deficiencies causing subfertility – vitamin D, E, C, b12, folate, Zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, COQ10!
- Inflammation & oxidative stress – These can affect the quality of both sperm and eggs (Ojo et al., 2023). Inflammation may stem from environmental toxins (like heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides), internal imbalances such as ‘leaky gut,’ metabolic issues like diabetes or excess weight, or hidden/stealth infections.
- Stress and adrenal function – When the body is under ongoing stress, it can reduce communication with the reproductive system, making conception more difficult. Further, stress hormones negatively affect IVF treatments (Karunyam et al., 2023).
- Structural concerns – Obstructions in the fallopian tubes or uterus, often linked to infections, endometriosis, or fibroids, can physically block natural conception, as well as affect IVF outcomes (Hunt & Vollenhoven 2023).
- Vaginal microbiome imbalances – This is a facinating new area of research ever since ‘cracking’ the gut microbiome DNA sequencing; we now know that the presence of pathogens in the pelvic environment, as well as alterations in the good flora can affect fertility. The vaginal microbiome can also affect the entire pregnancy (Vitale et al., 2021).
- Hormonal imbalances – Conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, endometriosis, insulin resistance, and diabetes can all disrupt normal reproductive processes (Bendarska-Czerwinska et al., 2023).
- Sperm issues; specifically DNA fragmentation of sperm. This issue can cause unexplained infertility, as well as be a factor in recurrent pregnancy loss (Zioziou et al., 2024).
By identifying and addressing these root causes, naturopathic care aims to restore balance, improve reproductive health, and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Endometriosis
- Endometriosis is a common condition, which can cause inflammation & oxidative stress, as well as scarring in the uterus – this can impact fertility.
- Natural medicine aims to reduce the underlying drivers of inflammation & oxidative stress, contributing to scarring, to optimise ones fertility.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- PCOS can affect ovulation, which is needed to fall pregnant. Drivers of PCOS have been established, and the role of natural medicine is to identify and treat the driver, to restore ovulation and enhance fertility.
Fertility Treatment and How Naturopathy Can Help
Our naturopathic approach to fertility focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes, rather than just managing symptoms. We also consider the WHOLE health – including both partners, the environment, diet, lifestyle, as well as all the factors that might be happening inside.
The consultative process is designed to educate, provide clarity, and create personalised guidance, and ongoing support for not only conception, but your whole pregnancy & post natal care.
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
Your first session is a deep dive into your health history, lifestyle, and current fertility concerns. We’ll review any medical reports or test results you already have and identify areas where additional functional testing may provide more insight. From here, we’ll begin working on the foundational pillars of fertility:
- Nutritional and dietary guidance to support egg & sperm health
- Lifestyle and environmental optimisation to support hormones & the nervous system
- Stress and sleep management to regulate reproductive hormones
An ideal timeframe to improve fertility is as follows:
- Men – 70 days – studies show that sperm health can improve within 70 days of targeted nutrition and lifestyle changes (Omu 2013) – meaning you need 70 days of an improved diet, lifestyle, exercise & targeted nutrient/herbal therapy before you see results
- Women – 90 days – an egg takes 90 days to mature in the ovaries – meaning you need 90 days of an improved diet, lifestyle, exercise & targeted nutrient/herbal therapy before you see results in your eggs
Many clients are already deep in their fertility journey, and may not be able to spend another three months ‘optimising’ fertility – and this is OK, there is plenty of support that we can implement whilst someone is actively trying to conceive!
Step 2 – Comprehensive Review & Treatment Plan
In your follow-up consultation, we go through your assessment and testing results in detail. Together, we create an individualised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Your plan may include:
- Targeted nutritional therapy to address key nutrients for reproductive health (e.g., folate, zinc, CoQ10, omega-3s)
- Herbal medicine to regulate hormones, improve ovarian function, and enhance male reproductive health
- Gut and vaginal microbiome support to address underlying contributors to hormonal imbalance
- Endocrine support to address other hormonal imbalances (like thyroid issues, blood sugar issues) that may be affecting fertility
- Lifestyle and stress resilience strategies to support healthy cycles and optimal conception
No two plans are the same — your care is unique to your body, timeline, and priorities.
Step 3 – Ongoing Support & Adjustments
Fertility journeys take time, and ongoing care is essential. We usually schedule reviews every 4–6–8 weeks (depending on your needs) to track progress, adjust treatment, and provide guidance as your body responds. This ensures your plan evolves with you and continues to address your priorities.
Additional Support Along the Way
- Collaboration with your medical specialists and fertility team where needed.
- Emotional support and mindset strategies to reduce stress and overwhelm.
- Guidance on preconception care for both partners, when relevant.
- Education so you feel empowered and confident in your fertility journey.
Your Fertility Questions Answered
How long does it take to fall pregnant?
The time it takes to conceive varies for each couple. A key factor is the health of the sperm and eggs. Research shows it takes about 70 days to create healthy sperm and about 90 days to develop healthy eggs. For this reason, most preconception plans are designed for at least 90 days, to give both partners’ reproductive cells the best chance of supporting a healthy conception. Other factors, such as age, hormone balance, and overall health, also play a role.
Can natural medicine help with fertility?
Yes. Naturopathic care looks at the whole picture — including diet, lifestyle, gut health, hormone balance, and stress levels — to identify barriers to fertility. By addressing these root causes, we can support healthy sperm and egg quality, hormone regulation, and overall reproductive health.
Do I need tests before starting a naturopathic plan?
Not always. We start with a detailed health assessment, but certain tests — such as blood tests, hormone panels, or gut microbiome analysis — can help identify underlying factors that may be impacting fertility. These tests allow us to tailor your treatment plan specifically to your needs.
How often will I need consultations?
Follow-up consultations are usually scheduled every 4–6–8 weeks, depending on your treatment plan and progress. These sessions allow us to track improvements, adjust your protocol, and provide ongoing guidance and support.
How long will it take to see results?
Every individual is different. Some people notice improvements in energy, mood, or hormone balance within a few weeks, while sperm and egg quality improvements generally take around 3 months. The goal is long-term reproductive health and optimal fertility outcomes.
Why Choose Us?
Accredited & Experienced Practitioner
You’re in safe hands. As a fully accredited naturopath, Rebecca Gunning follows professional standards and stays up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in natural medicine. Your care is guided by expertise and integrity.
Personalised Treatments From A Practitioner That Truly Cares
We understand that health journeys are personal and sometimes challenging. We take the time to listen, understand your unique situation, and provide compassionate, holistic support tailored specifically to you.
Evidence-Based, Results-Oriented Treatments
Our recommendations are grounded in scientific evidence and clinical experience. We combine the wisdom of natural medicine with modern research to create treatments that are safe, effective, and targeted to your individual needs.
Let’s work together to give your body the best chance at conception – book your appointment today.
REFERENCES:
Bendarska-Czerwińska, A., Zmarzły, N., Morawiec, E., Panfil, A., Bryś, K., Czarniecka, J., Ostenda, A., Dziobek, K., Sagan, D., Boroń, D., Michalski, P., Pallazo-Michalska, V., & Grabarek, B. O. (2023). Endocrine disorders and fertility and pregnancy: An update. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13, 970439. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.970439
Carson, S. A., & Kallen, A. N. (2021). Diagnosis and management of infertility: A review. JAMA, 326(1), 65-76. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.4788 (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Hunt, S., & Vollenhoven, B. (2023). Pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Australian Journal of General Practice, 52(4). https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-09-22-6576 (www1.racgp.org.au)
Karunyam, B. V., Abdul Karim, A. K., Naina Mohamed, I., Ugusman, A., Mohamed, W. M. Y., Faizal, A. M., Abu, M. A., & Kumar, J. (2023). Infertility and cortisol: A systematic review. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, Article 1147306. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1147306
Ojo, O. A., Nwafor-Ezeh, P. I., Rotimi, D. E., Iyobhebhe, M., Ogunlakin, A. D., & Ojo, A. B. (2023). Apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in infertility: A mini review. Toxicology Reports, 10, 448–462. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.04.013
Omu, A. E. (2013). Sperm parameters: Paradigmatic index of good health and longevity. Medical Principles and Practice, 22(Suppl. 1), 30–42. https://doi.org/10.1159/000354208
Shukla, S., & Shrivastava, D. (2024). Nutritional deficiencies and subfertility: A comprehensive review of current evidence. Cureus, 16(8), e66477. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.66477
Vitale, S. G., Ferrari, F., Ciebiera, M., Zgliczyńska, M., Rapisarda, A. M. C., Vecchio, G. M., Pino, A., Angelico, G., Knafel, A., & Riemma, G. (2022). The role of genital tract microbiome in fertility: A systematic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(1), 180. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010180
Ziouziou, I., Rambhatla, A., Shah, R., & Agarwal, A. (2024). Sperm DNA fragmentation and infertility: A narrative review. World Journal of Urology, 42, 408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-024-05090-2