A Holistic Approach to Infertility
According to the CDC, infertility is not being able to get pregnant after at least a year of trying to conceive. In the United States, about one in five married women (aged 15 to 49 with no prior births) are unable to get pregnant.
Fertility naturally declines with age, and even more rapidly after 35 years of age. Because more and more people are having children later in life, infertility is a growing reason that women and couples seek out treatment. Today’s blog post reveals why taking a holistic approach to infertility can benefit anyone struggling with infertility.
Common Infertility Treatments Explained
Infertility in men and women is often treated with assisted reproductive technology (ART). That includes…
In vitro fertilization (IVF). The sperm and egg are collected and brought together in a lab. The fertilized egg grows for three to five days and then is transferred to the woman’s uterus.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI). Sperm is collected and transferred directly to a woman’s uterus when she is ovulating.
Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT). The sperm and egg are collected and transferred to one of the two fallopian tubes. (With GIFT, both the sperm and egg are transferred to the fallopian tube, and with ZIFT, the sperm and egg are unified in a lab and the resulting fertilized egg is then transferred to the fallopian tube.)
Taking A Holistic Approach to Infertility
A multitude of factors can contribute to infertility, which is why taking a holistic approach to infertility is key. At Denver Holistic Medicine, we utilize whole-body treatment methods — like functional hormone testing, individualized herbal therapy, fertility nutrition plans, nutraceutical supplementation, and functional movement training — to manage and improve fertility.
Chronic Stress Management
Many of the infertility cases we see at Denver Holistic Medicine are at least partially due to functional infertility. Functional infertility is a largely stress-related condition and is common among individuals who live and/or work in stressful environments or live a high-stress lifestyle.
Countless studies have shown that stress negatively affects fertility. Therefore, we offer our patients holistic treatments to modulate stress levels, balance hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle, increase egg quality, and assist the body in renewing itself on a cellular level.
Treating Underlying Conditions
A wide variety of conditions affect fertility:
Endometriosis
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Low ovarian reserve
Luteal phase deficiency
Advanced maternal age
If you have any of the aforementioned conditions, it is vital to treat them before focusing solely on fertility.
Gut Health
A healthy gut microbiome is necessary for maintaining hormonal balance. Gut bacteria directly interacts with the endocrine system, regulating the production and metabolism of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. Additionally, the gut plays a major role in nutrient absorption. Without proper nutrient absorption, your body may lack essential micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, and amino acids) necessary for reproductive health and fertility.
Fertility Services in Denver, Colorado
At Denver Holistic Medicine, we believe that taking a holistic approach to infertility is key. When you schedule an appointment with us, we’ll dig deep to diagnose the exact cause(s) of infertility. Then, we’ll employ holistic techniques to help manage stress levels, balance hormones, regulate your menstrual cycle, increase egg quality, treat underlying conditions, and allow the body to renew itself on a cellular level. Doing so will greatly increase your fertility and the likelihood of a successful, full-term pregnancy.
Interested in what we can do for you? Contact our team to get started.