Fertility facts that might surprise you.
Many couples struggle with fertility. And infertility is rising. As many as 19% of women (1 in 5) ages 15 to 49 are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Yet, optimizing health for fertility is rarely discussed at a doctor’s visit, and many couples are influenced by the myths about fertility floating around.
Let’s debunk a few of the myths about fertility and give you the lowdown on what your doctor might not be telling you about your fertility.
Myths About Fertility – Debunked
There is so much misinformation about fertility that it’s easy to confuse what you should or should not believe. Let’s break down some of fertility's most common myths (plus a few bonus rounds).
Fertility Myth #1: You need to wait one year before a provider can help with your fertility.
Fact: The definition of infertility is being unable to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex and six months if you’re 35 years old or older. This means that doctors often recommend waiting until couples have been trying for six months to one year before getting help!
That can feel like a long time for couples, and it’s quite troubling to me!
It’s no secret that infertility rates are rising, so why not check in on things earlier?! And why not aim for optimal as opposed to just “fine” or “normal.”
We can do lots to prepare your (and your partner’s) body. We can optimize thyroid gland function and iron/ferritin levels. We can treat nutrient deficiencies, optimize nutrition for fertility, address health habits that inhibit fertility, and take a peek at your hormones. We can make sure your body is in the best possible place to get pregnant and carry a healthy baby to term.
If you’re ready to get pregnant or have been trying, there is no need to wait a year to work with a knowledgeable fertility doc! Get started today with a naturopathic or functional medicine doctor.
Fertility Myth #2: Fertility is primarily a woman’s problem.
Fact: Umm…heck no! It takes two to tango!
Male infertility accounts for around one-third of infertility issues. And another one-third is due to both male and female issues. Yet, our primary focus is on the woman until there’s a known issue with the sperm. And again, we don’t check in on those swimmers until one year or more of a couple trying!
So, it can’t hurt to get ahead of the game and help boost male fertility and optimize sperm count and motility. Here are a few easy things to start:
- Eat foods high in zinc. Low zinc levels are associated with low testosterone levels and poor sperm quality. Zinc-rich foods include pumpkin seeds, lentils, oats, and oysters. And sometimes, supplementation is necessary.
- Increase antioxidants in your diet. Think lots of veggies with a variety of colors. Supplementation with antioxidants such as vitamin C, CoQ-10, vitamin E, and glutathione can improve sperm quality and boost male fertility.
- Exercise regularly. In addition to being good for your overall health, regular exercise, particularly weight lifting can increase testosterone levels and improve fertility.
- Minimize stress. Prolonged periods of stress raise cortisol levels which in turn causes testosterone levels to trend down, negatively affecting fertility.
Fertility Myth #3: Your fertility tanks after age 35.
Fact: This is partially true, but fertility has more to do with the quality of your eggs.
Studies tell us that a woman’s average ovarian reserve starts to decline rapidly at age 35. But, it’s not all about the number of eggs, it’s about the quality of the eggs.
Research indicates that there’s so much we can do to improve egg quality:
- Correct nutritional deficiencies
- Ensure you get adequate antioxidants in food and supplements.
- Test vitamin D levels and supplement appropriately.
- Improve gut health.
- Reduce toxin exposures.
Improving egg quality after age 35 is one of the most empowering things women can do to help their fertility! I also recommend this excellent book: “It Starts with the Egg,” written by a biochemist and lawyer turned science writer.
Fertility Myth #4: Hormone testing can be checked anytime, and blood testing is always best.
Fact: Hormones cannot be checked at just any time! And blood testing can be a place to start, but there’s more that urine or saliva can tell us.
Hormone levels should be checked on specific days during your menstrual cycle. Estradiol, FSH, and luteinizing hormone (LH) should all be checked on day three of your cycle. Progesterone should be checked 5 to 7 days before your next period (typically around day 21 if you have a regular 28-day cycle).
Utilizing a blood test for hormone testing is the standard practice and the most studied method. However, it’s not the only way to test hormones. I like to use blood and dried urine tests (the DUTCH test). The DUTCH test provides numerous data points that are helpful when analyzing your hormones in relation to your fertility.
The DUTCH urine test includes:
- Sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and androgens and their metabolites.
- Adrenal hormones and their metabolites.
- Melatonin.
- Oxidative stress markers that can indicate poor egg quality due to DNA damage.
- Organic acids to identify vitamin or nutrient deficiencies.
- Diurnal cortisol pattern: 4-7 measurements of cortisol throughout the day.
Further, the DUTCH cycle mapping test includes a very accurate look at your hormones throughout your whole cycle which is especially helpful for those with PCOS, irregular periods, or longer cycles (over 35 days).
Fertility Myth #5: Gut health doesn’t play a part in fertility.
Fact: Gut health is a HUGE aspect of fertility!
Gut dysbiosis, the imbalance of the gut microbiome, can contribute to inflammation, autoimmunity, and fertility concerns. Common symptoms of gut dysbiosis, like constipation, can disrupt the processing of hormones and increase fertility issues.
There is also emerging research that shows us that the unique microbiome along the reproductive tract can affect fertilization, implantation, embryo development, the health of the pregnancy, and even labor initiation.
Restoring and preserving a happy, healthy gut and ruling out gut-related diseases like celiac is critical to your overall fertility picture.
There’s More Myth Busting Where That Came From
I love debunking the biggest fertility myths to ensure my patients have the knowledge they need to make the best choices for themselves and their families. So, I couldn’t resist throwing in a few more quick myths about fertility.
- Annual blood work often excludes crucial hormone and fertility markers, such as thyroid antibodies and ferritin. Make sure your doctor is up to date on this, or find a doctor specializing in fertility.
- Stress and cortisol patterns really do impact fertility. I see this first hand all the time. Try these 5 tools to build your resilience to stress.
- The foods and nutrients you eat can impact fertility, conception, and prenatal health. Read more about optimal fertility nutrition.
- Taking control of your hormones isn’t always as easy as stopping the pill. Preparing your body to get off birth control is essential.
Naturopathic Approach to Fertility Care
The key to a naturopathic approach to fertility is working together to uncover what may be preventing you from conceiving and addressing the underlying cause so that you can optimize your fertility and improve your pregnancy outcomes. But don’t take my word for it; hear from one of my patients.
“My husband and I were trying for a second child for close to two years and had gone the traditional route of seeing specialists, which led to what felt like a dead-end diagnosis: “unexplained infertility.” Looking into more holistic approaches, I found Dr. Jenna.
We met and did some hormone testing- it turns out I was very stressed out but didn’t even know it or recognize it in my own body. My hormones were out of whack, and she prescribed some supplements and recommended some simple lifestyle changes. The second month after taking these steps, I was pregnant and now have a healthy baby boy!
We are incredibly thankful for her understanding of the body, hormones, and nutrition. Everyone could benefit from this type of help and guidance.”
-Maureen W, mama of 2
Don’t Believe the Myths About Fertility, Have a Strategy
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of fertility information available! So whether you want kids now, sometime down the road, or you’re not quite sure, understanding your body, your cycle and your hormones can better prepare you for the future.
Begin your fertility journey with our fertility optimization method that helps you get pregnant, stay pregnant, and create a beautiful, healthy baby. Schedule a free consultation to get started!
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