How Can Functional Medicine Doctor Help with Fertility?

It is the unfortunate reality for many people that a physician can struggle to find the true cause of one’s infertility, leading to more stress, and worry on the matter. A holistic treatment approach to such unexplained infertility involves viewing the body as a system that is affected by not only the physical symptoms, but also the emotional, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may be present in one’s life. In terms of physical health, it is often necessary to emphasize nutrition, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight to enhance fertility potential. Your physician can offer nutritional adjustments which often include an increase in foods with antioxidants and the appropriate vitamins and minerals that support reproductive health while discouraging the consumption of substances such as caffeine and alcohol are known to harm reproductive health. It may be a surprise to hear that high amounts of stress do have an impact on fertility. Emotional health adjustments frequently involve overcoming stress, whether it’s minimizing it or being mindful of it, and as such, you may be recommended activities such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, or counseling to aid your emotional health. Moreover, in a holistic approach to addressing unexplained infertility, it will be important to make note of any environmental factors, perhaps the exposure to substances, chemicals, or toxins that negatively affect reproductive health. By fostering optimal health from a holistic standpoint, the goal to enhance fertility and improve your overall quality of life can be a viable option for your circumstance.

Hormone imbalance for those hoping for pregnancy can be a difficult problem to address, however, there are options available. One of the most common ways to address the issue is to seek a healthcare professional who can recommend specific medications and treatment options. To supplement this, there are many lifestyle changes people can make. For one, it is critical to address specific dietary shortcomings. Women not consuming sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in particular are more likely to experience hormonal issues that may impede their ability to become pregnant. In addition, reducing the amount of stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, or similar activities can have a profound effect on hormonal balance, as stress is a disruptor of hormone balance. Finally, you must sleep an adequate amount as sleep deprivation has been shown to correlate with imbalances of specific hormones. Together, these lifestyle changes, combined with professional guidance can help support a healthy hormone balance for your pregnancy.

While there are numerous causes of female infertility, some of the most prevalent are issues or disorders related to ovulation– for some, the egg may not be able to be released at all, while others prevent the release of the egg for seemingly random cycles, but not all. While there are numerous specific medical conditions related to the issues regarding ovulation, many seem to have common factors. For instance, genetic defects play a role in up to 50% of people experiencing infertility. Beyond this, factors such as hormone imbalance, age, weight, exposure to chemicals, and substance use have been shown to increase the odds of female infertility. So, while infertility can be, and often is, genetically determined, there is certainly some action that can be taken to reduce the chances of it developing.

Male infertility can be systematically diagnosed through numerous methods by the appropriate medical professionals, typically either your primary care physician or a urologist. A test called the Sperm Penetration Assay (SPA) can be performed to indicate the sperm’s ability to fertilize, however, before this, you will likely undergo a physical examination and a review of your medical history to cover all bases and ensure that the issue is related to the sperm production itself. Other common ways to confirm issues regarding infertility involve ultrasounds, which can help detect varicose veins or duct obstructions. A testicular biopsy may also be utilized to determine if there is an issue with sperm production or blockage. Following such assessments, your healthcare provider will be able to guide you through the results and discuss potential treatment options, striving for a comprehensive approach to address the root problem.

Embark on your journey towards parenthood with the dedicated support at The Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine (COEM). With our focused approach to functional medicine, you can take proactive steps to enhance fertility and realize your dream of starting or expanding your family. Schedule a consultation today and discover the personalized care that can make all the difference on your path to parenthood. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson, SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally.