Fertility and Conception

I want to talk to you about fertility. Fertility is a complicated subject. It is dependent on so many factors. This is why it is often hard to get pregnant.

I understand you

I struggled with infertility for years until I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. I felt as though it was my fault and something was wrong with my body. Do you feel that way?

Let’s explore this topic together and let me help you get some answers. I will focus mostly on female reproduction. There is a mention of male factors here and there.

First, what is the definition of infertility?
The basic definition is based upon the age of a woman. If you are under 35, then it is one year without conception. If you are over 35, then it is 6 months without conception

You need testing if you have a hormone imbalance! Take my QUIZ to see if you have a hormone imbalance and what to do next.

Types of Infertility

If you are trying to conceive (TTC) then there are two main types of infertility.
Structural causes such as a blocked fallopian tube, poor sperm count and quality, endometriosis implants..

Hormonal causes such as PCOS, hypothalamic dysfunction, endometriosis, diabetes, etc.

The workup for infertility addresses these types to FIND THE UNDERLYING CAUSE.

The Basics

There are 4 phases to a menstrual cycle:

• Menstrual phase: days 1 to 5
• Follicular phase (pre-egg release): days 6 to 13
• Ovulation phase (egg release window): days 14 to 16
• Luteal phase (post egg release): days 17 to 28

The days are approximate because every women is different. These phases must work in harmony to produce a normal cycle which is 21 to 35 days. If your cycle is not in this range or you have non-menstrual bleeding then you likely have a hormone imbalance.

menstrual-cycle

How do I boost my Fertility?

Getting pregnant can be a frustrating, lonely journey. I know, I hear ya sister. It is hard to know what to do with the vast information out there. But I can help you focus on the things that WORK. I am an OB GYN and have been counseling women for years on how to get pregnant naturally.

Cycle Syncing: Eat for Cycle

There are certain nutrients you need depending on what phase you are in your cycle. Optimizing your nutrition will give you regular periods and boost your fertility (1).

Essentially, you need to eat food that is nutrient-dense for that part of your cycle. You should also do certain exercises based upon your cycle phase as well. More

Track Ovulation

• You can track ovulation naturally using BBT (basal body temperature) and cervical mucous.
• You can use an app like INFLO
• You can use ovulation predictor kits, my favorite ones are by Modern Fertility.
• You can get a day 21 progesterone level drawn.

Minimize Environmental Toxins

•Minimize environmental toxins like smoking, drinking alcohol, and endocrine disrupters.
•Switch to clean beauty and household products.
•Use an app like Think Dirty to check your products.Check out my podcast episode with Megan Mikkelsen on how to live TOXIN FREE

Have Sex During Ovulation Window

During the ovulation window, have sex every other day for that 5 day period. If you are not sure exactly when this is, aim for days 10 to 17 of your cycle.

Specific Cycle-Syncing Exercise

The ovulation time period is when the hormones are high. Intense exercise is possible during this phase. For specific details, refer to cycle- syncing page.

Add Herbs to Boost Fertility

Maca Powder (1tsp) daily taken before, during, and just after ovulation will boost estrogen.

Shatarvi is an adaptogen that can boost LH production which is needed for ovulation. LH surges cause egg release. Can be taken in the first half of the cycle.

Minimize Alcohol and Caffeine

Avoid alcohol during the ovulation phase.
Limit caffeine intake to one cup or less. Once pregnant, you must limit it to no more than 2 cups/day. So good to start this habit now.
Both caffeine and alcohol tax the liver and therefore estrogen metabolism is affected. If estrogen becomes excessive then estrogen dominance can occur and infertility results.

Related Reading

Yellow and Black Photo Food Instagram Post

The Right Diet To Improve Fertility Naturally

First, it is going to be ok. I know it can be challenging and frustrating to deal with infertility. I have been there. Staring at a stick or maybe three, hoping to see that faint line only to be disappointed. […]

Yellow and Black Photo Food Instagram Post (19)

Cycle Syncing for Hormone Balance

What is Cycle Syncing? The concept of cycle syncing is to understand the hormone fluctuations in your body and to use those to your advantage. There are normal fluctuations in your sex hormones not only daily but throughout the day.  […]

Yellow and Black Photo Food Instagram Post (16)

What Causes PCOS?

What is PCOS? PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is one of the leading causes of female infertility. It is also a common problem among women, ranging from 10 to 25% of the female population diagnosed with it. Symptoms of PCOS include: […]

Request an Appointment

OUR LOCATION

301 W. Bastanchury, Suite 140
Fullerton, CA 92835

OFFICE HOURS

Monday-Friday: 9AM - 5PM

Request an Appointment

Name(Required)
Which service are you interested in?(Required)

Scroll to Top