There are so many variables that can hinder your fertility. These are the 12 most common fertility obstacles that I see in my patients–and how Naturopathic Medicine helps optimize your health.
There’s usually one common feeling that my patients share during their initial fertility consultation: They’re feeling uncertain and overwhelmed, unsure where to even begin when it comes to their fertility health. They decided to turn to Naturopathic Medicine because they’re looking for personalized answers to their struggles. Trying to conceive can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s hard to know what steps to take when things aren’t happening as expected. The truth is, there are many different factors that can affect fertility, and it’s not always easy to figure out what’s causing the struggle.
As a Naturopathic Doctor who’s focused on fertility, I take a personalized, compassionate approach to uncovering the root cause. Through thorough testing and in-depth assessments, we work together to understand what’s going on in your body and create a plan that’s as unique as you are. Here are some of the most common fertility challenges I see and how a Naturopathic fertility treatment can help:
1. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. This tissue behaves like normal endometrial tissue—it thickens, breaks down, and sheds—but has no way to exit the body, causing inflammation, pain, and scarring. Over time, the scarring can interfere with the normal functioning of the reproductive organs, and ultimately, fertility. Endometriosis can block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from meeting sperm. It can also disrupt the ovarian environment, affecting egg quality and ovulation. The inflammation caused by the disease may also impair embryo implantation and increase the risk of miscarriage.
2. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects about one in 10 women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS often have cysts on their ovaries, irregular or absent periods, and an overproduction of androgens (male hormones). This hormonal imbalance disrupts the regular release of eggs from the ovaries, a process known as ovulation. PCOS can impact fertility. Because ovulation is irregular or absent in many women with PCOS, it becomes difficult to time conception. The hormonal imbalance can also impact the quality of the eggs and increase the risk of miscarriage. Elevated insulin levels in PCOS can also affect the body’s response to ovulation-stimulating hormones.
Related Reading: A Natural Approach to PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
3. Low Ovarian Reserve
Ovarian reserve refers to the number and quality of eggs in a woman’s ovaries. As women age, the number of eggs naturally decreases, and the quality of the remaining eggs can also decline. I’ve worked with many women across British Columbia through my virtual Naturopathic Medicine practice who’ve experienced low ovarian reserve earlier than expected, often due to factors like genetics, medical treatments such as chemotherapy, or certain health conditions. Having a low ovarian reserve can make it more difficult to conceive because there are fewer eggs available for fertilization, and the remaining eggs may be of lower quality. This can also impact the chances of a successful pregnancy. While in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an option, success rates may be lower with a reduced egg count, making the fertility journey feel more challenging.
4. Autoimmune Infertility
Autoimmune infertility occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks reproductive tissues, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even the embryo, causing repercussions for your fertility. Conditions like autoimmune thyroid disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with autoimmune infertility. The immune system may create inflammation in the reproductive organs or cause the body to produce antibodies that affect sperm or egg quality, or even block implantation. Autoimmune conditions may also lead to an increased risk of miscarriage by attacking the developing embryo or the placenta.
5. Luteal Phase Defect
The luteal phase is the second half of your menstrual cycle, starting after ovulation and lasting until your next period. In a luteal phase defect, your body doesn’t produce enough progesterone, a hormone that’s essential for preparing the uterine lining to receive and support a fertilized egg. For my BC patients dealing with this, the luteal phase is often shorter than usual, or the uterine lining may not be thick enough to nurture a pregnancy. Without enough progesterone, the lining might not be able to support an embryo, and even if implantation happens, it can lead to early miscarriage because the body isn’t fully prepared to sustain the pregnancy.
6. Thin Uterine Lining
When the tissue inside your uterus isn’t thick enough to support a fertilized egg and help it implant, it’s considered to be a thin uterine lining. For pregnancy to happen, the lining needs to be thick and rich in nutrients to provide a healthy environment for the embryo to grow. If the lining is too thin, it can make it much harder for an embryo to implant, or even if it does, the pregnancy might not be able to progress. This can lead to difficulty getting pregnant or even early miscarriages. Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or even high levels of stress can contribute to a thin uterine lining, making fertility more challenging for your body.
7. Hormonal Dysregulation
Hormonal dysregulation means there’s an imbalance in the hormones that play a key role in your reproductive health, like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. These hormones help control everything from your menstrual cycle to ovulation and even the ability of your uterus to support a pregnancy. When any of these hormones are out of balance, it can make getting pregnant much harder. For example, if your estrogen levels are too high and there’s not enough progesterone, your uterine lining might not develop properly, making it difficult for an embryo to implant. Similarly, thyroid issues can throw off your whole reproductive system, affecting everything from ovulation to the timing of your cycle.
8. Ovulatory Disorders
Ovulatory disorders are conditions that interfere with the ovaries’ ability to release eggs as they should. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including hormonal imbalances, conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, or even lifestyle factors such as stress and drastic changes in weight. When ovulation isn’t happening, there’s no egg available for fertilization, which means conception can’t occur. Even if ovulation is irregular, it can make it really hard to time intercourse for the best chance of getting pregnant. One of the most common causes of infertility is PCOS, which often leads to a lack of ovulation, creating significant challenges for couples trying to conceive.
9. Hypothyroidism and Thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid, which can lead to either hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and overall fertility. Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, and poor egg quality. Thyroid disorders can also cause miscarriage or complicate pregnancy, as the thyroid hormones are essential for normal fetal development. Thyroiditis, especially when untreated, can disrupt the normal hormonal signals needed for ovulation.
Related Reading: The Thyroid And Your Health
10. Recurrent Miscarriage
Experiencing recurrent miscarriage, which is defined as having three or more pregnancy losses in a row, can be incredibly heartbreaking and emotionally draining. There are many possible reasons for this, including genetic factors, structural issues with the uterus, hormonal imbalances, or even immune system problems. Repeated miscarriages often point to an underlying issue that makes it difficult for an embryo to implant properly or stay healthy in the early stages of pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances, like luteal phase defect or thyroid problems, as well as autoimmune conditions, are often contributors. For my patients who are experiencing recurrent miscarriages, I provide both physical support through testing and assessments, but also emotional support to navigate their journey.
11. Male Factor Infertility
Male factor infertility involves challenges with sperm quality, like low sperm count, poor sperm movement, or abnormal sperm shape. Things like smoking, drinking alcohol, being exposed to high heat, or environmental toxins can all affect how healthy the sperm are. Sperm quality is really important for successful conception—if there are fewer sperm or they aren’t moving well, it makes it harder for them to reach and fertilize the egg. When the sperm’s shape is irregular, it can even make it more difficult for the sperm to penetrate the egg. These issues can be frustrating, but the good news is that many of them can be improved with the right lifestyle changes and support through Naturopathic Medicine.
12. Chronic Stress
Chronic stress can take a serious toll on your body, especially when it comes to fertility. When we’re stressed, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that can mess with the delicate balance of hormones that regulate things like your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and overall reproductive health. Over time, stress can make it harder for women to ovulate regularly, cause missed periods, or even interfere with sperm quality in men, lowering both sperm count and movement. Stress can also lower libido, making intimacy feel more challenging. On top of all that, stress can lead to unhealthy habits like poor diet and lack of exercise, which can make it even harder to conceive.
Natural Fertility Treatment in British Columbia
If this is your first time visiting my site or reading my content, hi! My name is Dr. Marissa Gaucher and I am a fertility Naturopathic Doctor who supports individuals and couples across British Columbia through my virtual practice. To learn a little bit more about me, my education and my approach to fertility support, click here. In the meantime, let’s focus on YOU.
If you are having difficulties conceiving, we can work together (virtually, in the comfort of your own home) to try and uncover the underlying cause to help improve chances of natural conception or support you alongside Assisted reproductive technology (ART). My goal is to help restore balance to your body, optimize your reproductive health, and increase your chances of natural conception through science-backed, holistic methods.
After your initial 15-minute free consultation, we will then work through my Fertility Assessment to truly understand how to support you (and your partner) best. From there, I’ll create a plan that’s tailored specifically to you, whether you plan to grow your family now, soon or someday. Though every individual’s (and couple’s) fertility treatment plan with me looks slightly different, hormones balancing, nutritional support, lifestyle changes, supplements and herbal remedies are some of the modalities that may be included.
Related Reading: Fertility Foundations
How Naturopathic Doctors Support Fertility
I am here to support you and meet you in your fertility journey, wherever you are at. I am ready to support you if your family growing intentions are:
Now – Individualized care designed for women who’ve been trying to conceive for over 3 months, those over 35, starting IVF, or feeling overwhelmed by their fertility journey.
Soon – Optimal for women seeking fertility foundations, those just starting to try or planning to conceive in the next 3-6 months.
Someday — Designed for women seeking to reconnect with their bodies and cycles, alleviate period pain/PMS/acne and who deeply desire to conceive someday.
Whether you’re hoping to conceive naturally or are looking for a supportive partner in your IVF journey, I’m here to support you every step of the way, guiding you with compassion and practical solutions to help you achieve your dream of starting or growing your family. I’m currently accepting fertility patients virtually in BC. To learn more, contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
