If you are someone who suspects you might have difficulty conceiving a child, naturopathic care can help you improve your overall and reproductive health.
Can we help you feel more at ease as you prepare for your appointment? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers to ease your worries about this process.
When should I see a healthcare provider?
Both partners should consider getting tested if pregnancy fails to occur after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. A comprehensive work-up with your Naturopathic Doctor, Family Doctor or Fertility Specialist can can help uncover the causes of infertility, and can also detect other potentially serious medical problems as well.
What topics might my ND want to speak with me about?
There are several factors that may affect fertility that will be important to discuss. Your Naturopathic Doctor will likely ask you about frequency and timing of sexual intercourse, duration of infertility and any previous fertility events, childhood illnesses and any problems in development, past or current illnesses (diabetes, cancer, previous surgeries), sexual history (including any sexually transmitted diseases), any exposure to toxins (such as chemicals or radiation in the workplace or home), history of any medications and allergies and any family history of reduced fertility.
What naturopathic treatments are available?
Treatments are geared towards understanding the cause of your problems. Some suggestions may include an examination of your nutritional intake, and a discussion around lifestyle and environmental factors that may be contributing to decreased fertility eg. smoking and heavy drinking. You may be counselled to incorporate the following nutrients to increase sperm count, improve sperm quality and motility as needed: essential fatty acids, zinc, vitamin E, selenium, glutathione and arginine. If you have a low sperm count, it may be recommended that you pace your sexual activity to accumulate sperm.
Going for a fertility evaluation can provoke a lot of anxiety, however your fertility issues can only be dealt with by seeking help. Don’t let the fear of having your suspicions confirmed deter you; it is in your best interest to know what it is you are up against and what it will take to overcome those obstacles, particularly if you or your partner are in a time-sensitive situation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by exploring your fertility care options – so do just that! We are here to help.
We are here to create a safe space for you to talk about your concerns. There are no embarrassing questions you could possibly ask – so don’t hold back, and ask them all.
Dr. J. Ancheta Goguen, ND
Let’s connect! We are here to help you have a pleasant in-office and virtual naturopathic consultation. Please call our North York Clinic or Waterdown Clinic, or email us at naturopathiccare@drjudynd.com. Let us know what times are best to connect with you. We will be in touch with you within 24 hours.
Dr. J. Ancheta Goguen, Naturopathic Doctor 2023
Dr. J. Ancheta Goguen, BSc (Hons), ND 