If you have been through fertility testing, you can probably recite your AMH, your FSH and your antral follicle count from memory. Far fewer people could say what their cholesterol or triglycerides were, or whether anyone looked. A fair question follows. Do blood lipids matter for IVF outcomes? Two studies published in 2026 suggest they might. Both found that abnormal lipid levels (dyslipidemia) were associated with modestly less favourable results. A large IVF study links li

One of the most common questions I hear in my Ottawa practice is some version of this: should I be exercising more while we are trying to conceive, or is it going to work against me? It is a fair question, and the advice people receive is all over the place. Some are told to push harder and lose weight before treatment. Others are told to stop everything and rest. Very few are given a clear answer, because until recently the research was scattered across dozens of separate pa

Most of us think of blood pressure as a concern for later in life, something tied to heart health somewhere down the road. But an emerging area of research is starting to ask a quieter question. Could blood pressure also matter for fertility, even at readings we would usually call normal? This is still early and developing science, so it is worth holding lightly. What follows are patterns that are showing up across studies, not firm conclusions. Still, the picture they paint

If you've experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, you already know how heavy the silence can feel. The testing comes back unremarkable, the appointments end with shrugs, and somehow you're left to make sense of it on your own. You are not alone in this, and you are not without options. About half of recurrent pregnancy loss cases are labeled "unexplained," meaning standard workups don't reveal a clear cause. But unexplained doesn't mean unaddressable. Research is increasingly p

When couples think about fertility, the focus often falls on medical treatment, nutrition, or supplements. Exercise is sometimes overlooked, yet a growing body of research shows it can play an important role in reproductive health. A new 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Behavioural Medicine highlights just how powerful moderate, consistent exercise can be for men hoping to improve their fertility. Important Findings from the L

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, you’re likely already familiar with how many factors can influence fertility—hormones, nutrition, age, stress… But one lesser-known piece of the puzzle might surprise you: sleep. More specifically—insomnia. What Is Insomnia? Insomnia is more than just the occasional sleepless night. It’s defined as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early at least three times per week for three months, paired with daytim

In recent years, intermittent fasting and meal-skipping, particularly skipping breakfast, have gained popularity as health trends. However, for patients struggling with infertility, these dietary habits may be doing more harm than good. Fertility is a delicate process influenced by numerous factors, including hormonal balance, metabolic health, and our body's internal biological clock—our circadian rhythm. The Connection Between Circadian Rhythms and Fertility Our bodies oper

For many individuals struggling with infertility, exploring various lifestyle modifications, such as dietary modifications or...

When dealing with infertility and embarking on the road to a successful and healthy pregnancy, there is often minimal emphasis on the...

We have previously shared research posts on how diet and lifestyle can influence fertility and reproductive health outcomes. Similarly we...

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where normal breathing during sleep is interrupted. The interruptions are around 10 seconds...

A newly published scientific review evaluated for the latest evidence to date that involved lifestyle interventions for Patients dealing...

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after trying for 12 consecutive months and 6 months for patients above the age of 35....

Discussing the advantages of a plant-based diet for fertility.

See the results of a new scientific review evaluating preconception care on fertility outcomes.

Learn the effects on different sources of protein on ovulation and fertility.

"Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food" ~Hippocrates

Healthy Ovulation plays huge role in maintaining optimal fertility. When Ovulation quality drops or it stops occurring altogether,...