In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Adjunctive Naturopathic Care in Ottawa and Across Ontario
Evidence Informed Support Alongside Fertility Treatment
Naturopathic care is commonly used as an adjunctive approach to support individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination. Dr. H. Singh is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario with over ten years of clinical experience focused on fertility and reproductive health. He provides adjunctive fertility care in Ottawa and supports patients across Ontario through in person and secure virtual consultations.
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Naturopathic fertility care is designed to work alongside fertility medications and medical procedures Care is individualized and coordinated with each patient’s fertility treatment plan and can be tailored to support those trying to conceive naturally as well.
Does Naturopathic Medicine Support Fertility Treatment?
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Naturopathic medicine may help support overall health and address modifiable factors that can influence fertility treatment outcomes. Depending on individual circumstances, care may focus on nutritional status, metabolic health, inflammation, oxidative stress, stress regulation, and lifestyle factors that can impact reproductive physiology.
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Patients may seek adjunctive support before starting fertility treatment, after an unsuccessful cycle, or while preparing for their first IVF or IUI. The goal is to help patients feel informed, supported, and as prepared as possible going into treatment.
Evidence Informed Approaches Used in IVF and IUI Support
Adjunctive naturopathic care may include several evidence informed strategies that are discussed and tailored on an individual basis.
Vitamin and Nutrient Status
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Nutrient status plays an important role in reproductive health. Research has identified associations between certain nutrient deficiencies and fertility treatment outcomes. For example, vitamin D deficiency has been associated in some studies with lower IVF success rates and higher miscarriage risk. Several other important nutrient levels are considered based on medical history and assessment during the initial intake.
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Assessment of nutrient status allows care to be individualized rather than generalized. When deficiencies are identified, appropriate supplementation may be considered in coordination with medical care.
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Fertility Acupuncture as Adjunctive Support
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Fertility acupuncture is commonly integrated into IVF and IUI care plans. Research suggests that acupuncture may support nervous system regulation, blood flow to reproductive organs, and treatment related stress.
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Some systematic reviews and meta analyses have reported associations between acupuncture delivered during key phases of IVF and improved reproductive outcomes. It is important to understand that acupuncture is not a guarantee of success and that results vary based on age, diagnosis, baseline fertility factors, and treatment history.
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The most up to date and evidence informed acupuncture protocols are used rather than older protocols (that have shown limited benefit) for IVF support. Latest research has shown significant improvement in IVF success rates when evidence informed acupuncture protocols are utilized compared to patients that did not receive adjunctive acupuncture treatments.
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Nutrition and Dietary Guidance
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Dietary patterns have been shown to influence fertility related factors such as insulin sensitivity, inflammation, hormone balance, and sperm health. Nutritional guidance is tailored to individual needs and may include adjustments to carbohydrate sources, protein intake, fat quality, and specific food choices. Individualized assessment allows us to determine if specific dietary patterns may be of additional benefit for specific cases, i.e. anti-inflammatory diets, Mediterranean diets and much more depending on each case.
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These changes are practical and implemented gradually, with the goal of supporting reproductive health during fertility treatment.
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Lifestyle Factors and Fertility Treatment Outcomes
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Lifestyle factors can influence fertility parameters and treatment outcomes. As a part of a comprehensive assessment we discuss several factors and provide guidance around sleep, stress, physical activity, and limiting exposures that may negatively affect fertility.
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These conversations are approached in a supportive and non judgmental way, recognizing that fertility treatment itself can be physically and emotionally demanding.
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Micronutrients and Oxidative Stress
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Research has explored the role of micronutrients in supporting egg quality, sperm quality, and DNA integrity. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been associated with reduced sperm motility, concentration, morphology, and increased sperm DNA fragmentation.
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Individualized micronutrient strategies may be considered to support reproductive cell health for both partners, based on current evidence and individual assessment.
Who May Consider Adjunctive Support During IVF or IUI
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Adjunctive naturopathic care may be helpful for individuals and couples who:
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• Are preparing for their first IVF or IUI cycle
• Have experienced one or more unsuccessful fertility treatment cycles
• Have known fertility diagnoses such as PCOS or endometriosis
• Are navigating male factor fertility concerns
• Want to address modifiable health factors alongside medical care
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Naturopathic care plans are always individualized and adjusted based on fertility timelines and treatment response.
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Collaborative Fertility Care
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Dr. Singh, ND regularly works alongside fertility clinics and medical teams to ensure any complementary care is compatible with standard conventional care, prioritizing drug-to-nutrient/herb interaction checks and detailed discussion around safety of natural health interventions to prioritize both efficacy and safety. Adjunctive naturopathic care is coordinated to ensure alignment with fertility medications and procedures. Clear communication and realistic expectations are prioritized throughout care.
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Ontario Wide Fertility Support
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Adjunctive naturopathic fertility care is offered in Ottawa, with secure virtual consultations available for patients across Ontario.
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Disclaimer
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Naturopathic care and fertility acupuncture do not guarantee pregnancy outcomes and should be used as part of an individualized care plan developed with your healthcare team.