Acupuncture for Fertility

Many of our patients add acupuncture to their treatment plan at our fertility clinic, to help ease stress and anxiety. Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in treating a variety of concerns associated with fertility treatment and pregnancy, including: gynecological and fertility disorders, discomfort during ART (assisted reproductive technology) procedures, side effects of fertility drugs and morning sickness.

Emotional Health Counseling for Fertility

When embarking on your fertility journey, caring for your emotional and psychological needs is just as important as addressing your physical needs. Our partner counselors can be an invaluable part of your journey. They are here to listen, provide support and give you the tools necessary to deal with each phase of your treatment. Counseling services at Heartland Fertility are standard practice in accordance with CFAS and ASRM guidelines.

Daniel Fukushima-Dyal BA, MMFT

Tel: (204) 782-1868

[email protected]

Sarah Picken BA, MMFT

Sacred Healing

2C- 2020 Portage Ave

www.sacredhealing.org

[email protected]

Tel: (204) 797-2104

We also provide emotional health resources and support to both patients and staff to help build emotional resilience for a health mind, body and life. All Heartland Fertility patients receive complimentary, unlimited access to emotional health courses and resources through Organic Conceptions.

Genetic Insights of Your Baby

With modern technology, many genetic disorders can now be traced by performing a blood karyotype test. During your fertility journey, you may want to further check on the wellness of your baby by performing this test to study chromosomes to detect abnormalities. 

Indications for Chromosome Analysis are wide-ranging:

In the Fetus:

• Abnormal prenatal screening test

• Advanced maternal age (AMA)

• Abnormal ultrasound results

In the Newborn:

• Dysmorphic syndrome, congenital malformation, psychomotor delay

During Childhood or Adolescence:

• Congenital malformation

• Developmental delay or mental retardation

In Adulthood:

• Infertility workup, premature menopause, primary amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) or spermatogenesis problem

• Repeated miscarriages

• Family history of chromosome abnormalities
  

Lifestyle Considerations: Weight and Diet

The body’s natural fertility and wellness is influenced by many factors. Some are genetically determined, while others may be environmental or related to lifestyle. One of the ways you can take charge during your treatment is by preparing your body for pregnancy. The basics include eating well, exercising and avoiding smoking and alcohol. When you optimize your health, you can increase your chance of conceiving and of experiencing a healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery. 

Weight

Weight can be an important factor in determining fertility. Being underweight or overweight can alter your body's hormonal balance and interfere with ovulation. A high body mass index (BMI) is also associated with insulin resistance, and studies have shown that it can lower the success rate of fertility treatments.

Male fertility is also affected by weight, as being overweight lowers testosterone and sperm production.

Diet

Studies have shown that a low-glycemic, whole foods, Mediterranean-style diet is the most effective and healthy diet for balancing hormones, optimizing your fertility, and achieving your ideal weight point — especially if you have high insulin levels and ovulation problems such as PCOS.

Where diet and weight may be factors impacting your fertility, Heartland Fertility can help you find trusted providers in nutrition and weight management to support your care.

Other Lifestyle Considerations

Here are some other lifestyle guidelines that can be helpful in optimizing your chances of natural conception or of conceiving during your fertility treatment.

Caffeine

Excessive caffeine consumption has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage in some studies. As a result, some recommend limiting coffee to 1-2 cups per day.

Smoking

Smoking, as well as second-hand smoke, has a negative effect on both eggs and sperm. Some studies show that smoking almost doubles the risk of infertility. It’s also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.

Alcohol

Both females and males should limit their alcohol consumption. Alcohol has been linked to abnormalities in hormones and ovulation, as well as a reduced chance of pregnancy. While it’s not clear specifically what level of consumption is considered safe, the recommendation is to limit drinking to no more than 2 drinks per week for females and 4 per week for males.

Drugs

Drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can reduce male fertility. In addition, chemotherapy drugs, steroids and some prescription medications can have a negative effect on fertility for both male and female partners.

Environment

Anything that heats up the area around the testicles or scrotum—such as hot baths or saunas, cycling, and long-distance driving— appears to have a negative impact on proper sperm production.

Intercourse

To try to keep sperm count high and increase the chance of pregnancy, you should be having intercourse at least 2 to 4 times per week on average. If you use lubricant, you should avoid ones that contain petroleum jelly or Vaseline, as they could be toxic to sperm.

Vitamins

For females, taking a multivitamin containing folic acid may significantly reduce the risk of some birth defects. For males, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, and L-Carnitine are recommended, as well as a multivitamin containing zinc.

Medications

Some prescribed medications may be linked to infertility. You should discuss all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, with your physician.