Functional Approach to Fertility by Jessica Joseph, Fertility RN

Functional Approach to Fertility can include nutrition and lifestyle management

One in four women of reproductive age in the United States will have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term, according to the CDC.  As a fertility nurse, most of my career focused on clinical interventions to help patients get pregnant.  Interventions such as guiding patients on how to take the medication Clomid or assisting with IVF treatments to tackle infertility.  A common thread I found in many of my patients is the desire to take more control over their reproductive health.  To address their needs, I have transitioned my career by launching a fertility consulting business.  My methods now involve helping couples optimize fertility holistically, taking an organic approach before seeking fertility treatments. 

While I do not discount the conventional approach, as I have witnessed the profound impact of fertility treatments, I firmly believe that a functional approach to fertility will improve the odds for many couples.  It is worth noting that whether you are trying to conceive naturally or through treatment, your overall health should be the cornerstone of your fertility journey.  Even though the functional approach does not overly rely on medications or treatment, it still poses challenges for some as it requires accountability and self-reliance. 

Nutrition and reproductive health have an intricate connection. Strategic foods can help promote fertility, especially if you struggle with ovulation, have a thin uterine lining or unbalanced hormones, or might have a condition such as PCOS or endometriosis. Certain supplements will also help. However, my basic approach is foods first and supplements second since the bioavailability of nutrients differs vastly based on the source. 

Sleep is just as crucial as nutrition (if not more important) since it regulates hormones. In particular, the reproductive hormones FSH and LH and the adrenal hormone cortisol, which, although not a reproductive hormone, still impacts fertility. If cortisol is constantly elevated, it may affect a woman’s ability to ovulate. Melatonin also rises in sleep, which is critical for egg quality. 

Exercise is another aspect of fertility that is often dismissed.  Exercise increases blood flow to the uterus and manages glucose and insulin levels, which, if elevated, affect your ability to get pregnant.  Furthermore, if you are trying to achieve a healthy weight to get pregnant, you will benefit from aerobic exercise and strength training. 

Adopting a functional approach to fertility empowers you to take control of your reproductive health. Addressing the underlying factors that affect fertility will cultivate an increased chance of conception. Ultimately, this approach not only enhances the chances of pregnancy but also promotes overall health and well-being for those on their path to parenthood.

About Our Guest Blogger:

Jessica Joseph of Guided Fertility, LLC 

Jessica Joseph, RN, BSN, MHA, is passionate about reproductive health and wellness. She founded Guided Fertility™, LLC, a virtual service offering fertility consultations to empower individuals through evidence-based education. She has over a decade of experience as a fertility nurse.

Jessica regularly writes for Fertility Outloud, where she has several published articles on various fertility topics.  In addition, she is a hormone health coach for Mira Fertility, providing her clients with in-depth hormone evaluation based on their Mira hormone data.  

Her credentials include:

●      ASRM certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)

●      AHNA certification in Functional Nutrition

●      Marquette Model certification for Natural Family Planning (NFP)

●      Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (SUNY Delhi)

●      Masters Degree in Health Administration (Hofstra University)

●      Licensed RN in NY

To find out more about her services or for inquiries, please use the information below:

Website: www.guidedfertilityrn.com

Email: info@guidedfertilityrn.com

Instagram: @guidedfertility3

Facebook: Guided Fertility