The Traditional Approach to Fertility Sucks: Embracing a Functional Health Approach
The journey to parenthood is an incredibly personal and emotional one. For many couples, conceiving a child can be a challenging process, often filled with uncertainty and anxiety. Traditional advice has couples following a ‘wait and see’ approach when it comes to fertility issues – you try for 6-12 months depending on your age, you’re told to take a prenatal vitamin, and if it doesn’t happen for you, you have testing limited to the reproductive tract. What if instead of wasting time we took action from the start? What if you had info on all the healing opportunities going on in your gut, hormones, and more & spent some time working on those? Did you know that they are intimately connected to your fertility? Below we will explore why the traditional approach to fertility can be a frustrating game of “wait and see” with inadequate testing after, and why embracing a functional health approach right away can be a game-changer in the fertility journey.
- Time is Precious
One of the most significant drawbacks of the traditional approach is its inherent passivity. Waiting for a year or more before seeking help, as recommended by many medical professionals, can lead to wasted time, especially for those with underlying fertility issues. Time is a precious commodity when it comes to fertility, as both male and female fertility can decline with age. By adopting a functional health approach from the start, individuals and couples can save precious time by addressing potential issues early on and increasing their chances of conception.
- Personalized Care
The traditional approach often involves generic advice that doesn’t take into account the unique health and lifestyle factors of each individual. In contrast, a functional health approach focuses on personalized care. It considers various aspects of a person’s health, such as diet, exercise, stress levels, and hormonal balance. It looks at a full panel of deep functional labs that give a ton of data. By working with a functional health practitioner, individuals can receive tailored recommendations and treatments that address their specific needs and circumstances, increasing the likelihood of success.
- Comprehensive Testing
Limited testing is another significant shortcoming of the traditional approach to fertility. Many couples are advised to wait for a year or more before undergoing fertility tests, which can lead to delayed diagnoses of underlying issues. When they do get there, the tests might not uncover the issue & lead to “unexplained infertility” – one of the most frustrating diagnoses. Functional health practitioners, on the other hand, conduct comprehensive testing right from the start. These tests can identify issues like hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, hidden gut infections or imbalances, or other underlying issues that may be affecting fertility. Early detection of such healing opportunities allows you time and space to work thorough a plan to heal.
- Holistic Approach
Fertility is not just a physical issue; it’s also deeply connected to mental and emotional well-being. The wait-and-see approach often neglects the emotional toll that infertility can take on individuals and couples. A functional health approach takes a holistic view, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of fertility. It includes strategies to reduce stress, improve mental health, and provide emotional support, which can have a positive impact on fertility outcomes.
- Empowerment and Control
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to embrace a functional health approach to fertility is the sense of empowerment and control it provides. Waiting for fertility issues to resolve on their own can leave individuals feeling helpless and frustrated. Taking charge of one’s health through a functional health approach empowers individuals and couples to actively participate in their fertility journey. It allows them to make informed decisions, implement lifestyle changes, and receive 1:1 support from a certified practitioner that align with their values and goals.
The traditional approach to fertility, characterized by a ‘wait and see’ mentality, limited testing, and generic advice, can be frustrating and inadequate for those struggling to conceive. Embracing a functional health approach right away offers a more proactive, personalized, and holistic approach to addressing fertility issues. It empowers individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey, save valuable time, and increase their chances of realizing their dream of parenthood. If you’re starting this journey or you’ve been on it for a while, we are here to help. Learn more on our program page and reach out to chat about your baby dreams.
