IVF Alternatives: How to Conceive Naturally

With one in six adults globally experiencing infertility issues, the journey to potential parenthood is different for everyone. If natural conception is not possible, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is often presented as the solution. However, IVF isn’t the only viable option for getting pregnant, nor is it the best choice for everyone. Various factors can affect fertility, and there are many holistic options to consider to improve your chances of conceiving before resorting to IVF.

What Are the Downsides of IVF?

Nicole Ritieni, NP, Innovative Medicine’s Clinical Director, explains that “IVF is a medical procedure that has helped many individuals and couples achieve their dream of having a child. It offers hope and an alternative for those struggling with infertility or certain medical conditions. It is important to acknowledge that IVF is a complex, emotionally taxing, and expensive process that may not be accessible and suitable for everyone. Each individual or couple facing fertility challenges should carefully consider the physical and emotional aspects of IVF with the guidance of healthcare professionals who can allow them to truly make an informed decision that aligns with their values and circumstances. Depending on the patient’s health, it’s not the only option.” 

IVF is a complex series of procedures that involve natural cycle suppression and ovarian stimulation using hormones, egg retrieval, external fertilization, and embryo transfer. This 6–8-week cycle has a success rate of 32% for women under 35, 25% for women between 35 and 37 years old, and 19% for women between 38 and 39 years old. The success rate for an IVF cycle continues to decline as the patient’s age increases. It is not uncommon to do multiple rounds of IVF before a successful conception is achieved. 

Aside from being an expensive procedure, as Nicole noted, it can be a physically and emotionally taxing experience. Risks also include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (where the ovaries overreact to the medicines used during IVF), an ectopic pregnancy (where the embryo implants in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus), and multiple births (which can be dangerous for both the mother and the babies). 

Watch: Promising Alternatives to IVF

Factors That Can Affect Fertility

Factors that affect fertility in women, such as age, hormone imbalance, chronic stress, autoimmune disorders, untreated infections, chronic diseases like endometriosis, body fat levels, and toxic load, should be considered before resorting to IVF. The argument for holding off on IVF as a first infertility treatment approach is that until all potential factors affecting fertility in the first place are addressed, it remains inconclusive that IVF is the best option.

Watch: Looking Upstream at Infertility with Dr. Mary Shackelton

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Holistic Ways to Improve Infertility Issues

Treating infertility is complex and unique to each future mother. Innovative Medicine takes a holistic approach, considering all biological and environmental factors. For the best chance of a successful pregnancy, the body must be in a healthy and balanced state. Holistic ways to improve infertility challenges include: 

• Reducing toxic load through detoxification
• Addressing underlying chronic health conditions
• Balancing hormones
• Correcting pH and energy imbalances
• Managing stress
• Increasing stem cell count to stimulate restoration of ovarian function
• Supporting fertility through lifestyle, exercise, and diet

Read: Why You Should Detox Before Trying to Get Pregnant

Watch: Austin Biotec’s Fertility Fitness Program

Innovative Medicine’s Non-IVF Approach to Pregnancy

IVF is an option, but it’s not the only one. Nicole believes that “as healthcare professionals, we must be well versed in all options to offer our patients to ensure they can truly make an educated decision on how to move forward in this overwhelming process.” At Innovative Medicine, we recognize that infertility is a complex condition with various causes, and a one-size-fits-all approach often isn’t effective. Instead, we focus on addressing the root causes of dysfunction to promote healing and restore the body to a state of optimal health. Through a range of personalized therapies, our tailored protocol aims to eliminate the barriers that are hindering proper reproductive function, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful and joyous path to pregnancy.

Are you thinking about trying to get pregnant or having fertility issues?

Take our assessment and set up a free 20-minute consultation to learn more about becoming a patient, or feel free to contact us.

Learn More About Other Potential Causes of Infertility

• Overcoming Infertility: An Innovative Approach
• Is NAD+ the Missing Link to the Female Age-Related Infertility Puzzle?
• 6 Ways to Avoid Toxic Fragrances: The Hidden Endocrine Disruptors
• EMFs and Infertility (How to Protect Yourself)

Stories to Inform and Inspire

• The Story of the Preconception Cleanse With Dr. Mary Shackelton
• The Story of Holistic Gynecology With Dr. Shawn Tassone
• The Story of Freudenspanne With Zack Varkaris
• The Story of the NonToxic Dad With Warren Phillips