The Integrative Fertility MD

16/11/2021

Experience the Fertility Journeys Podcast Episode 3, with Dr. Shala and Dr. Vivian Chen, an expert in lifestyle modifications for improving gut health. This episode takes a deep dive into the importance of gut health for fertility and overall health.

There is a ton of great information in this episode, listen & share it! Read a summary of the episode and get the access link here: https://theintegrativefertilitymd.com/how-your-microbiome-impacts-fertility/

09/11/2021

Episode 2 of the Fertility Journeys podcast is now available. This episode features Marilyn Gomez who shares her emotional journey through fertility treatment, how she became her own advocate and her tools for self-healing.

If you or someone you know is experiencing infertility, please listen and share this episode. Read a summary of the episode and get the access link here: https://theintegrativefertilitymd.com/self-advocating-on-your-fertility-journey/

06/11/2021

Taking care of our microbiome health is key to our overall health. Next week on I will review some of the evidence that supports the connection between the microbiome health and fertility. I will also be a to interviewing Dr. Vivian Chen from .health about how to support optimal microbiome health. ⁠We discuss the role of nutrition, toxins , stress and more. ⁠
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Here are a few things to avoid or minimize to better protect the health of your microbiome. ⁠
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1. Overuse and use of antibiotics when not indicated: Antibiotics are sometimes very necessary for an infection but do not use them when they are not indicated. ⁠
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2. Stress has been shown to trigger flares in patients with Inflammatory bowel diseases. Using stress-reduction techniques like meditation, guided imagery, and hypnosis have been shown to be beneficial for gut health.⁠
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3. Lack of sleep: There have been a number of studies linking abnormalities of sleep to changes in our gut microbiome. There are also some studies examining if these changes in the gut microbiome could be the reason we see a higher risk of metabolic disease like diabetes in shift workers. ⁠
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4. Alcohol: Excessive alcohol has been shown to damage the gut microbiota. It's wise to limit or eliminate alcohol to support a healthy gut microbiome. ⁠
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5. No diversity in your diet: the Microbiome feeds on fiber, and the average American gets only 10g of fiber per day. That plant foods of all colors of the rainbow, try out a new vegetable or fruit, and add greens to your smoothies. ⁠
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6. Avoid Processed foods: Food colors and emulsifiers, and preservatives can lead to damage of the microbiome. ⁠
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7. Environmental toxins and pesticides can potentially cause harm to our microbiome by causing structural or functional changes. ⁠
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8. Avoiding high sugar drinks and foods is of great importance to our microbiome. I would also recommend avoiding artificial sweeteners as many have also been implicated in microbiome damage.

02/11/2021

The Fertility Journeys podcast is now LIVE! Episode 1 features Dr. Loree A. Johnson, LMFT, and an impactful discussion about fertility stress and trauma.

If you or someone you know is experiencing infertility, please listen and share this episode. Read a summary of the episode and get the access link here: https://theintegrativefertilitymd.com/finding-mental-wellbeing-on-your-fertility-journey/

Integrative Fertility Finding mental wellbeing on your fertility journey Last week, the Fertility Journeys podcast launched! This podcast features expert guests from various backgrounds within integrative medicine and real patient stories. Episode 1 features Dr. Loree Johnson and a deep discussion a...

18/10/2021

PCOS is a common hormone disorder that is estimated to occur in about 10% of all women of reproductive age. ⁠⁠
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Women with the condition might be struggling with irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excess hair growth on the face and body, insulin resistance, or infertility. ⁠⁠
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The effects of PCOS don’t just end there unfortunately, women with PCOS are at greater risk for miscarriage, heart disease, endometrial cancer, and type II diabetes. ⁠⁠
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I have taken care of lots of women who struggled with many of these symptoms sometimes for years and were given minimal guidance on the condition or the risks. In fact, it is estimated that nearly one-third of women will see 3 or more doctors over an average of 2-4 years before receiving a diagnosis, and the majority of women feel like they did not receive appropriate guidance. ⁠⁠
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The diagnosis of PCOS is currently based on the following criteria (Rotterdam Criteria) ⁠⁠
2 out of 3 of the following must be present:⁠⁠
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- Irregular me**es ⁠⁠
- Evidence of elevated male hormones (androgens): Acne, excess hair on the face or body, (there may also be lab evidence of elevated male hormones)⁠⁠
- Ovaries that appear polycystic on ultrasound (12 + immature follicles are visualized)⁠⁠
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Some patients may have regular menstrual cycles, may have normal body weight, or not have obvious outward symptoms and in turn, may not be properly diagnosed. ⁠ ⁠⁠
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It is important if you are suffering from symptoms that you think may be consistent with PCOS that you seek help. If you have an irregular cycle and you are trying to conceive it is recommended that you seek immediate help. ⁠⁠
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Advocate for yourself and look for a doctor who is experienced with the condition to get the help you need.⁠⁠
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15/10/2021

Today is Pregnancy and infant loss remembrance day. While we take the month of october to raise awareness, couples endure the pain of their loss year round. Losing a child is an experience that no person should have to experience , yet unfortunately it is more common than you may know. Many women have had a loss and often it is not discussed or talked about. Pregnancy loss is often followed by a period of grief where a range of emotions can be felt, including guilt, anger, or even depression.⁠
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If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a child, know that you are not alone. ⁠
There are no clear steps on how to navigate a loss, as each woman's journey to healing is unique. ⁠
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Losing a child brings about difficult feelings and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It’s important to allow yourself or anyone who is experiencing a loss time to feel the loss and go through the grieving process. ⁠
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Often family members will grieve in different ways and it’s important to honor each person’s way of grieving, without judgement or expectation. Seeking help and working with a mental health professional or a support group is an effective way to work through the emotions that are coming up for the couple. ⁠
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To the couples out there who are dealing with loss my heart goes out to you, please reach out to family, friends, support groups and mental health professionals for support. I hope the month of October will bring more open discussions, more awareness, more support and less, stigma, shame and silent suffering.⁠
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14/10/2021

A project I have been working on for a while is finally coming to life and I’m so excited to share it with you! New dropping October 26th!
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While infertility is not uncommon, it can be terribly isolating and lonely because many stories are not told.⁠⁠
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My mission is to support you on your fertility journey, while optimizing wellness and health using integrative techniques. ⁠⁠
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Integrative medicine takes into consideration all factors that influence health and wellness: the mind, body, spirit, and community.⁠⁠
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It combines alternative and conventional methods to facilitate the body's own healing response.⁠⁠
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The podcast also features diverse stories of women who have navigated infertility helping to break the silence and stigma that surrounds infertility.⁠⁠
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👉 Infertility is a disease that impacts 1 in 8 couples⁠⁠
👉 1 in 4 women have experienced a miscarriage⁠⁠
👉 Over 8 million babies have been born worldwide via In vitro fertilization⁠⁠
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issues are often only associated only with the ability to carry a child. But the mental and physical well-being of the patient can carry into your life far beyond the realm of pregnancy.⁠⁠
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Infertility can impact every aspect of a person’s life. So it's easy to feel overwhelmed, lost, or alone.⁠⁠
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📢 Please share with me any ideas of topics I may not have covered . I am eager to begin open discussions that help heal and comfort our community.⁠⁠
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Tag with ideas of topics you'd love to hear about!⁠⁠
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30/09/2021

Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that may have an impact on both female and male fertility. Read our most recent blog to find out how this could help you! https://theintegrativefertilitymd.com/coenzyme-q10-does-it-help-or-harm-fertility/

14/09/2021

Are you a cannabis user and trying to conceive? Read our most recent blog post to learn more about how ma*****na can impact fertility in women and men. https://theintegrativefertilitymd.com/what-to-know-about-ma*****na-fertility/

01/09/2021

Can Positivity Be Toxic?

When you share something difficult with someone and they insist that you turn it into a positive, this may not seem harmful, but it can have consequences. Learn more about toxic positivity, which you may encounter on your fertility journey. https://theintegrativefertilitymd.com/blog/

16/08/2021

A common question I get asked is, will ma*****na negatively impact my fertility? ⁠
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Ma*****na use is more common now, and many may see it as natural, and natural means it's safe, right? ⁠
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Unfortunately, No. There is data showing the negative effects of ma*****na on fertility, but the studies are limited.⁠
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First off, Ma*****na is something that can be difficult to study and the data is limited. 1. most are small and not randomized controlled studies. 2. not everyone is honest about their ma*****na use when they are studied. 3. Ma*****na is not legal everywhere making it less likely for people to report their use honestly. ⁠
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It is possible for many couples ma*****na may not affect their ability to conceive. However, for those who are struggling with infertility, the impacts of ma*****na on s***m, hormones, and ovulation may be contributing. ⁠
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In 2015, a Danish study found that Regular ma*****na smoking more than once per week was associated with a 28% lower s***m concentration and a 29% lower total s***m count. ⁠
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The mechanisms by which ma*****na impacts semen quality are not fully known. The active component of cannabis, THC can binds to the human cannabinoid receptors found in s***m cells, the te**is, and the brain. So it is possible that ma*****na is affecting hormones, the process of s***m development, and the final mature s***m cell. ⁠
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A 2007 study looked at lifestyle factors one of them being ma*****na use and lifestyle can impact the follicular phase of the female cycle. In this study, the use of ma*****na 3 times over the past 3 months led to delayed ovulation. They also found those who were chronic ma*****na smokers there were more anovulatory cycles. ⁠
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A 2019 study looked at couples using assisted reproductive technology for conception. They found that those who used Ma*****na at the time of enrollment in the study were more likely to experience pregnancy loss. ⁠
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A 2021 study found that ma*****na use was associated with a lower chance of pregnancy per month and a lower live birth rate. ⁠
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These studies highlight the need for further studies looking at the impact on fertility and pregnancy with the increasing legalization.

05/08/2021

Infertility can cause tremendous psychological burden for many couples. ⁠⁠
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Previous studies have shown that women with infertility are twice as likely to have depression and anxiety than those without the diagnosis of infertility.⁠⁠
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A 2018 study found that the most common reason for discontinuation for fertility treatment was the psychological burden. This study was done amongst women with insurance coverage for fertility treatments as most studies prior to this had found that the main reason for discontinuation was finances and expenses of IVF. ⁠⁠
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But the authors wanted to find out what happened when costs of treatment was less of a burden. The patients who discontinued their fertility treatment said the top sources of stress were feeling too stressed to be able to continue and it was taking too much of a toll on their relationship. ⁠⁠
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They then asked the study participants what could have made the experience easier on them and one of the top responses was access to a mental health professional. The authors suggest that future research should focus on psychological interventions that might help those support couples in their decision making. And it is quiet possible without optimal support it may limit a couples ability to reach their family goals. ⁠
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Unfortunately psychological support, and specifically with a professional versed in the field, may not be accessible to all. In addition, there can be significant cultural barriers to seeking support in the first place. ⁠
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Mental health support is so important when you are going through treatment as fertility treatment can take a huge toll on your well being and your relationships. More awareness on the importance of mental health on the fertility journey is urgently needed. ⁠
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31/07/2021

About ten percent of couples who had no trouble conceiving previously may experience secondary infertility. If this is you or someone you know, you can learn more about the causes and available treatments. https://theintegrativefertilitymd.com/blog/

22/07/2021

Fertility tests can help your healthcare provider determine the reasons that you have been struggling to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Learn more about the most common tests. https://theintegrativefertilitymd.com/10-common-fertility-tests-explained/

13/07/2021

What is uterine microbiome and how might it affect your fertility? https://theintegrativefertilitymd.com/what-is-the-uterine-microbiome/

Uncategorized What is the Uterine Microbiome? Researchers estimate that the human body contains approximately seven quadrillion bacterial cells! Most of us hadn’t even heard the word “microbiome” until just a few years ago. But now the concept of gut health and gut flora are all over the news!...

07/07/2021

terine fibroids are noncancerous growths found in the uterus. ⁠⠀⁠
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The incidence of fibroids is very difficult to track because most of the studies have been conducted on women with symptoms. ⁠⠀⁠
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It is estimated that fibroids occur in about 20%-35% of women and as many as 50-80% of black women. ⁠⠀⁠
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The incidence of fibroids tends to increase across age, however black women are diagnosed on average about 6 years earlier than white women. ⁠⠀⁠
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Although the reason why there is an increased incidence in black women is unknown, this disparity is possibly explained by differences in genetics, diet, lifestyle, psychosocial stress, and environmental factors. ⁠⠀⁠
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Although the majority of fibroids are small and patients may experience few to no side effects, many patients have significant issues that impact the quality of life.⁠⠀⁠
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Symptoms of fibroids are impacted by the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Here are some of the symptoms that might be experienced by patients with fibroids:⁠⠀⁠
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➡️Heavy and prolonged menstrual periods⁠⠀⁠
➡️Pain ⁠⠀⁠
➡️May increase frequency of urination ⁠⠀⁠
➡️May cause constipation ⁠⠀⁠
➡️Infertility ⁠⠀⁠
➡️Pregnancy complications ⁠⠀⁠
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Fibroids may impact fertility by:⁠⠀⁠
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❎Decreasing blood flow to the uterus and thus decreasing the chances that an embryo will implant or increasing chances of miscarriage ⁠⠀⁠
❎Possibly blocking a fallopian tube ⁠⠀⁠
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Here are some factors that were found to be linked to an increased risk of fibroids:⁠⠀⁠
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- Genetics⁠⠀⁠
- Early-onset of me**es < age 10⁠⠀⁠
- High blood pressure⁠⠀⁠
- Significant consumption of red meat ⁠⠀⁠
- Increased glycemic load ⁠⠀⁠
- Vitamin D deficiency ⁠⠀⁠
- Consumption of alcohol⁠⠀⁠
- Environmental exposures to BPA and phthalates⁠⠀⁠
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Some women may experience one or more of the symptoms above and are not aware that they have fibroids. If you have experienced any of the above symptoms be sure to check in with your doctor, there are many treatments available to treat fibroids.

07/07/2021

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths found in the uterus. ⁠⠀⁠⁠
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The incidence of fibroids is very difficult to track because most of the studies have been conducted on women with symptoms. ⁠⠀⁠⁠
⁠⠀⁠⁠
It is estimated that fibroids occur in about 20%-35% of women and as many as 50-80% of black women. ⁠⠀⁠⁠
⁠⠀⁠⁠
The incidence of fibroids tends to increase across age, however black women are diagnosed on average about 6 years earlier than white women. ⁠⠀⁠⁠
⁠⠀⁠⁠
Although the reason why there is an increased incidence in black women is unknown, this disparity is possibly explained by differences in genetics, diet, lifestyle, psychosocial stress, and environmental factors. ⁠⠀⁠⁠
⁠⠀⁠⁠
Although the majority of fibroids are small and patients may experience few to no side effects, many patients have significant issues that impact the quality of life.⁠⠀⁠⁠
⁠⠀⁠⁠
Symptoms of fibroids are impacted by the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Here are some of the symptoms that might be experienced by patients with fibroids:⁠⠀⁠⁠
⁠⠀⁠⁠
➡️Heavy and prolonged menstrual periods⁠⠀⁠⁠
➡️Pain ⁠⠀⁠⁠
➡️May increase frequency of urination ⁠⠀⁠⁠
➡️May cause constipation ⁠⠀⁠⁠
➡️Infertility ⁠⠀⁠⁠
➡️Pregnancy complications ⁠⠀⁠⁠
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Fibroids may impact fertility by:⁠⠀⁠⁠
⁠⠀⁠⁠
❎Decreasing blood flow to the uterus and thus decreasing the chances that an embryo will implant or increasing chances of miscarriage ⁠⠀⁠⁠
❎Possibly blocking a fallopian tube ⁠⠀⁠⁠
⁠⠀⁠⁠
Here are some factors that were found to be linked to an increased risk of fibroids:⁠⠀⁠⁠
⁠⠀⁠⁠
- Genetics⁠⠀⁠⁠
- Early-onset of me**es < age 10⁠⠀⁠⁠
- High blood pressure⁠⠀⁠⁠
- Significant consumption of red meat ⁠⠀⁠⁠
- Increased glycemic load ⁠⠀⁠⁠
- Vitamin D deficiency ⁠⠀⁠⁠
- Consumption of alcohol⁠⠀⁠⁠
- Environmental exposures to BPA and phthalates⁠⠀⁠⁠
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Some women may experience one or more of the symptoms above and are not aware that they have fibroids. If you have experienced any of the above symptoms be sure to check in with your doctor, there are many treatments available to treat fibroids.

02/07/2021

Do you pay attention to the present moment or do you live in the future? Have you ever thought oh I will be happy once I get X or X happens to me? I am truly guilty of spending a lot of my life living in the future. Waiting for a particular moment to start enjoying life. Unfortunately when I got to that moment where I would start enjoying things there was yet another spot to look to in the future. ⁠⁠
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Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment on purpose with no judgement. Mindfulness was a brand new concept to me when I started my training in Integrative medicine several years ago. I felt overwhelmed with the emotions of having missed life in the present constantly waiting for my future life to unfold. ⁠
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I was very fortunate to have gone through a mindfulness based stress reduction course, to work on cultivating mindfulness in my day to day life. If you have the opportunity to do this I highly recommend it. ⁠
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It takes work to remind myself to pay attention to the now but its something I continually try to work on. Do you find it hard to pay attention to the present👇share your thoughts below.