How Naturopathic Care Can Support You Through IVF

Author: Elyse Johnson, Naturopath

For many couples, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) can feel like both a hopeful and overwhelming journey. Naturopathy can work with both partners to enhance IVF outcomes by correcting deficiencies, balancing hormones, improving sperm and egg quality, and address any underlying health concerns that may otherwise affect outcomes.

The greatest benefits are often seen when couples allow a preconception period—three months before starting or returning to IVF. 

Looking Beyond Infertility: A Holistic Approach

Naturopathy views sub-fertility as multi-factorial—rarely is there just one cause. For many couples, it’s a combination of nutritional, hormonal, lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors that affect fertility. By investigating and addressing these areas, naturopathic care can help identify potential barriers to conception that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Supporting Both Partners

Fertility is not just about female health—statistics show that about 40–50% of infertility is linked to female factors, 30% to male factors, and 20–30% to a combination of both. A naturopathic approach always considers both partners. For men, support may include optimising sperm quality, reducing DNA fragmentation through antioxidant therapy, and correcting nutrient deficiencies. For women, treatment often focuses on egg quality, hormone regulation, and ensuring the body is nutritionally prepared for both conception and pregnancy.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Optimisation

Certain nutrients are critical for reproductive health and IVF success:

• Folate, Vitamin B12 & B6 – support DNA formation, embryo development, and reduce miscarriage risk.

• Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, and Iron – essential for egg and sperm health, implantation, and healthy pregnancy outcomes.

• Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and CoQ10 – protect eggs and sperm from oxidative stress, a major factor in reduced fertility and IVF failure.

Alongside supplementation, naturopaths often guide couples on adopting a fertility-friendly diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to improve IVF outcomes. Lifestyle factors like reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, moderating caffeine, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding toxin exposure are also emphasised.

Stress and Emotional Support

The IVF journey can be emotionally draining. Research confirms that stress can negatively impact IVF outcomes. Naturopaths can provide support through stress-management strategies such as mindfulness, counselling referrals, acupuncture, and lifestyle guidance to help couples feel calmer and more resilient during the process.

References

1. Australian, R. (2017). Male infertility – The other side of the equation. Australian Family Physician. https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/september/male-infertility#ref-2 
2. Alrashidi, A. S., Feraih Aljaghwani, L., & Saleh AlMohimeed, R. (2024). The Effect of Nutrient Supplementation on Female Fertility: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 16(8), e67028. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.67028  
3. Gullo, G., Zaami, S., Streva, A. V., Burgio, S., Billone, V., Kotlik, Y., Chitoran, E., Ganduscio, S., Baglio, G., Perino, A., & Cucinella, G. (2025). Multivitamin Supplementation and Fertility Outcome: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study and the Clinical and Medicolegal Value of Nutritional Counseling. Life, 15(1), 48. https://doi.org/10.3390/life15010048  
4. Zhou, X., Wu, X., Luo, X., Shao, J., Guo, D., Deng, B., & Wu, Z. (2022). Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes: A Trial Sequential Meta-Analysis of 5 Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.852428  
5. Alesi, S., Villani, A., Mantzioris, E., Takele, W. W., Cowan, S., Moran, L. J., & Mousa, A. (2022). Anti-Inflammatory Diets in Fertility: An Evidence Review. Nutrients, 14(19), 3914. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193914  
6. Alesi, S., Villani, A., Mantzioris, E., Takele, W. W., Cowan, S., Moran, L. J., & Mousa, A. (2022). Anti-Inflammatory Diets in Fertility: An Evidence Review. Nutrients, 14(19), 3914. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193914