Going through IVF can be a rollercoaster of hope, pressure, and uncertainty. While medical interventions focus on egg collection, fertilisation, and embryo transfer, many women find themselves asking: What else can I do to improve my chances? This is where naturopathy can offer powerful support.

As a naturopath and counsellor, I work alongside women and couples who are navigating IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies (ART), helping them strengthen their physical, emotional, and hormonal foundations for better outcomes.

Here’s how naturopathy can complement your IVF journey:

1. Nutritional Support to Improve Egg and Sperm Quality

What you eat directly influences the health of your reproductive cells. In the 90 days leading up to egg retrieval or embryo transfer, your body is creating the eggs and sperm that will be used.

We focus on:

Whole, anti-inflammatory foods
Blood sugar balance
Antioxidants (to protect DNA)
Key nutrients like choline, CoQ10, omega-3s, and folate

This isn’t about restriction, it’s about nourishment building a body that feels strong and receptive.

2. Supporting Your Nervous System and Stress Response

IVF is emotionally demanding. Naturopathic care includes strategies to regulate your nervous system and help you cope with the mental load of appointments, timelines, and outcomes.

This might include:

Nervine herbs and magnesium
Gentle yoga or movement
Breathwork or guided meditation
Emotional counselling or support sessions

You don’t need to stay calm all the time you just need space to process, rest, and stay connected to yourself.

3. Improving Endometrial Health and Blood Flow

For implantation to occur, the uterine lining must be thick, healthy, and well-nourished. Certain naturopathic tools can support this:

Nutritional strategies
Acupuncture
Castor oil packs (in pre-transfer phases only)
Anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients

These methods are gentle but targeted, helping your body prepare for embryo transfer.

4. Addressing Underlying Health Issues

PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid issues, and autoimmune conditions can all affect IVF success rates. As a naturopath, I work with your existing diagnosis or test results to support your system holistically and fill in any gaps.

We might explore:

Gut health and inflammation
Blood sugar regulation
Hormonal rhythms
Immune support

This kind of integrative care can work beautifully alongside your IVF treatment plan.

5. Post-Retrieval and Transfer Support

After egg collection or transfer, your body needs time to rest and recalibrate. Naturopathy offers gentle ways to support recovery and reduce inflammation.

Depending on your phase, I might suggest:

Warm, nourishing foods
Acupuncture referrals
Sleep and nervous system support
Vaginal microbiome support
Physical recovery guidance
Emotional debriefing and check-ins

Final Thoughts

IVF isn’t just a medical process it’s a whole-body, whole-heart journey. Naturopathy doesn’t replace your fertility specialist, but it can support the parts of the process that often get overlooked: your energy, your emotions, and your resilience.

If you’re preparing for an IVF cycle or currently in treatment, I’d love to support you with personalised naturopathic care that aligns with your cycle, your protocols, and your goals. You don’t have to do this alone.

Book Appointment Today