Caring for your psychological needs and overall mental health is as important to your success as your physical well-being. Our network of affiliated professionals can help you navigate this emotionally complex experience and help you make informed decisions with regards to your emotional well-being.

Your fertility situation may lead our team to recommend that you consult a urologist, who specializes in treating patients' urinary systems (kidney, bladders, urinary tracts) as well as male reproductive organs in general. A consultation in urology may be an important step in better understanding the fertility challenges that you face, and prescribe the treatment plan best adapted to your situation.

FMC Greater Moncton Infertility Support Group

A support group has been created to provide a safe and intimate space for all individuals and couples experiencing fertility challenges, and embarking on their fertility journey. The FMC Greater Moncton Infertility Support Group, which is professionally led by a Naturopathic Doctor, Jodie Tatlock, will allow you if you so wish to share your experience and feelings during this emotional time. The support group typically meets once a month at Conceptia, although independently from the clinic.

If you wish to obtain more information about the support group, please write to fertilitymattersmoncton@gmail.com.

FMC Atlantic Provinces Online Support Group

Fertility Matters Canada has put in place an online support group for individuals and couples experiencing fertility challenges across the Atlantic provinces. The support group offers a safe and inclusive space to get more information and share your feelings and experience.

You can find more information on the Fertility Matters website, or by writing to info@fertilitymatters.ca.

Many factors can have an important impact on your body’s natural fertility. While some are determined by genetics, others are dependent on your environment or lifestyle. You can maximize your treatment's chances of success by working on the factors you can impact directly, including eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.

Weight

Weight can have an important impact on your fertility. Patients that are underweight or overweight can present signs of hormonal imbalance, and their weight can hinder ovulation. Studies also show that fertility treatment success rates are lower in patients with insulin resistance, which can happen for patients with a high body mass index (BMI). Male patients who are overweight experience lower testosterone and sperm production, which can also affect their fertility.

Diet

Studies have shown that the most effective diet to balance your hormones, optimize your chances of conceiving and attain your ideal weight is a low-sugar, whole foods, Mediterranean-style diet. This is especially true if you have high insulin levels, or experience ovulation problems including PCOS.

Your Conceptia teams will make nutrition and weight recommendations during your consultations to accompany you on this aspect of your fertility journey.

Many other lifestyle choices can also impact fertility and pregnancy. We have listed some below that help you all along your fertility journey.

Caffeine

Some studies have pointed to an increased risk of pregnancy loss for females with excessive caffeine consumption, and some therefore recommend limiting your intake to 1-2 daily cups.

Smoking

Eggs and sperms are negatively affected by both smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking impacts fertility negatively in other ways, including increasing the risk of pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, and, according to some studies, almost doubling the risk of infertility.

Alcohol

It is important to note that alcohol consumption should be limited for both males and females on their fertility journey. Alcohol can lead to hormonal and ovulation abnormalities, and reduce your chances of getting pregnant. While recommendations vary on the safe level of consumption, it is generally prescribed to limit intake to 2 weekly drinks for females, and 4 weekly drinks for males.

Drugs

The use of recreational drugs like marijuana and cocaine can have an adverse effect on fertility. Some prescription medication, including chemotherapy drugs and steroids, can also have a negative impact on the fertility of both male and female patients.

Environment

Proper sperm production seems to be negatively affected by any increase in heat around the testicles and scrotum. This can include, for instance, hot baths, saunas, cycling and long-distance driving.

Intercourse

It is recommended to have intercourse two to four times per week on average, which can help keep sperm count high and increase the chances of conceiving. If you use lubricant, be aware that those containing petroleum jelly or vaseline can be toxic to sperm.

Vitamins

The risk of certain birth defects can be significantly lowered by the intake of a multivitamin. For females, these should include folic acid, while for males they should contain zinc. Patients are also recommended to intake Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, and L-Carnitine.

Medications

We strongly encourage you to discuss all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, with your physician and Conceptia team, as some may be linked to fertility challenges.