Nutritional support

There are a number of common causes of infertility due to genetic or medical conditions but research has also shown that dietary and lifestyle factors may have an effect on a couple’s ability to conceive too.

Did you know that stress, smoking and being overweight may all reduce fertility? Or that eating leafy greens may improve fertility alongside other nutrition advice?

Following a fertility diet does not guarantee you will fall pregnant, but it may help to optimise your chances of conceiving naturally or support the IVF success rates, and it may also increase your chances of a sustained and healthy pregnancy. That is why at TFP we are delighted to be working with Janet Padfield, a registered Nutritional Therapist, to support our patients.

About nutritional therapy

Nutritional therapy is based in science and aims to explore potential imbalances with the body systems that might be contributing to symptoms. Using science-based evidence and experience we then look at supporting those imbalances to help support the body. As everyone is unique your nutrition plan as an individual or a couple would also be unique and tailored to your specific needs. However, there are certain elements that are likely to be consistent amongst most couples trying to get pregnant:

• Reducing stresses – These include work and emotional stresses but also environmental and food related stressors. Alcohol, caffeine and sugar all increase stress, and chemicals in plastics and household/personal care products are thought to disrupt hormones

• Increasing fruits and vegetables – Especially the leafy greens which are high in folate, which is a natural form of folic acid. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient power houses providing a broad range of vitamins and minerals needed in reproduction

• Increasing good fats – These are the building blocks for our hormones. Foods that provide you with these healthy fats are nuts and seeds, olive oils, oily fish and avocado

Seeking nutritional support may benefit:

• Men with low sperm count or quality

• Women with gynaecological conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and fibroids

• Individuals hoping to lose weight to support conception

• Couples who have experienced multiple miscarriages

• Couples/Individuals wanting nutrition support while undergoing IVF

Nutrition sessions at TVF

Janet offers various nutrition session options to suit your needs. All are ideally taken over 2 months before IVF or conception, but that is not essential. Sessions are normally every 4-6 weeks. All sessions include a plan which details key recommendations and meal ideas. At times supplements and further tests are recommended which are an additional cost and also optional:

1. Individuals Healthy Conception Package – A set of 3 sessions – an initial 90 mins and then 2 follow up hours which cover approximately 12 weeks of nutrition support. They also include phone and email support

2. Couples Healthy Conception Package – A set of 3 x 2 hour sessions which cover approximately 12 weeks of nutrition support. They also include phone and email support

3. Individuals One Off Session – This would be a 90 minute session and provide you with a basic plan to start you on your conception journey. Follow up pay as you go appointments would be available should you require more support

4. Couples One Off Session – This would be a 2 hour session and provide you both with a basic plan to start you on your conception journey. Follow up pay as you go appointments would be available should you require more support.