Fertility is a deeply personal and life-changing journey, and one that benefits from the support of a diverse team of experts. Beyond medical care, fertility practitioners, coaches, and educators can provide valuable guidance and holistic solutions to support and ease your journey to motherhood. 

At Chiyo, we're dedicated to supporting your fertility journey with our evidence-based Fertility Enhance Program, designed to enhance egg health to improve fertility outcomes.

The Chiyo Collective brings together a nationwide, values-aligned community of fertility practitioners, dedicated to raising the standards of women's health. We’re proud to collaborate with leading women's health experts who advocate for and support women’s nutritional health through every life stage. Our experts have also shared their insights on some of the most frequently asked questions about infertility—here’s what they had to say:

Our experts:

• Kate Potvin:  Fertility Coaching & Support
• Abbe Feder: Life & Infertility Coach
• Josephine Atluri: Wellness, Mindfulness & Fertility Coach
• Quanisha McGruder: Full Spectrum Doula
• Ruth Sie: Acupuncture, TCM, Fertility Awareness Educator
• Wendy Obstler + Deborah Anderson: Fertility Yoga Expert + Health Psychologist-Neuropsychologist

What is Infertility?

Infertility affects millions of people, with estimates of one in every six people experiencing difficulty conceiving. It is a condition of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of unprotected sexual intercourse. The cause of infertility can vary and may be a result of male, female, or unexplained factors.

• Female fertility: Infertility in women may be caused by issues with the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, endocrine system, or other underlying health conditions. 
• Male fertility: Infertility in men may result from problems with semen ejaculation, low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape or motility, or other underlying health conditions. 

What to Know About Infertility 

• You don't have to experience infertility alone. Infertility is one of the most emotional and stressful experiences a person can face, but support extends far beyond the doctor’s office. There are fertility coaches, therapists, support groups, and holistic practitioners who can help you navigate this journey.
• Infertility is not solely a woman’s issue. In reality, one-third of infertility cases are due to male factors, one-third are due to female factors, and one-third remain unexplained. Additionally, about half of all miscarriages are linked to sperm quality—a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
• Lifestyle changes can improve fertility outcomes. While diet, stress management, and other lifestyle factors can support fertility, they are not a guaranteed solution. Medical intervention is sometimes necessary, and seeking help does not mean failure.
• Fertility is not black and white. Think of fertility as a continuum. Many women experience sub-fertility and their bodies need extra support (whether through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or a combination) to optimize fertility.
• Secondary infertility isn’t as painful as primary infertility. People struggling to conceive after having a child often hear, “At least you have one.” But their grief is just as real and valid as those trying for their first.

Holistic Management of Infertility

There are various holistic strategies to manage infertility and improve reproductive outcomes.

What is a fertility coach?

A fertility coach offers supplemental lifestyle support to women trying to conceive. They offer guidance on everything from diet and sleep to stress management during the IVF process. The main goal of a fertility coach is to ease the mental load and physical burden of infertility, helping couples navigate their journey with clarity and confidence. A fertility coach bridges the gap between the clinical approach of doctors and the well-meaning but overwhelming advice from friends and family. They offer expert support, helping couples understand their options, make informed decisions, and feel empowered throughout their fertility journey.

What is a fertility awareness educator?

A fertility educator teaches individuals or couples how to understand and use Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) for family planning and reproductive health. A fertility awareness educator helps women understand their hormonal cycles by educating them on their anatomy and physiology and how to observe, chart, and interpret their menstrual cycles.    

Why is patient advocacy important in fertility care?

One of the hardest parts of any medical journey, especially fertility treatment, is not knowing what we don’t know. We trust our doctors’ guidance and assume they have all the answers. And while many do, advocating for yourself, following your instinct, asking questions, and trusting yourself can also be invaluable. It's important to choose the right fertility doctor or clinic so that you feel supported in your advocacy and self-determination. At the end of the day, no one understands your body and your experience better than you do. Your voice matters in this process.

What is the role of empowerment in fertility care?

Empowerment in fertility care is about helping women understand and listen to their own bodies and have agency in their fertility process. Body literacy is lacking in our society, and by teaching women how their bodies work, they're better equipped and empowered to make choices that support their fertility and health. 

What is a helpful mindfulness practice for women who are struggling with infertility?

A breathing exercise:

• Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds
• Breathe out through your mouth for 8 seconds

During the extended exhale, imagine breathing out something that no longer serves you, like a negative thought or stress that you're holding in your body. 

You can also repeat positive affirmations, like "I love and trust my body." Fertility can make women feel like our bodies are the enemy or that they've betrayed us. Re-establishing trust with our bodies is key. 

How can massage therapy support women struggling with infertility?

Massage therapy increases blood flow to muscles and the reproductive system. It can bring the body into a state of low stress, so the endocrine system can work without excess cortisol.

How can yoga support the fertility journey?

Yoga can help with the physical and emotional challenges of trying to conceive. On a physical level, yoga increases blood flow and oxygen, removes toxins, releases endorphins, and helps release tension in the muscles and fascia. Fertility yoga takes it further by focusing on poses and acupressure techniques that honor where you are in your menstrual cycle to support the reproductive organs and hormonal systems.

The Fertility Diet

A balanced diet affects fertility. Here are practical nutritional strategies to improve fertility outcomes:

• Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods that provide selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and CoQ10 to support egg health and a healthy pregnancy. 
• Add in fiber, protein, and healthy fats to balance blood sugars, which promotes healthy ovulation. Nutrition options include nuts and seeds, lean meats, whole fruits and vegetables, and olive oil. 
• Limit refined carbohydrates and add low glycemic carbohydrates like beans, lentils and quinoa. 
• Eat mineral-dense foods (zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium) to support prenatal outcomes and reduce anemia.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Fertility

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "tonifying the essence" refers to strengthening and replenishing Jing (Essence), the fundamental substance for growth, development, reproduction, and longevity. Jing is closely linked to kidney health, which governs aging, fertility, and vitality. At Chiyo, we offer tonics designed to nourish Jing and support fertility, including:

• Ginger Orange Tonic (Pao Jiang (炮姜) or Ginger and Chen Pi (陈皮) or Orange Peel): This warming herb blend supports the spleen and stomach and alleviates pain. 
• Cinnamon Licorice Tonic (Rou Gui (肉桂) or Cinnamon and Gan Cao (甘草) or Licorice Root): A powerful cinnamon tonic that helps build 'Qi,' or energy, and blood. It also has licorice to support Qi deficiency. 
• Licorice Root Tonic: Licorice has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties to regulate hormones and reduce PMS symptoms, including mood swings and hot flashes. Note: This tonic should not be used during pregnancy.
• Rose Petal Vanilla Tonic (Rose Petal Vanilla Tea/ Mei Gui): Rose Petals belong to the Regulate Qi category in TCH, which helps harmonize the body and disperse stasis. It helps with irregular menstruation, premenstrual breast tenderness, and menstrual pain.

At Chiyo, we're dedicated to supporting your fertility journey with our evidence-based Fertility Enhance Program, designed to enhance egg health to improve fertility outcomes. Our program emphasizes an antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, and low glycemic diet, combined with essential micronutrients to support women trying to conceive. We offer dietitian-approved plans tailored for women preparing for pregnancy, of advanced maternal age, or preparing for IUI, IVF, or egg freezing.