You’ve likely heard of people banking sperm, freezing their eggs, or creating embryos, this is the realm of fertility preservation. It’s a vital medical tool for men and women who wish to become genetic parents in the future.

Some medical interventions like chemotherapy and radiation can damage the reproductive system, freezing eggs or sperm prior to treatment allows the option for biological parentage later down the road. Normally in these cases there isn’t much time to prepare, eggs/sperm are frozen quickly as there is a rush to start cancer treatment, for this reason, I usually connect with these people after their fertility preservation and subsequent treatments.

In my practice at Healthspace Collective, I often see women who choose to freeze their eggs for personal reasons, such as delaying childbearing to pursue education, career goals, or because they haven’t yet found the right partner. Most find the option of egg freezing empowering and yet incredibly overwhelming.

Yes, it can be liberating to take control of your reproductive health and make an informed decisions about family planning. However, the world of fertility clinics, medications, injections, bloodwork and ultrasounds, plus countless medical appointments is downright daunting. Never mind the cost! The price for one round of egg freezing in Canada varies from $10,000 to $18,000. The cost fluctuates by clinic, medications required, and storage fees for the egg or embryo. While some qualify for one round to be covered by the Ontario Fertility Program others may claim medication expenses through private insurance or may have fertility preservation coverage through employee benefits.

While fertility preservation offers women/couples a lifeline in preserving their reproductive potential, it helps (and pays!) to know what lies ahead in order to optimize your fertility outcomes.

Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress reduction play a significant role in improving fertility outcomes, particularly in the three to six months prior to an egg retrieval/embryo creation.

A Mediterranean style diet rich in nutrients like folate, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids can promote overall reproductive health and optimize egg quality. Foods such as leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and fatty fish are particularly beneficial for fertility. On the other hand, processed foods, extra caffeine, regular alcohol consumption, and recreational drugs (I’m looking at you cigarettes and cannabis!) should be limited, as they likely have a negative impact on egg health.

Regular exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but it also improves blood flow to the reproductive organs, which can enhance egg production and quality. I encourage women too stay active but not over do it or pursue a weight loss goal at this time. Engaging in activities like walking, swimming, or yoga for at least 30 minutes a day can have a positive effect on fertility.

Managing stress is also crucial as high levels of stress hormones can interfere with ovulation and reproductive function. Yes of course I recommend deep breathing, meditation, and journaling. I also offer acupuncture for stress relief and reproductive health, particularly leading up to fertility interventions. But the best medicine for stress is a deep hearty laugh, a great sleep, an honest conversation with a good friend, and any happy distraction from your fertility goals.

Supplements that support optimal egg health include a quality prenatal, CoQ10, Omega-3s, Vitamin D3, and more depending on your underlying health conditions.
By adopting healthy diet and lifestyle habits women can improve their chances of a successful egg retrieval/embryo creation.

I hope this helps spotlight the value of fertility preservation and outline a simple path for optimizing outcomes. If you have any questions, I’ll be hanging with my favourite medical team at Healthspace Collective!

Warm regards,
Dr. Steph, ND.