Trying for a baby longer than you expected? No period after stopping the pill? Navigating PCOS or endometriosis? Or feeling overwhelmed after being told IVF or ART might be part of your path?
You’re not alone. Around 1 in 6 couples experience fertility challenges at some point, and many find themselves exploring options like IVF or assisted reproductive technology along the way.
In clinic, I see this story often — months or years of trying, endless appointments, and another negative pregnancy test. Many people arrive feeling exhausted, confused, and anxious about what comes next, especially when faced with the cost, intensity, and emotional load that fertility treatment can involve. IVF and ART can be valuable tools, but they’re not simple, quick, or easy — and they don’t suit everyone at every stage.
Sometimes, the most empowering next step is slowing things down, reassessing the foundations, and getting clear on your individual picture before moving forward..
FERTILITY: WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF “INFERTILITY”?
If I had the definitive answer to infertility, life would be very different. I don’t — so let’s look at the data.
Australian and New Zealand ART reports show fertility challenges are rarely one-sided: female factors account for around 29%, male factors 23%, and combined factors 14%. In other words, fertility is very much a shared story — not just a women’s issue. Gentle reminder to the blokes: this includes you.
Even more interesting? Around 23% of infertility is classified as “unexplained.” This is where curiosity matters. When no clear cause is identified, it opens the door to looking deeper — through both Western medical frameworks and traditional Chinese medicine perspectives — to better understand what may be influencing reproductive health.
My approach focuses on supporting individuals and couples to optimise their health before and alongside conception attempts. This includes people exploring natural conception as well as those considering, preparing for, or undergoing IVF or ART. Fertility treatment can be demanding — physically, emotionally, and financially — and many couples value having broader health support during this process.
At the heart of naturopathic and preconception care is a simple principle: supporting the physical and emotional wellbeing of both parents before pregnancy begins.
Optimising parental health prior to conception is an important factor in reproductive health outcomes.
— Dr Miranda Myles
FERTILITY….ADDRESSING IT NATURALLY
Many factors can influence fertility and early pregnancy health. Preconception care focuses on strengthening the foundations of parental health before conception, with the aim of supporting healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Areas that are often explored when conception isn’t straightforward include:
- Hormonal patterns affecting cycles and ovulation (including irregular or absent periods, painful cycles, PCOS, endometriosis, or adenomyosis)
- Post-pill hormonal changes
- Environmental exposures that may influence menstrual cycles or sperm health
- Immune and inflammatory factors, including Natural Killer Cell activity
- Chronic stress, anxiety, and nervous system load
- Nutritional status and dietary adequacy
- Food sensitivities and dietary patterns
- Lifestyle factors, including sleep, movement, and exercise balance
Preconception support can also sit alongside IVF or ART — helping people feel more supported, informed, and resilient as they navigate fertility treatment.
Supporting IVF/ART… naturally.
FERTILITY & IVF/ART- HOW SUCCESSFUL IS IT?
It depends what we mean by “success.”
IVF and ART success rates are usually reported as pregnancy rates per embryo transfer, which tend to be higher in younger age groups and decline with age. Large Australian and New Zealand reports show that while clinical pregnancy rates per cycle are not insignificant, live birth rates are lower — reminding us that pregnancy and a baby are not the same endpoint.
That said, IVF and ART are absolutely the right choice for some people. There are situations where assisted reproduction is the most appropriate, safest, or most realistic option — and those decisions deserve support, not judgement.
What many people don’t realise is that IVF doesn’t have to be an either/or situation. Supportive care can sit alongside fertility treatment, with the aim of optimising health, resilience, and coping during what can be a demanding process.
- Areas commonly supported during IVF or ART include:
- Preconception health optimisation before or between cycles
- Nutritional and lifestyle support
- Stress and nervous system regulation
Acupuncture and integrative care, which have been explored in research for their potential supportive role during IVF
IVF can be physically, emotionally, and financially intense. Feeling supported — rather than just processed — matters.
FERTILITY, ACUPUNCTURE AND IVF….NATURALLY
Acupuncture is commonly used as supportive care during preconception and fertility treatment. Research has explored its role in supporting pelvic blood flow and hormonal regulation, which may be relevant to uterine and cycle health.
And here’s the mindset shift: let’s retire the language of “infertile,” “no hope,” and “can’t get pregnant.” Fertility journeys look different for everyone. For some, conception happens naturally; for others, IVF or ART is part of that journey — and that can still be your natural path. There’s no one right way to become a parent. There’s just your way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Miranda Myles is a naturopath and acupuncturist who works with individuals and couples navigating fertility and preconception. Her approach focuses on supporting physical and emotional wellbeing and creating strong foundations before pregnancy.
Miranda also supports people who are considering, preparing for, or undergoing IVF or ART. With a solid understanding of reproductive treatments and the demands they place on the body and mind, she offers calm, compassionate care during what can be a challenging and emotionally loaded time.
Supportive. Grounded. No judgement — just informed care, wherever you are on your fertility journey.
