How To Get Pregnant Better and Faster

If you are reading this blog, then you are looking to conceive and likely have been TTC for months and years too.

I remember at one of the Integrative Fertility Symposiums I chaired there was a panel discussion on integrative fertility care and the benefits of preconception care. The panel was composed of reproductive endocrinologists (IVF docs), reproductive urologists, acupuncturists, and naturopathic physicians.

Dr. Magarelli, who I have interviewed below, said the following that really stood out

“We (as in IVF clinics) get women pregnant faster

You (acupuncturists and naturopathic doctors) get women pregnant better.”

The key message was how important and beneficial the pre-conception time (minimum 3 months before natural conception or IVF) is to help set the health blueprint (epigenetics) of your future child and this is done by helping the eggs and sperm reach their peak fertility potential.

Basically, an integrative approach can help women get pregnant better faster.

I sat down over zoom with Dr. Paul Magarelli after we recorded his 2021 Integrative Fertility Symposium lecture to see if he had any advice to share with women and men wanting to create healthy families. 

The Importance of Integrative Preconception Care to Grow Your Family

Summary of the key points from the interview with Dr. Paul Magarelli, reproductive endocrinologist.

  • Integrative Care & IVF: Dr. Paul Magarelli, a reproductive endocrinologist, emphasizes the importance of integrative care—acupuncture, nutrition, lifestyle changes (e.g., avoiding alcohol, tobacco), and stress reduction—for optimizing fertility outcomes in IVF and frozen embryo transfers (FET).
  • Acupuncture & IVF: Dr. Magarelli has researched and contributed to the integration of acupuncture in IVF, showing that it can improve blood flow, reduce stress, and enhance the microenvironment of the follicles, leading to better embryo development.
  • Mitochondrial Health: The early stages of embryonic development (first 8 days) depend exclusively on maternal mitochondrial DNA. Proper preconception care for the mother supports this crucial energy source for embryo growth.
  • Male Fertility Matters: Dr. Magarelli highlights that male fertility issues are often overlooked but can account for up to 50% of miscarriages. Even if sperm appear normal, underlying issues like DNA fragmentation can affect embryo development. He encourages more research and acupuncture for male fertility.
  • Environmental Factors: Nutrition, avoiding toxins, and stress management play a critical role in optimizing both male and female fertility. The follicular environment, supported by acupuncture and lifestyle changes, can be improved even in older patients to enhance egg and embryo quality.
  • Future of Research: Dr. Magarelli advocates for more studies on how acupuncture can benefit male fertility, believing that three months of acupuncture can improve sperm health and embryo outcomes.