Working with Julia Young Nutrition
Before working with Julia Young Nutrition, this couple had been trying to conceive for 18 months. They had managed to conceive naturally, but sadly experienced an early miscarriage. They then went on to try again, but unfortunately could not achieve another pregnancy. After investigations from their healthcare provider, where all test results came back normal, they received a diagnosis of unexplained infertility.
Leaving no stone left unturned.
This couple came to Julia Young for help to support their fertility and to try to find answers as to why they were not conceiving. Working with Julia Young, they did functional testing to uncover the root cause of their infertility. As they did not know what was causing their infertility, it was important to test both the male and female partner. Afterall, it takes two to make a baby, so it is essential that both partners are thoroughly checked.
An underactive thyroid and unbalanced vaginal microbiome.
With the female partner, detailed symptom analysis and testing revealed an underactive thyroid, and raised thyroid antibodies. The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland which sits in the base of the neck. Thyroid hormones control how much energy the cell produces, which can affect almost every process in the body, from your heart beating to conceiving a baby. The thyroid also plays an important part in growth, it is important for foetal development, and associated with pregnancy loss.
We worked together on supporting her thyroid including eating a nutrient dense diet, reducing inflammation, and recommending targeted supplements.
She also did a vaginal microbiome test, which assesses the bacteria that resides in the vagina, and the level of inflammation present. The test result showed that she was carrying bacteria associated with fertility challenges. There was also low levels of beneficial bacteria which are crucial for fertility, implantation success, and pregnancy.
It was important to also investigate the male partner, as the bacteria identified in the vaginal microbiome test can be passed back and forth through sexual activity and can also impact sperm health.
Investigating the male partner.
The semen analysis showed low morphology, which again can impact fertility success. Although a semen analysis can provide information on the shape of the sperm, the numbers, and how they are moving, it cannot tell what the sperm is like inside, essentially what the DNA of the sperm is like. The male partner’s DNA fragmentation test showed high levels of DNA damage. At this point a referral to a urologist was important to rule out any structural issues that could be associated with the DNA sperm damage.
A urological physical examination identified varicoceles on the testicles. These can sometimes easily be identified, but in this case, the male partner was unaware he had them. Varicocele produce heat in the body and can reduce sperm quality. Nutrients essential to supporting sperm health were recommended to the male partner to help increase his sperm quality.
Supporting this couple’s lifestyle was also a key component to their success. They both had stressful jobs, coupled with the stress of infertility, so this was an important area to support.
Success story
IVF was recommended to this couple, and their first round was a success, producing excellent quality embryos, and a positive pregnancy test. They went on to have a healthy pregnancy, and announced the birth of a beautiful baby earlier this year.
If you would like some support with endometriosis book your free Fertility Review to find out how I can help you.
Julia Young Nutrition T: 0771 589 0894 info@juliayoungnutrition.com www.juliayoungnutrition.com
Disclaimer: Nutritional Therapy is not a replacement for medical advice, practitioners always refer any client with ‘red flag’ signs or symptoms to their medical professional. The information provided here is general and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any diseases or conditions.