The Best Fertility Advice I’d Give My Best Friend (Just Real Talk)
I’m not a doctor, and I’m certainly no expert, but if I could sit down with my best friend and give her the advice I wish I had gotten earlier on my fertility journey, here’s what I’d say. It’s not glamorous, it’s not sugar-coated, but it’s real, and it’s the stuff that can make a difference.
1. Diet: Cut Out the Fake Food
Let’s just get this out of the way: if you’re still eating fast food, processed snacks, and all those chemical-laden foods that don’t even resemble real food, it’s time for a change. I’m not saying you need to go on a juice cleanse or become a full-on health guru overnight, but clean up your diet. Real, whole food is the foundation. Things like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats are what your body needs to function at its best. Fertility is about your body being in its optimal state, and processed foods? They’re full of chemicals and preservatives that can mess with your hormones and hinder fertility. Trust me, the more natural you can eat, the better. It’s not about being perfect, but about being mindful.
2. Genetics: It’s In Your DNA (Literally)
Let’s talk about something that most people don’t want to hear: genetics. I hate to say it, but your individual biological makeup plays a huge role in this whole fertility thing. We can do all the right things, take all the right steps, but sometimes, there are factors that we simply can’t control. Case in point: I had an AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) test done three years before my egg retrieval, and was told that my ovarian reserve was at the level of a 20-year-old—I was 31 at the time. I couldn’t have been more relieved. But I won’t sugar-coat it either: genetics can throw some curveballs. I know people who’ve had a challenging time with fertility, despite doing everything “right.” It’s tough, it’s frustrating, and it can feel unfair. But knowing where you stand genetically can help you understand what you’re working with, and help shape the right plan for your journey.
3. Supplements: Don't Skip This Step!
When it comes to fertility, supplements aren’t just an afterthought—they’re a must. I strongly recommend seeing a holistic hormone doctor who can do a full blood panel, figure out where your body is lacking, and recommend a personalized supplement plan. Everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. But here’s what I did that made a difference: I’ve been seeing a holistic doctor since I turned 30. And once IVF became the route I was taking, my doctor customized a supplement plan to support my fertility and ovarian health. Think CoQ10, DHA, folate, and other fertility-supportive supplements. These may seem like small things, but they have big impacts when it comes to egg quality and overall reproductive health.
A holistic doctor can also help you make sure you’re getting the right nutrients your body needs to be at its best. You may not even know where you’re lacking—whether it’s Vitamin D, thyroid function, or something else. And trust me, you want to know. So get the bloodwork done, and get on a plan that’s tailored to you. This isn’t a “one size fits all” journey. You need to invest in what your body truly needs.
The Bottom Line
I’m sharing all of this because I don’t want you to feel lost in the shuffle of fertility advice that’s out there. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the noise, the well-meaning advice, and all the “must-dos” that are flying at you. But at the end of the day, it’s about you—your body, your needs, and your unique journey.
Fertility isn’t just about getting pregnant; it’s about taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally along the way. So if you're thinking about starting your IVF journey or are already deep into it, remember: take care of your body, get the right support, and trust the process.
We can’t control everything, but we can certainly do our best to give our bodies the best shot.
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