Approximately 11 years ago, my husband and I decided to start a family together. We tried and we tried and we weren’t successful in getting pregnant. Naturally, we asked for the help of a fertility specialist.
I am grateful for my 9 year-twins. They are the light of my life, everything that is good in the world. They are exceptional children and bring me more joy than I ever knew it was possible!
But if I knew 11 years ago what I know now, I probably would have done things a little differently. The impact that an antiinflammatory diet can have on your fertility, the impact that stress can have on one’s fertility. If I knew how to look for signs: for example, the acne, the severe premenstrual symptoms, the very slight weight gain around the middle. All signs of polycystic ovary syndrome.
I went on and followed the recommendations to have in vitro fertilization. I can’t say it was traumatic, as I approached the process with curiosity and an open mind (just another challenge in the life of a doctor!!!) but the twin pregnancy and life after delivery of twins were not for the faint of heart! With a displaced hip from a combination of a 8 pounder and a 7 pounder, I wasn’t able to walk for weeks before and after delivery. Thank goodness for Romanian grandparents, who think it is their life’s calling to help a new mother. Eventually after 2 years of physical therapy I was able to walk normally again, but the back pain never subsided. That is what started my quest into alternative methods of healing. But that is another story for another day.
What I am trying to say is that the likelihood of me getting pregnant with just a bit of progesterone and an antiinflammatory, blood sugar stabilizing diet was very high.
Instead of the massive influx of various hormones that were pumped into my system via the IVF protocol I could have just had the gentle touch of an endocrinologist who understood polycystic ovary syndrome in depth. But being trained in conventional medicine, I did not understand this.
Now, 11 years later, I can say I know better. And I can help women who are trying to get pregnant by using a much more gentle, thoughtful and non-traumatic approach, that involves a blood sugar stabilizing, non-inflammatory diet, natural (bio-identical) hormones, supplements etc.
Dr. Corina Fratila
