Getting Pregnant: The Top 7 Reasons for Infertility + How Naturopathic Treatment Can Help

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.

1 in 6 Canadian couples experience infertility.

Whether you, your partner, a family member or friend has experienced infertility, know you're not alone. Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a sustained pregnancy in 1 year of trying if you're under age 35, or 6 months of trying if you're over age 35. Fertility challenges can take an emotional, physical and even financial toll on individuals and couples.

If you're struggling to conceive, here are the Top 7 Reasons for Infertility:

1. You may not be ovulating

To get pregnant, you must ovulate: one of your ovaries must grow and release an egg every month, usually at the mid-point of your cycle (around Day 12 to 16). Women with PCOS, hypothyroidism, too low or high body weight, older age and premature ovarian failure are at increased risk of not ovulating. One key sign is irregular or absent periods, however even with regular periods you may not be ovulating. Your Naturopathic Doctor can help you determine if you are and understand your egg quality.

2. Sperm quality and quantity might not be optimal

More than 30% of infertility is due to male factors. There needs to be optimal sperm count, motility and quality for a healthy pregnancy. Age, overall health, diet and medications can all affect sperm. If you or your partner hasn't had sperm tested, an ND can arrange that testing, and there is a lot we can do to help improve sperm health.

3. You're not eating the right diet

In both men and women, diet impacts fertility. A lack of nutrients like vitamin B12, folic acid, iron and zinc can all play a role. Diets high in fresh vegetables, healthy fats (salmon, avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds), lean proteins and whole grains are linked to higher rates of conception. Moderate alcohol (more than 2 drinks a day or 7 a week) and higher caffeine intake can decrease the odds of conceiving. I work with all my fertility patients to put in place a fertility-optimizing diet plan.

4. You may not be having intercourse at the right time

To conceive, intercourse has to happen during your fertile window, when there is an egg available to be fertilized. A healthy egg lives up to 48 hours after you ovulate, and sperm lives for 72 hours. Understanding your cycle and knowing what day you ovulate is extremely important for timing. Often I see couples trying at the wrong time of month, and determining their fertile window is the key that helps them conceive.

5. You have an underlying hormonal condition

Many conditions that impact fertility do so by negatively influencing hormone levels. Thyroid conditions, high cortisol or low progesterone all influence fertility. Optimizing progesterone helps improve the chances of maintaining a healthy pregnancy. We can test hormone levels through comprehensive hormone testing, which I suggest for fertility patients so we get a clear picture of their hormonal health.

6. Your uterine lining may not be thick enough

When sperm meets egg in the fallopian tubes, it becomes an embryo and travels to the uterus to implant into the lining to grow. The lining has to be thick enough, as it contains blood vessels that bring nutrients to the growing embryo. In some women the lining is too thin, which is usually picked up on an ultrasound during the first half of the cycle.

7. Stress, environmental exposures and smoking are playing a role

Stress impacts fertility by affecting ovulation in women and sperm quality in men. Some environmental exposures like pesticides, herbicides, lead and chemicals have been linked to fertility problems in both partners. Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy and is thought to age the ovaries prematurely.

How I Can Help

I provide fertility support to help patients through pre-conception care, pregnancy and beyond. By looking at fertility through a holistic lens, we work towards a comprehensive plan that takes into account all aspects of health and its effect on fertility. I have advanced training in fertility support and offer pre and post IVF acupuncture, individualized treatment plans, preconception check-ups, comprehensive lab testing, pelvic floor therapy, and integrative fertility support alongside IVF and IUI. I am proud to provide LGBTQ2S friendly services and equal access for all.

Book your fertility support appointment here.

About the author

Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.

Book a visit with Dr. Courtney