Catholic Infertility Resources

A database of resources for Catholic couples struggling with infertility.

What To Test

*I am not a medical professional. The below information is grounded in my research and my own personal experiences. It is intended to give you a starting point or some ideas of what to discuss with your doctor.*

Possible Causes of Infertility in Women:

  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Ovulation disorders
  • Luteinized unruptured follicles (LUFs)
  • Elevated prolactin
  • Premature ovarian failure/early menopause
  • Fallopian tube damage or blockage
  • Uterine fibroids and/or polyps
  • Pelvic adhesions
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Luteal phase defect
  • Thyroid problems
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Septate uterus
  • Chronic endometritis
  • Thin uterine lining
  • Cervical stenosis
  • Nutrient deficiencies

What To Test:

  • Estrogen and progesterone, tracked through the whole cycle.
  • LH and FSH
  • Thyroid hormones and iodine
  • Prolactin
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B
  • Cortisol
  • DHEA, testosterone, and androgens
  • Iron, zinc, selenium, and other micronutrients
  • Ultrasound series to see if you’re ovulating/check for luteinized unruptured follicles and to measure uterine lining thickness
  • Hysterosalpingogram to see if your fallopian tubes are open/unblocked
  • Screen for PCOS (which usually includes an ultrasound, an insulin resistance test, and checking androgen levels)
  • Screen for endometriosis (here’s a symptom self-survey tool to start)
  • Cervical mucus quality
  • Biopsy for uterine infection (endometritis)
  • Blood clotting disorders like MTHFR gene mutation, Factor V Leiden, and antiphospholipid antibodies
  • Reproductive Immunophenotyping test from Reprosource
  • Karyotype genetic test
  • Look for septate uterus with hysteroscopy
  • Autoimmunity panel (thyroid antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, anti-ovarian antibodies, anti-adrenal antibodies, etc.)
  • GI map to look for infections and/or overgrowths of bacteria, fungus, yeasts, and parasites

Lifestyle Changes:

  • Consider cutting out gluten, dairy, coffee, and alcohol to reduce inflammation.
  • Eat a protein rich diet within 90 minutes of waking up and don’t drink any caffeine until after breakfast to stabilize blood sugar/metabolism.
  • Start using supplements targeted to your concerns/issues.
  • Reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors like parabens, phthalates, and BPA.
  • Get regular adjustments at the chiropractor.
  • Use acupuncture to help balance hormones.
  • Get daily movement, at a light to medium intensity.
  • Get quality sleep.
  • Get sunshine every day.
  • Find ways to reduce stress.

Forget Freezing Your Eggs, Here’s How To Preserve Your Natural Fertility | Evie Magazine

For the Man: 10 Causes of Male Factor Infertility

  1. Sperm quality/quantity
  2. Antisperm antibodies
  3. Heat stress from varicocele veins 
  4. Blockages/issues with interior structure
  5. Low testosterone
  6. Toxin exposure
  7. Thyroid issues
  8. Obesity
  9. Genetic diseases, like cystic fibrosis
  10. Heavy smoking, drinking, and/or drug use

There are tests the man can do, like a semen analysis (to check sperm health and count), a scrotal ultrasound (checks for blocks, issues with interior structure, and blood flow as too much heat can kill sperm), and bloodwork to check testosterone levels. You can also use targeted supplementation for sperm health (like CoQ10, Vitamins E and C, NAC, lycopene, zinc, selenium), increase meat and exercise for testosterone production, and wear 100% cotton boxers, not whitey tighties (also for heat reasons). You should also get your thyroid checked. 

Lifestyle Choices That Impact Sperm Health

Heat stress from using hot tubs, working with laptop in lap, wearing whitey tighties or polyester undies. Avoid saunas and baths. No hot yoga either!

A sedentary job. Men who spend at least 50% of their work time in a sedentary position double their risk that their sperm DNA will be compromised. Stand up every hour to allow the testicular heat to dissipate.

Not enough sleep. You need at least 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep for healthy testosterone production. Ideally, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night for healthy hormone production. 

Exercise. It’s well established that regular moderate to vigorous movement improves sperm health, particularly strength training. Avoid cycling and wearing tight/thick clothes during exercise.

Endocrine disruptors. Chemicals and substances like phthalates and BPA that imitate your hormones, alter hormone production, or interfere with hormone signaling can have various negative effects on sperm. 

Smoking, alcohol, and exposure to radiation and industrial heavy metals are associated with increased oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to male infertility, reduced sperm motility, sperm DNA damage, and increased risk of recurrent miscarriages and genetic diseases.

Nutrients That Support Male Fertility

Antioxidants like CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), vitamins E and C, lycopene, and NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) all help reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm health.

Fatty acids DHA and EPA are important components of sperm cell membranes, and omega-3 fatty acid intake directly correlates to sperm quality.

Zinc is essential for production of sperm, sperm morphology, sperm count and proper sperm functioning. In studies, zinc concentration in semen is directly related to sperm quality.

Selenium is another significant element that has antioxidative properties and is essential for healthy sperm. 

Remember, it takes 72 days for a sperm to go from a little germ cell to a fully grown mature sperm that can fertilize an egg, so any change you make today needs to be consistent for at least 72 days to see any change in your sperm health.