FOUNDER FERTILITY NOTES
Reflections on fertility, health, and the human journey toward creating life.
Drawing from more than two decades of caring for people trying to build families, Dr. Spence Pentland shares observations, clinical insights, and ideas that reach beyond tests, treatments, and protocols.
These notes explore not only what we can do to support fertility, but who we may become along the way – offering perspective, direction, and a more human way to understand the fertility journey.
Interview with Author of ‘Conquering Infertility’ -Alice Domar, Mind Body Fertility Expert
Interview with Author of ‘Conquering Infertility’ -Alice Domar, Mind Body Fertility Expert
(47:04) Alice is clearly the leading expert when it comes to the mind-body-fertility connection. She presents resent research on the topic and discusses what she has seen and learned since
10 Lifestyle Suggestions to Decrease Stress During an IVF Cycle
Almost 2 years ago I wrong a blog post about what you should eat during your IVF cycle, which can be found here: https://yinstill.com/what-should-i-eat-during-my-ivf-cycle/. This post has become such a hit and I still send it to many patients as a quick reference because it is such a common question.
I wanted to elaborate on this topic and provide you with some helpful suggestions for other things that you can do during your IVF cycle that may increase your chances of success.
How castor oil can help PCOS symptoms
Castor oil has been known for centuries to help with various health issues. In terms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) it is used as a natural remedy to help decrease the size of cysts, prevent growth of cysts, help decrease inflammation, hormone regulation and metabolic balance. It is one of the most popular home remedies used for detoxification.
How to practice yoga during an IVF cycle
Yoga, including breathing exercises, meditative practices, and specific body postures, is widely practiced for its relaxation and overall health benefits. Many people I work with practice yoga daily and ask me if it is OK if they continue their yoga practice while they are undergoing an IVF cycle. The answer is …
Yes!
How to Transition Into Spring Using TCM Theory
The winter time has passed in its somber glory; having brought skies of marbled greys and trees so graceful in their naked beauty. Those cold days for slumber and reflection are waning and a new vitality rises. The air breathes balmy, dissolving the ice that keeps the seeds and tree buds asleep. The blossoms decorate,
Sexual (performative, function) health issues (erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, libido) and Acupuncture as Treatment
Most men experience some sexual function loss or dips in libido at some point in their lives, and it’s not always because you’ve had one too many at the pub last night. In fact if the subject weren’t such a taboo, experiences and solutions could be shared more openly leading to improved quality of life
Natural Treatment for Chronic Prostatitis / CPPS (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome)
How Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Can Help Reduce Pain, Solve Urinary Problems, and Improve Sexual Function. Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a well-established condition known for the pain and discomfort it causes. It was long thought to be connected specifically with prostatitis or inflamed prostate gland and differentiated from acute bacterial
What You Need to Know About Male Infertility
As our cultural and medical understanding of sperm health and male fertility grows, our sperm quality and quantity declines. A study published last year (https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article-abstract/23/6/646/4035689?redire…) found a hefty decline in sperm counts between 1973 and 2011, a 50-60% drop in this time; dramatic to say the least. Most disturbing is there are only theories and
Acupuncture and IVF (in-vitro fertilization)
In-vitro fertilization was originally developed to treat infertility due to fallopian tube problems. It is being used today to help couples who are experiencing other issues such as poor sperm quality, surrogacy, advanced maternal age, and unexplained infertility. Recently, clinical research has shown that integrating acupuncture with IVF can contribute positively to how you feel
Supporting Follicular Genesis with Acupuncture and Self-Care
The egg you release this menstrual cycle has actually been in its final phase of maturation for the past 3 menstrual cycles. That is when the pre-antral follicle stage began; during this time the follicle grows from 0.2 mm to about 20 mm when the follicle is finally mature and the egg is ready for
How to properly do a post-holiday cleanse (and why your body desperately needs it)
The month of December is such an incredible time during which most of us get to catch up with family, friends, loved ones, and of course some of our favourite foods. When advising patients during the holidays, I normally tell them not to worry about this. It’s true that the diet is an important fundamental
